Navigating the vast landscape of the automotive market can be overwhelming. For many prospective buyers, the journey to a new vehicle begins with uncertainty. According to Kelley Blue Book research, a significant majority of car shoppers visiting kbb.com are undecided on the specific model and even the make they intend to purchase. Recognizing this common challenge, Kelley Blue Book (KBB) has launched enhanced online tools designed to simplify the car buying process. These resources act as the Best Car Finder Tool for consumers, offering powerful features to narrow down choices and make informed decisions.
Kelley Blue Book’s Perfect Car Finder®: Your Personalized Vehicle Matchmaker
At the heart of these enhancements is Kelley Blue Book’s Perfect Car Finder®. This tool is engineered to sift through an extensive database of over 400 new vehicles and more than 1,100 trim levels, allowing users to search based on the features and options that are most important to them. Accessible under the ‘New Car’ tab on the kbb.com homepage, the Perfect Car Finder offers two search pathways to cater to different levels of buyer readiness.
For those starting with broad criteria, the Basic Search function is ideal. Shoppers can filter vehicles by fundamental aspects such as price range, manufacturer, desired seating capacity, fuel efficiency expectations, and vehicle size preferences. This initial filtering helps to quickly reduce the overwhelming number of options to a more manageable set.
The true power of the Perfect Car Finder is unlocked through the Advanced Search. This feature allows for granular filtering, enabling consumers to pinpoint vehicles that meet very specific needs and desires. Users can refine their search by considering:
- Available Incentives: Identify vehicles with current manufacturer incentives and rebates.
- Interior and Exterior Features: Specify must-have amenities like navigation systems, folding rear seats for cargo flexibility, in-car DVD entertainment for families, or practical additions like luggage racks and privacy glass.
- Performance Specifications: For those with an interest in what’s under the hood, the Advanced Search allows filtering by engine type, engine size, horsepower, and torque.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Making Informed Choices with Confidence
Once potential vehicles are identified using the Perfect Car Finder, the next step is detailed comparison. Kelley Blue Book’s enhanced platform includes an all-new comparison tool that provides a comprehensive side-by-side view of selected vehicles. With a simple click, the Car Finder tool arranges chosen cars into a comparative format, displaying crucial information such as:
- Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
- Available Incentives
- New Car Blue Book® Value: Providing transparency by showing what vehicles are actually selling for in the current market.
Going beyond just pricing, the side-by-side comparison delves into a complete spectrum of vehicle attributes, from available features and options to technical specifications, safety ratings, and Kelley Blue Book’s trusted reviews and ratings. For shoppers exploring unfamiliar segments or unsure of their exact needs, the comparison tool intelligently suggests similar vehicles that align with their research, broadening their awareness of potential matches.
According to Tim Nelson, vice president of consumer product strategy and management at Kelley Blue Book, these tools are a direct response to the complexities of the modern car market. “With the proliferation of new models on the market, and more than 400 vehicles to choose from, consumers need a service allowing them to better narrow their search and compare vehicles they may or may not know even exist,” Nelson stated. He emphasizes that with a large portion of kbb.com visitors still undecided, these tools are crucial in helping consumers pinpoint the ideal vehicle that fits both their lifestyle and budget.
About Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com)
For nearly a century, Kelley Blue Book has stood as The Trusted Resource® for vehicle information. Since 1926, car buyers and sellers have relied on KBB for accurate new and used vehicle information to navigate the market with confidence. Kbb.com, the company’s leading website, is recognized as a premier source for up-to-date pricing and vehicle valuations, including the benchmark New Car Blue Book® Value. Consistently ranked as a top automotive information site, Kelley Blue Book remains dedicated to empowering car shoppers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.