Auto Club Web Site Additions Offer Newest Car- Buying Tools

    LOS ANGELES--June 26, 2001--Ready to leap into an alternative fuel or advanced technology vehicle? Want to custom- build your own car or truck? Trying to learn about the options available on several different vehicle models? Want to comparison shop?
    The answers to these questions and more can be found online at the Automobile Club of Southern California's Web site, www.aaa-calif.com. Steer your mouse to the "Auto Buying & Financing" icon to explore the newest car-buying toolbox.
    "Summer is a great buying season for new model vehicles. And with government tax-relief checks arriving in the mail, it's a great time to start doing car-buying research," said Dave Cavano, the Auto Club's Auto Purchasing Services manager.
    Those who want to custom-build their own car on screen can do so starting on the "Auto Buying" page, using the "configure a new vehicle" link. For example, online users can select the vehicle make, like Toyota, and model, 2001 Highlander and add options to fit their own budget.
    Armchair buyers can also click and find rebates and reviews, safety and comfort options, exterior body styling, fuel and technical information.
    Vehicle pricing, financial calculations, insurance rate quote request forms and information about the Auto Club's buying and financing programs are also included in the car-buying site. Online users also can locate Auto Club services to help them purchase pre-owned cars and trucks.
    Prospective used cars shown online already have been checked out by the Auto Club's Pre-Purchase Inspection Program. Participating repair facilities have inspected a vehicle's engine, transmission, suspension, drive axles, electronic system and more.
    Additional tools include free used vehicle trade-in, retail pricing and low-cost ownership reports. The site also has added real-time traffic reports from the California Highway Patrol, including SigAlerts, as well as road construction information from Caltrans. Online users can also access the latest safety bulletins from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
    The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of the AAA, has served members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's members benefit from the organization's roadside assistance, financial products, travel agency and trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs and automotive pricing, buying and financing programs.
    Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa-calif.com.