VIDEO from Medialink: Online Shoppers Driving Auto Sales Up

--More and more Americans are becoming part of the "Do It Yourself" movement. Whether it's home improvements, landscaping, rebuilding cars and boats or many other projects -- people are finding the need to match their vehicles with that do-it-yourself lifestyle. And they're shopping for their cars and trucks online.

(See video at: http://media.medialink.com/WebNR.aspx?story=32311)

It's no surprise that nearly 20 percent of used car sales are made over the Internet. But despite how savvy of a shopper you may be, there are some things to keep in mind before getting behind the wheel when it comes to online auto sales:

-- Match your car to your lifestyle -- both weekday and weekend -- and then determine a budget

-- Utilize the Internet to do side-by-side comparisons

-- Know the car's market value before making an offer

-- Use resources like Carfax to obtain a vehicle history report

-- Make sure you know what your state requires for title transfers

-- Take the car for a test drive and have a full inspection done before buying

-- Get a detailed receipt for your purchase

Today, websites like AutoTrader.com allow shoppers to compare specs and styles on inventory around the country to help them find just the car or truck they need.

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