Last summer, my life changed forever. My daughter turned 16 and decided she needed a car. She brought up all the reasons she could help. You know — how she could haul her sister around, go to the store and how there would be no more waiting at practices. I recognized she was in the driver’s education program and had her learner’s permit. Driving with Mom and Dad seemed fine, but I never really considered that someday she would want a car of her own. When we sat down to discuss what car would be appropriate, I wondered if there was an easier way than driving from dealer to dealer.

Our lives are so busy these days, wouldn’t it be great to go to the newspaper’s site and have access to hundreds of vehicles? Well, one year later we have the solution.

With the newest addition to our Web site, www.washtimesherald.com, we have come up with a way to help consumers search for and sell vehicles in our area. Welcome to the world of AutoConx.

We’re all busy, and with the higher price of gasoline our readers were needing a cost effective way to buy and sell their new or used vehicles. AutoConx is located as a new button on our Web site. When you go to the Times-Herald Web site, it is listed under “A Perfect Set of Wheels.”

AutoConx can be used by a private individual or by a car dealer for selling automobiles. Our goal is to provide the Times-Herald readership a higher volume of vehicles to choose from and to suit their needs for their family.

If you are in the market to purchase a vehicle, this program gives you the ability to search the area for the type of vehicle that will suit your family. The reader can search by year, model and price.

Readers can make an offer, calculate their payment and converse with the seller without ever picking up the phone. If you are interested in selling your car, it gives you the ability to manage your own site. You can accept offers, change your ad, add additional photos and make counter offers, all from the convenience of your home and with your computer.

We will initially enter your information, and it will be uploaded to our Web site. Customers will get an e-mail with a username and password to manage their account.

Isn’t the Internet a wonderful thing? In this economic climate, consumers are in search of more affordable and cost effective ways to search and buy a variety of things. If you are a dealer, the system will work for you. For a small fee, we can upload your entire inventory on this site so you can sit back and let the offers roll in.

I encourage all Times-Herald readers to take advantage of this opportunity whether you are buying or selling a vehicle. Look for the link to wheels on the Web site, and happy shopping.

rsmith@washtimesherald.com