Thinking Of Buying A Vehicle Online

You can buy just about anything online these days. And  that list now includes vehicles.

A vehicle is one of the largest purchases you’ll make in your lifetime. You may think buying a new car, truck or SUV sight unseen would be enough to scare away most buyers.

The market for online auto sales is growing.  And many car shoppers are finding they prefer it.

How can you buy a car online? And more importantly – should you? Here’s what you need to know about the world of internet car shopping.

WHERE CAN I BUY A CAR ONLINE?

The internet has changed the way people research and buy cars. Today, most traditional auto dealers also display their vehicle inventories online. This allows you to search for the perfect car across the U.S.

If you’re looking to complete your entire purchase online, there are several options. Some popular online car sales sites include:

• Carvana
• Shift
• Vroom
• eBay Motors

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BUYING A CAR ONLINE?

Here are some reasons some shoppers opt to skip the dealership and head to the computer:

• Selection: Unlike your neighborhood car dealership, buying a car online allows you to choose from a large national inventory containing thousands of new and used vehicles.
  
• Price:  Recent studies found that people who bought a vehicle online saved an average of $185 or 0.8%, depending on the model. But keep in mind that you often can’t negotiate online car prices the way you can with a salesperson.
  
• Transparency: When you buy online, you get the details of your car’s pricing and fees upfront.
  
• Convenience: Buying a car online means you can shop 24 hours a day to find the right make, model and year for you. Because you’re making the purchase from the comfort of your home, you won’t spend half your Saturday signing paperwork at the dealership. And your car can be delivered right to your door.
  
• Return policy: Since you won’t have a chance to test drive your new car, many online auto sellers offer a return policy. It usually ranges from 5 to 7 days after your purchase.

ARE THERE ANY DISADVANTAGES TO BUYING A CAR ONLINE? 

For all the benefits of online car buying, there are some downsides, too:

• Test drives:  For many  not getting a feel for how your new car rides and handles before the purchase can be a deal breaker. You can always test out a similar vehicle closer to home, but you won’t get to experience the ride of your  own new car firsthand if you buy  online.
  
• Inspections: Buying a car can be a big decision to make off online photos alone. You won’t get a chance to “kick the tires” before your  purchase. While most online sellers claim to thoroughly inspect their vehicles, it may be worth paying for a pre-purchase inspection  out of your own pocket. The peace of mind can be worth the cost, and  save you from any potential surprises.
  
• Service perks and warranties: Your local dealer can give you access to perks like loaner vehicles or service discounts. And if you’re purchasing a used car, factory certified warranties can be more generous than what you’ll get from a third party.
  
• Delivery cost: If you’re buying  from out of state, you’ll need to get it to your garage somehow. Whether you fly to pick up your car and drive it home, or have it delivered to your door, be sure to factor in any delivery expenses.

• Personal service: For many,  a big purchase is more than just a transaction… it’s about building a relationship. When you buy from a local dealer, you have a go-to person you can trust to treat you right and be there for whatever’s next.