CARLSBAD, Calif. -

AutoBuying101.com recently announced its 2011 selection for the 10 most useful online tools for consumers considering buying a new car.

The list highlights websites that deal with critical aspects of the vehicle purchase process, such as car reviews, safety ratings and dealer background checks.

“The sheer volume of online tools for new-car buyers can be overwhelming, and consumers have a tough time knowing which sites have free information they should trust and use,” said Joni Gray, senior analyst at AutoBuying101.com.

“The key is understanding that different resources have different capabilities, and knowing when and how to use each one during the process. In our estimation, there are 10 helpful tools that have risen to the top as the most useful resources if you are planning to buy a new vehicle,” she continued.

Company officials noted that while choosing the tools for the list, the winners were selected based on the “value they provide during the new auto buying process.”

The following criteria was also weighed during the selection process:

— Independent (not provided or affiliated with a manufacturer or a dealer).

— Provided to consumers free of charge.

—Product/service is available across the U.S.

—Site design, simplicity and ease of use.

The 2011 Top 10 Most Useful Online Tools For New Car Buyers list and commentary from Autobuying101.com are as follows:

Car Reviews: MotorMouths.com

“This fun and informative site aggregates expert reviews to formulate an overall score between zero and 100 for each current model.”

Quality Ratings: StrategicVision.com

“Well known within the automotive industry, this slick tool offers quality scores on an easy to understand ratings scale.”

Safety Ratings: SaferCar.gov

“As an offshoot of the National Highway Transportation Safety Association, this site offers comparative ratings that include crash and rollover testing.”

Car Rankings: RankingsandReviews.com

“The dedicated cars section of U.S. News & World Report provides helpful lists of ranked vehicles by vehicle type to help identify the ideal new car consideration set.“

Car Research: Edmunds.com

“One of the initial online auto resources, this site offers extensive data, editorial and consumer coverage including a robust ‘Forums’ section with real world feedback from actual buyers and owners.“

Friend Advice: Facebook.com

“It’s always worth asking friends and family members for advice to gain feedback on specific vehicles and local dealer experiences.”

Trade-In vs. Private Party: KBB.com

“Kelley Blue Book values are readily used by dealers and consumers, so comparing their trade-in versus private party values well help determine the best option on how to handle an existing vehicle.”

Finance Rates: BankRate.com

“A sure-fire way to help ensure the best deal is to know current market interest rates and evaluate pre-approved finance options.”

Dealer Background Check: BBB.org

“Checking the Better Business Bureau website to find information about a specific dealership could surface any outstanding or unresolved complaints.”

Car Prices: TrueCar.com

“Consumers who do not want to negotiate with a salesperson can check out TrueCar.com for current market pricing information and ‘haggle free’ guaranteed prices from up to three local dealers.”

Steve Moretti, executive editor of AutoBuying101.com, also offered his take on the recently released list: “This list should be used as a primer for car buyers who want some critical pieces of information during different stages of the new auto buying experience.

“There are plenty of valuable sites and resources that have much to offer new car buyers, but these tools will help consumers get extremely useful information very quickly,” he concluded.

For more information on the 2011 Top 10 Most Useful Online Tools for New Car Buyers, see here.