FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How CarBuyAI works, when you pay, and what to expect along the way.
What is CarBuyAI?
CarBuyAI is a personal car-buying concierge. You tell us what you’re looking for, and a dedicated shopper finds matching vehicles at dealerships near you, negotiates with the dealers, and sends you a portfolio of the best options. You skip the back-and-forth at the dealership.
How does it work?
It starts with a short conversation, about 3 minutes, covering the vehicle you want, your budget, lease vs. buy, and your timeline. Our team then researches whether we can get somewhere around your price range. Once we confirm we can take your deal and your documents are on file, we send a service contract to e-sign and an invoice. After both are done, your shopper starts working dealer inventory near you, negotiates, and sends you a portfolio. You pick the vehicle, and we schedule your delivery appointment with the dealership.
How much does it cost, and when do I pay?
CarBuyAI charges a flat, one-time service fee of $1,000. You only pay after we’ve confirmed we can take your deal, since it wouldn’t be fair to charge for a deal we can’t help with. Payment comes before any shopping starts: we begin working for you once the contract is signed and the invoice is paid.
How long does it take?
Usually 2 to 4 days, and anywhere from 1 day to a week depending on the vehicle and your search.
Where do you operate?
We serve clients anywhere in the continental United States, and we shop dealerships within the distance you’re willing to travel.
Can I trade in my current car?
Yes. Send us photos of your vehicle and we get sight-unseen trade-in values for it. The value is finalized when you bring the car to the dealership to buy. As long as nothing unexpected shows up, your trade-in value should be exactly what we quoted.
Do you guarantee a specific price or discount?
No. We don’t guarantee any pricing or promise a specific discount off sticker. We negotiate with dealers for the best price or monthly payment we can get, and we only take a deal once we know we can deliver on it.
Are you a car broker? Do you buy cars at auction?
No. We aren’t brokers, and we don’t attend auctions or bid on vehicles. We work with dealerships on your behalf and you buy directly from the dealer.
Who picks the car?
You do, always. We bring you options with pricing included, and you decide which one, if any, you want.
Can you help with new or used cars, and with leasing?
Yes. We help with new and used vehicles, and with leasing, financing, or paying cash. Not sure which is right for you? Tell us during your intake and we’ll take it from there.
Do I still have to go to the dealership?
Only once, to pick up your car. We schedule the appointment for you, and when you arrive most of the paperwork is ready and the vehicle is ready for a test drive. You finish the purchase with the dealership’s finance manager. During your intake you tell us how far you’re willing to travel, and we shop within that distance.
What information do you need from me?
During your intake we ask for your phone number, the zip code you’ll register the vehicle in, and a general description of your credit, along with what you’re looking for. Before we can send your contract and invoice, we also need your driver’s license and insurance card uploaded to your dashboard.
Why do you ask about my credit and zip code?
They help us confirm we can actually deliver on your deal before you pay anything. A general description is all we need, for example excellent, good, fair, or still working on it. We don’t check your credit ourselves. Only the dealership or lender you finance through can do that. If you’re not sure where you stand, you can get pre-approved through a bank, a credit union, or the dealer’s website before you start.
Can you find rebates or incentives I qualify for?
We ask whether you’re a recent college graduate, a AAA or Costco member, work for a public company, or are serving or have served in the military. Any of these can unlock extra manufacturer rebates or incentives. Let us know about anything else that might qualify, like being a first responder or a union member.
Do you have a referral program?
Yes. Once your deal closes, you get a personal referral code. We pay you $300 cash each time a friend buys or leases through us with your code.
Is CarBuyAI the same as Independent Auto Consulting?
Yes. Independent Auto Consulting (IAC) is now CarBuyAI: same team and same service, with a new name and a faster way to work with us.