Buying a car can be one of the most difficult processes in adulthood—especially when you are under pressure from aggressive dealerships or buying unwanted choices. Fortunately, through an online car retailer, you can sit on the sofa and buy what you want. Here are some important tips for buying a car online.
The best tip for buying a car online is to enter the process and understand exactly what you need for the vehicle, not just the benefits you want. Take a closer look at how the car will be used. For example, if you have four children, buying a two-seater convertible may not be the wisest idea. Other things to consider include the distance you commute, how often you drive, and car accessories you might want to splurge (such as the seat heaters in Chicago in winter).
One of the reasons people choose to buy cars online is because there is less pressure to increase spending. But even if you want to cancel the face-to-face dealer experience, you want to have a clear understanding of your budget, including the value of loans and trade-in vehicles, before browsing the new options. You should know what you can afford in terms of upfront expenses, monthly car payments, and insurance, so that you will not hurt the rest of your budget due to recurring obligations.
Once you know your vehicle needs and how much you want to spend, the Better Business Bureau recommends that you make a short list of cars (including their make, model, and optional accessories) that meet your criteria. You can browse the selections or consult unbiased critics such as Consumer Reports on the websites of online distributors.
By now, you will complete your research and be ready for the next step in buying a car online. Finding a virtual car dealership that can provide quality service, a trustworthy and transparent purchase process, and the car you want can be difficult, but there are a few things to look for. Ask about their return policy: They should have a clear rule, but the law for returns varies from state to state. (If the car turns out to be lemons, the "lemon law" in your state may allow you to get your money back.)
You should also determine the delivery method of the online reseller. Some may send it to your local dealer for you to pick up, and some may deliver it to your home. The car may also need to be shipped from another state to your area. Ask about the options and their cost.
If you have any questions, please ask friends and family for the dealer’s recommendations, and check the online reviews of the dealer.
If possible, please check the actual vehicle for yourself before buying online. You may find accidental stains or dents not mentioned in the online description. You can also test drive this car, which will give you the clearest understanding of its mobility, safety features and comfort.
Not only is it wise to get a vehicle history report on the car you want to buy, it's free. It's easy to use a website like CARFAX-you enter the car's VIN number to get a record of its past collisions, parts replacements, and other factors that affect the value of your future riding. This way, when they say the engine is brand new, you can verify it.
Make sure you have a digital paper record of the transaction in case there is a dispute during or after the purchase, and use a credit card to pay for the vehicle. Never wire funds or complete bank-to-bank transactions-if the dealer you work with requires you to pay with a gift card, run! Scammers will usually ask you to pay using these methods, so you can't get your money back.