My Honest Review of CarEdge (+ Negotiated Discounts)
I am a serial entrepreneur and a consumer advocate. When I’m not helping car buyers, I love working on ventures that have a positive impact.
I run a cause marketing agency and serve on the board of Vayu Global Health where we are disrupting the medical industry and preventing the needless deaths of mothers and babies during childbirth.
We’re in the business of car buying, so we know firsthand how stressful it is. Honestly, sometimes you just need someone to hold your hand and help you through the process.
That’s why we tried CarEdge.
If you want a car expert who helps you negotiate deals, offers discounts on insurance and financing options, and saves you up to 25% on repairs and maintenance, CarEdge+ is your ideal partner.
from Real People
- Direct access to real experts (via phone, chat, or email)
- Help with every step of the vehicle selection and negotiation process.
- Get 20% Off
Enter SAVE20 at checkout
- Save a minimum of $1,000
- Same coverage as a dealer warranty
- On-call roadside assistance
- Get $100 Off
Enter SAVE100 at checkout
Table of Contents
- CarEdge Pros and Cons
- Is CarEdge+ Membership Worth It?
- Is CarEdge Extended Warranty Worth It?
- What Is CarEdge?
- CarEdge Benefits & Costs
- CarEdge Additional Services
- CarEdge Free Resources
- Our Favorite Free CarEdge Tools
- CarEdge Buying & Selling
- CarEdge Financing & Refinancing
- CarEdge Alternatives for Buying & Selling
- CarEdge Warranty
- CarEdge Promotions & Discounts
- Alternatives to CarEdge Extended Warranty
- Conclusion
- Best Car Deals by Category
- Frequently Asked Questions
CarEdge Pros and Cons
Personal connection and community are at the top of our favorite features that CarEdge offers though there are many, many more.
The CarEdge+ membership is a huge winner here, so it’s no surprise that many of the pros are related to the premium membership.
CarEdge Pros
- Cost-to-own feature that shows you a 5-year total that factors in other costs like depreciation, maintenance, fuel, and insurance
- Access to live chat with a real person who can give expert advice
- An expert can review your deal and help you negotiate
- A deal school so that I can learn how to get better deals on the next car I buy
- I can learn from others in the community boards (the forums are always busy… always)
- I get free email templates to send to dealers
- As a CarEdge+ member, I get access to exclusive pricing on concierge services, $120 off extended warranties, and 25% repair and maintenance on my current vehicle
- I can easily buy or sell a car on their site
CarEdge Cons
- The Car Concierge service is $999, which seems a bit steep but they take all of the work off your hands
- Extended warranty is not available in Massachusetts
- If you sell your car through their network instead of trading in to a dealer, you won't be able to take advantage of sales tax savings
Is CarEdge+ Membership Worth It?
Yes, we do think the CarEdge+ membership is worth it.
For starters, it’s only $120 per year. That $120 immediately pays for itself if you get an extended warranty.
The best part of the membership, for me, is the personal connection. I have access to a real-life, human expert who can help me learn how to negotiate and then look over any deals I get before I make a possibly terrible choice and blow all my money.
Along with that, I also have scripts where I can fill in the blank instead of just kind of winging it when trying to negotiate a deal.
Then we have the extras. 25% off repairs and maintenance? Yeah. The ability to see the true cost-to-own for that car that may have a nice-looking price tag? Yeah. Personalized quotes and side-by-side comparisons for insurance? Heck yeah.
I know they have great free resources, but the extra hundred bucks are definitely worth it.
Is CarEdge Extended Warranty Worth It?
The CarEdge extended warranty for 10 years on my 2022 Acura ILX Premium totals $1,372 (with my $120 CarEdge+ discount.) If we do the math on that, we’re looking at under $12 per month, which is less than half of other extended warranty companies.
So yes, it is worth it if you want an extended warranty for some peace of mind on the road.
Want to check out your other options? Check out our list of the 5 best extended car warranty companies.
What Is CarEdge?
Created to help consumers make the best decisions for themselves, CarEdge offers prospective car buyers the tools and education necessary to make an informed decision.
The difference between them and other sites that offer similar services is that many of their competitors are working with dealers to work in the best interest of those dealerships. CarEdge prides itself on focusing on educating and advocating for consumers to help them find the best car (and the best deal) for themselves.
They take the whole picture into account. Rather than placing focus on the initial purchase price of a vehicle, they give the customer a bigger picture of the cost to own, taking into account things like depreciation, insurance cost, and cost of maintenance and repairs play into the total cost of the car.
The folks at CarEdge do this by providing things like comparisons, research, rankings, and other tools that are easy to use and informative.
Their CarEdge+ memberships also include access to a live chat with a car-buying expert, an online course in making a deal, and special discounts on repairs and extended warranties.
They also offer features for buying and selling a car as well as financing, refinancing, and extended warranties.
Is CarEdge Legit?
Yes, CarEdge is a legitimate site based out of Bethesda, Maryland, with free resources for prospective car buyers and memberships where members can access expert advice, learn more about how to negotiate the best deal, and figure out the cost to own the car they're interested in.
Father and son duo, Ray and Zach Shefska founded a company called Your Auto Advocate in 2020, and later shortened that to YAA. They rebranded the company again to CarEdge in 2023 when they purchased the domain and merged the two sites.
Who Should Use CarEdge?
Anyone in the market for a new or used vehicle should use CarEdge.
Since many of their resources and tools are free, consumers risk nothing by checking out their website and looking at the overall cost of the vehicles they’re interested in buying to make a more informed choice.
How Does CarEdge Work?
CarEdge is a site that’s full of resources, tools, and information on over 250 vehicle models.
Some of the tools include a depreciation and loan calculator, comparisons of car insurance rates by model, average repair costs, and rankings for the value, depreciation, maintenance, and insurance costs of the different cars.
Users can also look at a blog to find content on topics ranging from the most reliable car manufacturers to previews of new cars about to hit the market.
They also sell extended warranties that cover things like emergency roadside services, bumper-to-bumper coverage, and flexible repair options.
They also offer several pricing options where prospective car buyers can get access to a live chat with an expert, receive special discounts on repairs and warranties, and get special pricing on insurance plans. More on that in the next section.
CarEdge Benefits & Costs
CarEdge has updated their pricing structure from a flat yearly membership to a tiered pricing structure. Below, we’ve compiled a quick reference of each plan, the price, and key features to help you determine which plan is best for you.
| CarEdge Data | - Market Insights | |
| - CarEdge Fair Price | ||
| - 10 CarEdge Reports monthly | ||
| - 20% off additional reports | ||
| - Black Book Valuations | ||
| CarEdge Consult | - Personalized 1:1 guidance (video or phone call) | |
| - Expert help in selecting a vehicle and negotiating price | ||
| - Assistance with trade-in, financing, leasing, insurance, and warranties | ||
| CarEdge Coach | - Car Coach Live Chat | |
| - Discounted consult calls | ||
| - Deal School | ||
| - CarEdge Fair Price | ||
| - Market Insights | ||
| - 9 CarEdge Reports monthly | ||
| - 20% off additional reports | ||
| - Black Book Valuations | ||
| CarEdge Concierge | - Initial phone call | |
| - Locating your vehicle | ||
| - Contacting the dealer | ||
| - Negotiating for you | ||
| - No hidden fees or add-ons | ||
| - Home delivery |
CarEdge Additional Services
Along with the CarEdge+ membership, CarEdge offers other extra services such as:
Consultations
If you’re only interested in a one-time consultation, they offer 15-minute live sessions where you can speak face-to-face or via phone call with an expert for $50.
CarEdge Coach
For a one-time $99 charge, you can meet with an expert for advice, get access to Deal School 3.0, and access to special email templates.
CarEdge Concierge
The CarEdge Concierge service is available for a one-time purchase price of $999.
For this price, a CarEdge Concierge will handle the entire car-buying process for you. They will reach out to dealerships, negotiate, and do all of the legwork necessary to get you in your dream car for the lowest prices possible.
Deal School
The Deal School 3.0 comes with video tutorials, downloadable PDFs, and quizzes for each section of learning.
For access to the Deal School, you can either pay a $99 one-time fee or get the class free when you become a CarEdge+ member.
CarEdge Free Resources
CarEdge also has a slew of free resources available to all members.
Free Guides
The “Free Guides” tab gives users a comprehensive view of free advice, predictions for the car industry, blog-style posts ranking various cars, news updates, and more.
CarEdge Community
The “Community” tab on CarEdge’s site takes users to a forum where they can discuss car pricing, ask for and give advice on negotiating deals, and get personalized recommendations on the best dealerships in their area.
There are also specific channels to narrow down the information you’re looking for like “Share Your Financing,” “Share Success Stories,” “Ask CarEdge,” “Electric Vehicles,” and more.
Connecting with peers is a great way to expand your knowledge by drawing upon the experiences of others in a similar position to your own.
Social Media
You’ll find tabs for CarEdge’s YouTube and TikTok accounts as well as a link to their podcast where they share daily news and report on current market trends.
Rankings
The “rankings” tab is a great place to see how different cars compare to each other in different areas. They rank cars, including make, model, and year.
For example, you can check out a list of cars with the best resale value if you know you’re planning on selling soonish.
To save money, check out the rankings for which cars are least expensive to insure or least expensive to maintain.
Maintenance Costs
The maintenance tab under research brings users to a calculator that shows them the chance that they will need to get a major repair over a given amount of time as well as the average annual cost of repairs over time.
There is also a list of recommended regular maintenance and how frequently to do different maintenance tasks.
The maintenance rankings are based on 10-year maintenance costs.
Here is an example for Toyota models:
Cost to Own
After years of research, the folks at CarEdge have figured out a way to analyze the overall cost of owning each vehicle over 5 years based on depreciation, insurance premiums, maintenance and repairs, financing, and fuel.
The cost-to-own section ranks these values and provides users with a comprehensive list, ranking the cheapest to most expensive cars to own.
Here's an example for the Honda Accord:
Our Favorite Free CarEdge Tools
Depreciation Calculator and Comparison
The depreciation comparison tool shows a comparison of depreciation over time, based on the categories like the industry average for luxury vs. popular brands, region, body styles, and makes. Users can compare four of these values at a time.
Car Loan Calculator
The car loan calculator tool is the same one featured on the “finance” research tab.
Users can also click on one of the listed popular models to skip the calculating altogether.
Insurance Comparison Tool
Using the insurance quote comparison tool, users can easily receive insurance quotes by following a few simple steps.
First, users enter their zip code. They then answer a few questions about their vehicle and unique situation, receive quotes, and finalize their policy through a licensed insurance agent on the site.
CarEdge Buying & Selling
Along with all of the other features, users can buy and sell cars through CarEdge.
Buying a Car Through CarEdge
The “shop” feature of the site allows users to easily shop for new, certified pre-owned, or used cars using filters for make, model, and style, as well as model year, price range, and mileage.
You can also put in your zip code and a certain mile radius to narrow the list down to vehicles near you.
Selling a Car Through CarEdge
They also offer a “selling” feature, powered by Carwiser, for those looking to sell their car.
All you need to do is add the basic information about your car (VIN or license plate) and answer a few easy questions regarding the condition of your vehicle. From there, you can compare offers from prospective buyers, choose the best one, and set up a pick-up or drop-off to get paid.
CarEdge Financing & Refinancing
CarEdge offers both financing and refinancing options.
CarEdge offers help finding and applying for car loans from their trusted network of credit unions. CarEdge can save members money on their loans by refinancing as well.
CarEdge Alternatives for Buying & Selling
CarEdge offers a ton of great benefits, but it’s always a good idea to compare it against the competition. We pulled together a list that works for car valuation research, buying, and selling. There’s something for every need.
- Kelley Blue Book (KBB): Widely recognized for its vehicle valuation and automotive research, Kelley Blue Book provides pricing information, reviews, and other essential details for new and used vehicles.
- Edmunds: Offering extensive car reviews, pricing guides, and comparison tools, Edmunds is a valuable resource for those looking to buy or sell cars. They also provide dealer quotes and have a strong emphasis on new car reviews and pricing.
- CarMax: Focused on the sale of used cars, CarMax provides a large inventory of vehicles and offers straightforward pricing and a hassle-free car buying and selling experience.
- TrueCar: Known for its price transparency, TrueCar connects buyers with a network of dealers and offers pricing information based on what others have paid for similar cars.
- CarGurus: This platform is popular for its used car listings and provides tools for comparison, pricing, and dealership reviews, helping buyers make informed decisions.
- AutoTrader: A comprehensive platform for buying and selling new and used cars, AutoTrader offers extensive listings along with tools for valuation and comparison.
- Cars.com: Offering detailed research and comparison tools, Cars.com is another platform for new and used car buyers and sellers, providing reviews, pricing information, and dealership connections.
- Consumer Reports: While not a car buying or selling platform, Consumer Reports provides in-depth reviews and reliability ratings for new and used cars, which can be invaluable for research purposes.
CarEdge Warranty
CarEdge sells extended warranties and electronic warranties.
Extended Warranty
The extended warranty offers bumper-to-bumper coverage, emergency roadside assistance, flexible repair options (choose your favorite shop), and hassle-free cancellation.
What Is Covered
- Bumper-to-bumper coverage
- Suspension and brakes
- Steering
- EV & hybrid battery
- Electrical components
- Air conditioning
- Emergency roadside assistance
- Flexible repair options
What Is Not Covered
- Routine maintenance
- Normal wear & tear
- Interior
- Pre-existing conditions
- Collision damage
- Glass
- Tires & wheels
- Paint
- Rubber stripping
Please note, if your vehicle is outside of the original factory warranty, you will need to get a pre-purchase inspection. CarEdge has partnered with LemonSquad, and CarEdge members can receive 10% off.
Electronics Warranty
The electronics warranty covers every major electronic in your car from the touch/display screen to your car’s audio, safety, camera, convenience, and technical systems.
You also have the same flexibility in choosing your repair shop.
Warranty Additional Benefits
Additional benefits include:
- Roadside assistance
- Towing
- Key lockout
- Gas delivery
- Flat tire
- Rental car or Uber/Lyft
- Trip interruption
- Free resources on how to cancel your current warranty
How To File a Claim with CarEdge
First, go to a dealership, or AAA- or ASE- certified service center. Bring your policy with you to show to the service advisor.
To determine the issue(s), a diagnostic assessment will be made, and the info will be given to you and AUL.
If the repair is covered, you’ll only pay the deductible.
How To Cancel Extended Warranty with CarEdge
If you cancel your CarEdge Extended Warranty, you will receive a prorated amount of your money back based on time or miles. If you cancel within 60 days of purchase and no claims were made, you’ll receive a full refund, less a $50 administrative fee.
CarEdge Promotions & Discounts
So are you ready to try out CarEdge's extended warranty or premium membership? Use our exclusive coupon codes for extra savings.
- CarEdge Extended Warranty Code (Enter at Checkout): Get $100 Off using code SAVE100
- CarEdge+ Membership Code (Enter at Checkout): Get 20% Off using code SAVE20
Where Do I Enter the CarEdge Promotion Code?
For extended warranty savings, request a quote from CarEdge, you can start with either your car's year, make, and model, or with a VIN.
You can then pick the term length, the total mileage of coverage, and the deductible amount. You'll see the quoted amount on the right-hand side.
Once you click "Purchase Online", go through the 4-step process to get to the payment/checkout screen. You'll need to enter more details about your car model, along with contact info.
On the checkout screen, there is a blank field below the "Subtotal" amount. Enter code "SAVE100" and see the $100 in savings!
For CarEdge+, enter "SAVE20" to get 20% off for the year.
Alternatives to CarEdge Extended Warranty
CarEdge offers affordable extended warranties, but it’s always best to evaluate all of your options first. There are several extended warranty providers out there. Here are some of the top alternatives to CarEdge:
Manufacturer Warranties. If you have a new vehicle that is still under its factory warranty, then you should consider the manufacturer extended warranty. These may be more expensive, but they can also be worth it for the coverage, depending on your situation. Learn more about manufacturer warranties for Ford, Toyota, and Honda.- Olive.com Our choice for the best car extended warranty provider for customer support and claims is Olive.com. Learn more in our full review.
Conclusion
When it comes to making informed decisions on car purchases, having the right guidance and insights is key. CarEdge's comprehensive services provide the expertise and tools you need to navigate the complexities of buying, selling, and owning a car with confidence.
To stay updated with the latest trends, tips, and exclusive offers, join our newsletter. Empower your car buying and ownership experience with knowledge right at your fingertips.
