January 17, 2022

How to Compare Your Options and Save on Cars

Photo by Antoni Shkraba under Pexels License

Here you will learn smart ways to compare car prices so you never overpay at the dealership. We will show you how to check trusted pricing sites, read the sticker on new cars, use online tools, and even spot limited-time deals in local ads. You will also discover how easy it is to reach out to multiple dealers at once to get the best offers without the stress of haggling. And if you plan to replace your old car, you will see how donating it to Veteran Car Donations can make a lasting difference for struggling heroes in your community. Since 2015, we have proudly served veterans and their families while giving donors like you a rewarding, stress-free experience.

Nothing bothers car salesmen more than shoppers who compare prices — which is exactly why you should do it. The real question is, how can you quickly get reliable quotes and line them up against what other dealers are offering?

Talking numbers with a salesman can be frustrating — unless you’ve been at it long enough to know all the tricks of the trade. Most people don’t have that kind of time. The good news is, there are easier ways to compare prices that work just as well.

So, how do you make sure you’re actually comparing dealerships fairly? Here are a few practical tips:

Check average pricing information.

Start by visiting the Kelley Blue Book website. It’s one of the most trusted sources for car and truck pricing. You can search by make, model, or body style, and you’ll find details like MSRP and dealer invoice price — the exact amount the dealer paid the manufacturer. With this info, you’ll know if the price you’re quoted is fair or inflated.

Read the sticker.

Every new car comes with a Monroney sticker, which breaks down its pricing. It lists standard features, add-ons, and the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). Think of it as the most accurate snapshot of what the car is really worth.

Search online resources.

Websites such as TrueCar, AutoTrader, and Edmunds give you a clear picture of reasonable prices and what other buyers actually paid. They’re also packed with reviews from consumers and experts, making them great tools for both price checks and research.

Scan your local newspaper.

Dealerships often promote specials in print, sometimes with prices that seem unbelievably low. These are usually “loss leaders,” where the dealer sells below cost just to bring people in. The catch? There are usually only a few vehicles at that price, and the deals disappear fast. If you see one, head to the dealership right away before it’s gone.

Use an online dealer locator.

Edmunds.com offers a free Dealer Locator service that makes contacting multiple dealerships easy. Just fill out the form, select the dealers you want, and you’ll get personalized email quotes within a few days. This lets you compare offers without leaving home.

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Donate Your Old Vehicle to Help Veterans

After finding the perfect new car, you might be wondering what to do with your old one. Instead of dealing with the stress of selling or trading it in, consider donating your vehicle to Veteran Car Donations. We operate nationwide, so whether you’re in a big city or a small town, you can make a difference in your community while supporting veterans across the country.

Your donation helps fund housing, healthcare, job training, and mental health programs for struggling veterans and their families. We partner with trusted, IRS-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that provide these life-changing services directly, so you can feel confident that your gift is going to a good cause.

Veteran Car Donations accepts nearly all types of vehicles — cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, RVs, boats, and even specialty vehicles. No matter the condition, we’ll pick it up for free. You can get started in minutes by calling 877-594-5822 or by filling out our secure online donation form to get the ball rolling.

Want more details about the process? Visit our FAQs page for quick answers and guidance. Once your donated vehicle is sold, you’ll receive a tax-deductible receipt to maximize your benefits at tax time.

Donating is simple, rewarding, and powerful. Contact Veteran Car Donations at 877-594-5822 or donate online at VeteranCarDonations.org today and join us in supporting the heroes who served our country.

Last Updated: September 3rd, 2025