CarsDirect.com Introduces LoanStore.com; Online Leader Extends Its Award-Winning No-Hassle Service Expertise to Home Mortgage Lending

LOS ANGELES--Sept. 8, 2004--CarsDirect.com, a leading online automotive research and shopping service, today announced the debut of its latest online destination, LoanStore.com (www.loanstore.com). The one-stop resource for mortgage shoppers is the company's newest addition to a fast-growing portfolio of consumer services created to take the pain and hassle out of traditional, big-ticket item purchases.

LoanStore.com delivers the same award-winning research, buying tools and customer service that have earned CarsDirect.com the highest satisfaction ratings in the industry. Like CarsDirect.com, LoanStore.com is a true one-stop home loan destination that puts the shopper squarely in control. The Website offers consumers a best rate guarantee, one-click competitive quotes from up to four lenders, free credit reports and assessments, the services of a personal lending specialist and a fast application process.

"Buying a car used to be one of the most daunting and complex purchase experiences for consumers," said Bob Brisco, CEO, CarsDirect.com. "Since launching CarsDirect.com over five years ago, we have continually created new benchmarks that transform and simplify the way people research and buy cars. We're now harnessing this wealth of expertise within the lending category and making it our mission to ensure that the mortgage shopping process becomes as fast, hassle-free and enjoyable as buying a vehicle through CarsDirect.com."

LoanStore.com has been designed with the ultimate in customer convenience in mind. The Website offers borrowers looking for a home loan, home equity loan or refinancing assistance, an easy four-step application process -- backed by a Best Rate Guarantee that ensures qualified applicants always get the lowest possible rate available.

Other hallmark services, originally pioneered and proven at CarsDirect.com, include personal concierge-level assistance provided by a dedicated lending specialist. Professional lending specialists assist specific customers for the duration of the application and closing process, eliminating the confusion, duplication and delays that occur when customers have to deal with multiple sources of information.

About CarsDirect.com

Los Angeles-based CarsDirect.com (www.carsdirect.com) is a leading online automotive research and shopping service, providing new and used automobiles and related products and services, such as loan and lease financing and in-demand aftermarket products including extended warranties. CarsDirect.com is the first online provider to offer visitors a dedicated Research Center as well as three distinctive car buying options: buying a new car online through the company's award-winning direct channel; being matched with a top-quality new car dealer of their choice via the CarsDirect Connect channel; or locating and purchasing a previously owned vehicle through the CarsDirect Used channel.

CarsDirect.com has been named one of the "50 Best Websites" by Time Magazine, chosen a "Forbes Favorite" three times by Forbes Magazine and selected as a "Top 100 Internet Site" for three consecutive years in PC Magazine.

Recently, CarsDirect.com added to its rapidly growing portfolio of consumer services designed to take the pain and hassle out of traditional, big-ticket item purchases. In August, the Company introduced Autos.com, the industry's first website to offer shoppers best-to-worst vehicle rankings. In September, the Company debuted LoanStore.com, extending its award-winning no-hassle service expertise to home mortgage lending.