Mike's NBC-TV stories

Apps to find and buy cars

No doubt technology has changed our shopping habits, even when it comes to buying cars and trucks.

A number of apps aim to make the process easier for sellers and shoppers alike.

TrueCar connects shoppers with a network of more than 9,000 certified dealers across the U.S., offering so-called transparent pricing on more than a million in-stock vehicles. Shoppers get upfront pricing so they know what to expect before leaving the couch. TrueCar also provides tools to understand current market prices for a same vehicle within a same local area. The app is free for iOS and Android.

The Cars.com app helps shoppers find new and used cars nearby. You can filter and sort cars based on model, price, and more. The Cars.com shows reviews of specific vehicle models and dealerships and includes a payment calculator. The app is free for iOS and Android.

Then there’s the AutoTrader app. It searchs new and used cars and trucks at dealerships and from private sellers. AutoTrader also offers a cool feature that allows users to scan the VIN on a windshield and find others like it nearby, practically guaranteeing the best deal. The app is free for iOS and Android.

Mike is a veteran journalist whose video "PC Mike" reports have been distributed weekly to all 215 NBC-TV stations since 1994, making him one of the most experienced tech reporters in the country. His tech stories and videos have appeared on MSNBC, CNBC, the Today Show, The New York Times, USA Today and in numerous national newspapers and magazines. In addition to the PC Mike tech blog, he also publishes the Roadtreking.com RV Travel Blog in which he travels North America in an RV reporting about interesting people and places.