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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS |
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How can Autobytel.com help me?
Autobytel.com can help you research and buy your next car, whether you're looking for a new or pre-owned vehicle. We can help you sell your existing vehicle, and once you've bought your new car, assist you in maintaining it by providing service reminders and recall notices. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or maintain your vehicle, we can help with easy to use services.
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How can Autobytel.com help me do research for my next car purchase?
Autobytel.com makes researching your next car easy. Simply click on "Research" to start. You can access information on features and options, MSRP and Invoice pricing, consumer and professional reviews, and information on safety and vehicle specifications. Whether you're looking for information on a specific make and model, comparing several vehicles, or just browsing, our research section has the information and tools you need. When you've found the car you're looking for, try our easy to use "Ready-to-Buy" services to receive upfront pricing and a no-hassle buying experience from a local Autobytel.com Accredited Dealer.
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How can you help me buy a new or used car?
New Car Shopping
If you're interested in a new vehicle, we can connect you to a local Autobytel.com Accredited Dealer who will provide upfront pricing and delivery information, as well as great service. Click "Buy New", select the make, model, and options you're interested in, and complete the contact information on the Personal Information page. This "Purchase Request" will be sent electronically to a local Autobytel.com Accredited Dealership. The Internet Manager at the dealership will usually contact you within one business day with pricing and delivery information on the vehicle selected. If you like what you hear, visit the dealership, test drive the vehicle, and purchase it at the agreed upon price.
Thousands of car shoppers use our service every day. There's no obligation and it's absolutely free. We do ask that when you submit your Purchase Request, you are within 30 days of purchasing your next vehicle. Providing serious qualified shoppers to our network of Accredited dealers is how we keep this valuable service free to you.
Used Car Shopping
If you're interested in purchasing a used car, Autobytel.com can connect you to a local dealer or a private seller of a vehicle you're interested in. Click Buy Used, select the criteria to narrow your search, and browse through our thousands of car listings. Most vehicles have detailed information and photos. Once you find a vehicle you're interested in, click on "Contact Seller" and complete the Personal Information page. This "Purchase Request" will be sent electronically to the local seller who will contact you with more detailed information. If you like what you hear, arrange to test drive the vehicle and close the deal. It's that simple and absolutely free. There is no obligation. We do ask that when you submit your Purchase Request, you are within 30 days of purchasing your next vehicle. Providing serious qualified shoppers to our used car dealers and private sellers is how we keep this valuable service free to you.
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How can Autobytel.com save me money
Helping you become a knowledgeable shopper is one way we help you save money. Our research section provides detailed information on vehicles, including Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Pricing, and Invoice Pricing. You can also save by using our dealer referral service. Simply click Ready to Buy, select the make, model, and options you're interested in, and complete the contact information on the Personal Information page. This "Purchase Request" will be forwarded to a local Autobytel.com Accredited dealership. The Internet Manager at the dealership will usually contact you within one business day with up-front pricing and delivery information on the vehicle selected. If you like what you hear, visit the dealership, test drive the vehicle, and purchase it at the agreed upon price.
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Is your service free?
The valuable research information, tools, and our dealer referral services are free to you. Thousands of dealers are part of our network. They are committed to providing upfront pricing and delivery information as well as superior service. We monitor service delivery by surveying customers who submit a purchase request.
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Does submitting a "Purchase Request" obligate me to purchase a vehicle?
No. Submitting a "Purchase Request" does not obligate you to make a purchase. There is no obligation. We do ask that prior to submitting a request you are a serious shopper, intending to purchase a vehicle within the next 30 days. Providing serious shoppers to our network of dealers is how we keep this service free to you.
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Can I cancel a "Purchase Request" after it is submitted?
Yes. Our service depends on providing serious buyers to dealers who provide upfront pricing and great service. If your situation changes and you are no longer interested in being contacted by the referred dealer, please let us know by contacting customer service ConsumerCare@autobytel.com. We'll forward the information on to the referred dealership and cancel your "Purchase Request."
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What if I have already been to the dealership I am referred to?
No problem. Visiting a dealership prior to submitting a Purchase Request does not preclude you from using this valuable service. You can still receive upfront and pricing information on the vehicle of your choice.
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How do you ensure a positive experience for customers?
Providing a great shopping experience for customers is the core part of our service. We are always improving our website by adding features and tools. Additionally we attempt to survey each customer who submits a purchase request several times throughout the car buying experience. We encourage your input, as it is important to providing feedback to our network of dealers. Our Customer Service department is also available at ConsumerCare@autobytel.com. If you require assistance or additional information.
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What if I am not contacted by the dealership after one business day of submitting a "Purchase Request"?
Normally our dealers are very diligent about quickly contacting interested shoppers. However, if you are not contacted after one business day, contact ConsumerCare@autobytel.com and we will send a reminder to the dealership on your behalf.
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How many purchase requests can I submit?
For new vehicles we request that you submit one request. Our service is for shoppers who have decided on a make and model and are ready to buy within the next 30 days. For used vehicles, there is no limit on the number of requests. As the used car inventory changes daily, you may need to submit several requests to locate a vehicle.
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Is your service available internationally?
Our service is currently available in the United States and through partners in a number of other countries. Click here to see more details
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Is your service different for car shoppers in Texas?
Yes. For Texas our Purchase Request confirmation lists not only the specific dealer we have forwarded the request to, but also other like-make dealers in the state of Texas from whom you may wish to purchase your vehicle. The additional dealer listing is done to comply with a Texas Department of Transportation legal mandate. This mandate states that all prospective dealers selling like makes within a geographic area must be identified by name in an effort to promote equal opportunity to earn a customer's business.
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What if the dealer I'm referred to is too far away?
Your purchase request is routed to the closest dealer in our network. Although there may be dealerships for the same manufacturer closer to your address, they are not affiliated with our service.
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What if the dealer I'm referred to does not have the vehicle I requested?
Inventory of vehicles varies based on make, model, region, and dealer. If the dealer will not be able to provide the vehicle in a reasonable timeframe, contact customer service at ConsumerCare@autobytel.com. We will attempt to find a dealer that can assist you.
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When searching the used car inventory, I noticed many of the vehicles were listed as "certified." What does this mean
All Autobytel.com Accredited dealers offer a 3-month or 3,000 mile limited warranty for vehicles offered through the Autobytel.com Certified Pre-Owned program. Dealers may also offer non-Certified Vehicles , which may carry the selling dealer's independent limited warranty or be sold "As-Is", even if you originally contacted the dealership through the Autobytel.com Pre-Owned program. The selling dealer, not Autobytel.com, backs this warranty. Therefore you must contact your selling dealer if you need to make a claim. DO NOT have the vehicle repaired at another repair facility without first obtaining authorization from the selling dealer. Autobytel.com provides to its dealers minimum guidelines for system coverage which meet or exceed emissions and safety standards in all states. All Accredited Dealers are required to offer a limited warranty which meets these minimum standards. Many Accredited Dealers, however, offer greater coverage. You can generally find the warranty coverage explained on a form called "The Buyers Guide" which is affixed to a window of the pre-owned vehicle or hanging on the rear view mirror.
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How do I place an ad?
It's just 3 simple steps. To place an ad in the Autobytel Classified area, go to the SELL page. You will find this
page by clicking on the "Sell" tab located in the upper right corner on any page within the Autobytel site.
Find the "Start Creating Your Ad" Box. Begin creating your classified advertisement by selecting the Make and Model
of Your Vehicle from the pull-down menu. You may then click on the Green "Next" icon. You
will be led through 2 more simple steps to complete the process. Proceed by entering your contact and vehicle
information; it is helpful to have your vehicle specifications available.
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How will I be contacted by buyers after I post my ad?
It's just like a print ad, except easier! Now that your vehicle is posted, interested parties may contact you
regarding your vehicle. On the "more details" page of your ad your contact information is displayed as well as a
direct link to an email if you provided an email address. So, buyers can contact you directly by phone or email,
depending on the information you provided.
The advantage of the online ad is you can modify and add more information to your ad easily at any time to
attract more buyers!
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Once my car is sold, how do I let you know so you can remove my ad?
- You can wait until the day your offer expires.
- You can contact Customer Service at classifieds@Autobytel.com to have them remove it for you.
- You may remove your ad by going to the SELL page of the Autobytel website. Select "Edit Your Ad" under the "How Do I Manage My Ad?" question on the left hand site of the page. A list of all your current ads will be displayed and you will see an option to "Remove Ad" beside any ad which is active. If you choose to remove the ad, it will become inactive and will not show up in a search. However, you will be able to activate the ad again until the expiration date. You can also wait until the day your offer expires. Two weeks after your ad expires, your ad will be removed from the system and you will no longer be able to extend your ad.
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How can you help me with the ownership of my vehicle?
One of the many free services we provide is "My Garage." This allows you to register your vehicle and receive regular service maintenance reminders and recall notices. Simply click here and complete the necessary information. You'll receive regular email reminders on when its time to service your vehicle as well as emailed recall notices should one exist for your vehicle. This service is absolutely free.
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How do I change my vehicle in "My Garage?"
In order to update your vehicle information, log in to "My Garage" using your email address and zip code. Then select the vehicle to edit, add or delete, and click on "Edit", "Add", or "Delete" as appropriate.
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How do I change my email information in "My Garage?"
In order to update your email information, log into "My Garage" using your old email address and zip code. Then select "My Settings" and make the necessary changes.
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How do I contact Customer Service?
Customer Service can be reached by email at ConsumerCare@autobytel.com. We are available by phone Monday through Friday, 9 am to 6 pm EST.
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How can I stop receiving emails?
To change the types of communication you receive, click here. You can customize the types and quantity of email communications you receive. With every communication our partners or we send, there is a link at the bottom of the email that allows you to change your communications settings. If for technical reasons you are unable to access this link, simply email Customer Service at ConsumerCare@autobytel.com with your request. For more information please read our privacy policy.
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