LOS ANGELES – With the state of the economy making getting a new car loan difficult for many Americans, more consumers are turning to online resources to help learn more about obtaining auto loans in the down economy.

According to an analysis of website traffic by CarsDirect, a leading online automotive car buying service and research portal, traffic to the company’s Auto Finance portal increased more than 53% year-over-year in April of 2009. The recently redesigned research portal includes a variety of information about auto loans, including a car loan calculator and a guide to help consumers to decide whether to lease vs. buy.

“We’re talking to many consumers who are ready to purchase a new vehicle, but financing difficulties are preventing them from reaching their goal,” said Ken Potter, vice president and general manager of automotive sales and industry relations at CarDirect. “Interest in auto loans is extremely high as consumers seek out alternate ways to get financing to purchase a new car.”

Traffic to CarsDirect’s Pricing Insider Blog is also up – increasing more than 11% in the first four months of 2009 – indicating that consumers are putting an emphasis on value and seeking out deals when researching vehicles. Pricing Insider is one of the only auto industry blogs to focus exclusively on the latest available rebates, incentives, and sales promotions on new cars.

About CarsDirect

CarsDirect (www.carsdirect.com) is a leading online automotive research portal, shopping service, and lead provider, providing new and used automobiles and related products and services, such as loan and lease financing and in-demand aftermarket products including extended warranties.