LOS ANGELES – CarsDirect, a leading Internet car-shopping service, has acquired 1-800 Communications, a top provider of special financial auto leads to dealers. The company says the acquisition makes CarsDirect the largest special finance lead service in the U.S. and provides a new tool for consumers with special financing needs who visit the CarsDirect.com and Autos.com Web sites to research, finance and buy new and used vehicles. According to CarsDirect, nearly 25% of all car buyers can't qualify for standard financing options. Less than perfect credit should not be a roadblock to getting a new vehicle, said CarsDirect President/CEO Bob Brisco. By adding this additional expertise, we can now offer even broader finance alternatives, coupled with our award-winning service and premier dealer network, he said.