DriveEasier vs. TrueCar: how they differ
Updated
TrueCar is a car-shopping site: you see upfront price offers on local inventory from its Certified Dealers, then contact the dealer to test drive and buy. DriveEasier is a service: a person sources the car, negotiates price, fees, add-ons, financing and trade-in for you, and brings back one written quote, for a flat $1,000.
| DriveEasier | TrueCar | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A car buying and lease negotiation service: a person who works the deal for you. | A car-shopping website. It says it does not broker, sell or lease vehicles; the cars on it are offered by licensed dealers. |
| How it works | You tell us the car. We source it from dealers within about 50 miles, negotiate price, fees, add-ons, financing and your trade-in, and bring back one exact quote in writing to approve. | You search local inventory and see upfront price offers, including dealer fees and accessories, from its Certified Dealers, then connect with a dealer to test drive and buy. |
| Cost model | First call free. Full service is a flat $1,000. Dealers pay us nothing; the fee is the only money we make. | Free for shoppers to use. TrueCar works with a network of Certified Dealers, which it describes as contractually obligated to meet its customer service requirements. |
| Talking to dealers | We call the dealers. You sign directly with the dealer once you approve the quote. | You contact the Certified Dealer and complete the purchase with them yourself. |
Who each suits
TrueCar can suit someone who wants to browse inventory and see prices online, and is comfortable taking it from there with a dealer. DriveEasier suits someone who wants a person to make the calls, negotiate every line and bring back one written quote, so they never sit in a showroom.
If you use an online price as your starting point, our guide on how to negotiate a car price covers getting the rest of the deal in writing too.
What DriveEasier does
Buy or lease, any brand; new cars every day and used ones case by case. Trade-ins are priced apart from the new car. Within 24 hours of paying, the fee is fully refundable; after that, 50% comes back for any reason until you sign. The details are on How it works and in the service agreement.
TrueCar details last checked October 18, 2026 on its own site, truecar.com. Programs change; check there for current terms.
Want someone to negotiate it for you?
Tell us the car. We source it, negotiate it and bring back one exact quote. Flat $1,000.