Car-ma

car details
:p

About Car-Ma

Car buying can be a confusing, overwhelming, and stressful process filled with hidden costs, complicated terms, and endless choices.

We wanted to make this experience simpler, more transparent, and more personal for users. That’s why we created Car-Ma, a web application that creates an interactive experience to help users find the perfect car based on their needs, budget, and lifestyle.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a long-time Toyota owner, Car-Ma helps turn a stressful process into a smooth and informed journey.

The Problem

One problem we found with current car-shopping solutions is the disconnect and overwhelming amount of information customers face when trying to buy a car. We wanted to simplify that process by creating a seamless, more personalized experience and one that supports Toyota customers throughout their entire car ownership journey.

Some pain points include:

Hidden fees and unclear pricing when buying a car
Overwhelming features and models to compare
Impersonal or confusing online application processes
Uncertainty about which car truly fits their lifestyle and budget

And with this, we ideated Car-Ma, which provides a clear understanding of:

Potential hidden fees that might not be apparent for car buyers -> Car pricing tool that breaks down the fees taxes, markups, finance options.
Car features that may be overwhelming for users -> Gamified features with a simple swipe right swipe left (similar to a dating app to find the perfect fit for you). Simplifies car ownership and will recommend based off onboarding processes/a couple of questions getting to know the users.
Scattered Car Finances -> Financial budgeting tool that will keep you on track with buying the car of your dreams. Making sure you are contributing to your car savings costs.

What it does

Car-Ma helps you find the perfect car for you based on your lifestyle, family size, and budget. From the random hidden fees that make your car payments skyrocket to the roof, or the endless options and price variants of different cars, Car-Ma helps you break down the true pricing (hidden fees, taxes and markups) as well as suggests the perfect car for your needs. Once you find your perfect fit, Car-Ma becomes an all-in-one dashboard for payments, insurance and payment reminders.

We help you find the right match and build a lasting relationship with your ride.

How we built it

We built the application using Express, Next.js, and DynamoDB.

Challenges we ran into

Some challenges we faced throughout the 24 hour challenge, was balancing both our functional and design features.

What we learned

Something we learned throughout the 24 hours was how to turn complex systems (such as car finance) into digestible information. By breaking down intimidating information into simplified visuals and interactive tools, we were able to create a more transparent and empowering experience for car buyers. Our cohesive design system reflects Toyota’s brand identity and also maintains a modern, intuitive and user-friendly design making sure that users feel familiar and engaged.

Beyond car buying, Car-Ma also supports long-term ownership through financial budgeting tools, payment reminders, and car management features, helping users maintain a healthy and stress-free relationship with their vehicle throughout its entire lifecycle.

What's next for Car-Ma

Beyond the scope of the 24 hour hackathon, we plan to have Car-Ma become a more accessible application by implementing more engaging features such as gamified rewards that encourage users to maintain good financial habits. We also aim to launch a mobile-friendly version so users can manage their car, finances and receive reminders on the go.