Everything Except a Way to Kick the Tires
AUTO-BY-TEL
WWW.AUTOBYTEL.COM
Service started 1995 2,700 dealers
Biggest buying site offers new and used cars through dealers who pay up to $2,500/mo. for exclusive referrals. Financing, leasing, and insurance available. Site accepts no advertising. 1997 revenues about $16 million; responsible for about $500 million in monthly car sales.
AUTOWEB.COM
WWW.AUTOWEB.COM
Service started 1995 2,100 dealers
Sells new and used cars by referring requests to multiple dealers who pay $25 for each. Financing, leasing and insurance available. Individuals can list used cars for $19.95/mo. Subscription fees from dealers made up most of $4 million in 1997 revenues.
CHRYSLER GET A QUOTE
WWW.CHRYSLER.COM
Pilot started 1997 California, Maryland dealers; National rollout planned
Buyers can choose a model, search out the nearest dealer who stocks the exact car, and request a price quote. Site lists equipment and dimensions of competing models, but not prices. Prices are list, not invoice.
GENERAL MOTORS BUYPOWER
WWW.GMBUYPOWER.COM
Pilot started 1997 California, Washington, Oregon, Idaho dealers
Allows buyers to specify a model, search for it in a dealer's inventory, get a quote, arrange credit, and schedule a test drive. Site has independent comparisons to competing models. Prices given are suggested list, not invoice.
MICROSOFT CARPOINT
WWW.CARPOINT.MSN.COM
Service started 1997 1,095 dealers
Refers buyers to new- and used-car dealers, who pay a monthly fee up to $1,600. No financing or insurance. Used-car database from marketing partner Reynolds & Reynolds. 1997 revenues estimated less than $2 million; started accepting ads in January.
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