Used Car Rating Review: Separating Fact from Fiction on Edmunds.com

As a savvy car shopper, you're likely familiar with Edmunds.com, a popular online platform that provides used car ratings, reviews, and pricing information. While the site promises to connect buyers with dealerships and help them find their dream ride, some users have reported encountering a rather... creative approach to selling vehicles.

The issue arises when searching for a specific used vehicle on Edmunds.com. You'll likely notice that the exact model you're interested in is never available at the listed price. Instead, the site will push your selected vehicle with urgency-driven messages like 'test drive this before it's gone' or 'your selected vehicle is here.' These warnings are designed to create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out), encouraging you to act quickly without fully considering your options.

If you do decide to take the bait, Edmunds.com will redirect you to the dealer's website and forward your contact information. Suddenly, you'll be bombarded with phone calls, texts, and emails from the dealership, trying to finalize a sale. It's not uncommon for this process to be overwhelming, especially if you're looking for a specific make and model.

Another tactic used by Edmunds.com is providing an imaginary 'price paid by others' feature, which claims to show what other buyers have paid for the same vehicle. This supposed pricing guide can be misleading, as it may not accurately reflect market value or the actual sale price of the vehicle.

So, why do car dealerships supposedly dislike the internet? In a word: transparency. The internet allows consumers to research and compare prices, making it easier to find the best deal. Dealerships, on the other hand, often prefer a more traditional sales approach, where they can negotiate prices in person and maintain control over the buying process.

In conclusion, while Edmunds.com can be a valuable resource for car shoppers, it's essential to remain vigilant when using their services. Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics and take your time when researching and comparing prices. Remember, as with any online platform, there may be more to the story than what initially meets the eye.

Car rating review used