If you’re in the market for a new car you can save a lot of time and hassle by shopping for your dream car online. It might sound like something you should be wary of doing because you don’t get the option of a test drive or the opportunity to check it over first hand. It is, however, a really safe and viable option, especially at the moment because of COVID-19.
Want to know more? Curious about how the process works? Keep reading and you’ll find out all you need to know about buying a car online and how to get it delivered to your door.
Start by doing your research
According to Google’s latest statistics, more than 70% of people turn to the internet to solve their problems. Therefore, it makes sense to start your research online. There are many resources to help in your search, such as Edmunds, and Kelley Blue Book. Visit these sites to get estimates on the value of vehicles. You might also get an idea of which vehicle is right for you.
Things to consider when choosing your car include:
- Your budget
- The size of your family
- Daily commute
- How much you plan to use your vehicle
Narrow down your options to one or two models and decide whether you want to buy or lease a new or pre-owned vehicle. Now you’re ready to start searching for your dream car. There are hundreds of sites you can visit, but to help narrow down your search stick to sites that search across the web for you, such as AutoList or Auto Tempest. If you’re looking for a car with a little more history, consider Hemmings or Bring a Trailer.
Let the negotiations begin
When you’ve decided on your budget and have a dream car in mind, the next step is to contact the seller. If you’ve ever bought a car from a dealer before, you’ll be aware of the high-pressure sales tactics used by many of them. The main aim of the sales process is to get you to pay as much money as possible, and it can take hours of your time.
Buy a car online and you’ve got the power, rather than the other way around. When you’re looking to buy a car online, the best approach is to contact a few dealers that stock the specific car you want. Contact their sales department by sending them an email. You’ll receive a follow-up email and this is where you get the chance to include any extra features you want in your car. You don’t need to mention financing options at this stage, or discuss your trade-in, if you’ve got one. Clarify with each dealer what the quoted price includes and whether there will be any additional fees.
When you receive a few quotes, take the lowest one, send it to the other dealers, and ask if they can give you a better price. Repeat this process until one of the dealers offers you a price you can live with.
Buying a car without a dealer
If you’re buying a car without a dealer, get as much information as you can about the vehicle. If it’s a private seller, ask if they have a CarFax report or something similar. Alternatively, you can ask a local mechanic to inspect the vehicle before purchase.
It’s very common for mechanics to offer a pre-buy inspection for around $100. It might sound like a lot, but can you put a price on your peace of mind?
You can also use the report to negotiate with the seller, or look elsewhere if there are too many issues with the car.
For used car purchases, an inspection is essential
If you’re buying a used car online, whether it’s from a dealer or a private seller, you should always have a local mechanic inspect the vehicle before you hand over any cash. There’s bound to be a local mechanic nearby the seller. Simply contact them and arrange a date and time for the inspection.
What if the seller isn’t willing to have a third-party inspection? This is a sure fire sign that you need to look for a different vehicle to buy.
How to get your new car shipped to your door
If the car you want to buy isn’t close to your home, you’ll need to look into car shipping options. There are plenty of auto transport companies you can rely on to deliver your purchase to your door. They operate across the United States and can ship your new car from anywhere in the country.
Shipping a car gives you peace of mind that your car is going to arrive safe and sound. You don’t need to worry about planning a road trip and shipping a car is cheaper than you think. It’s also safer and less stressful than traveling to pick up the car yourself.
When you book an auto transport service, there are many options to choose from. Select the one that’s most convenient for you. Uncovered transport, for example, is the best option if you’ve got a tight budget. However, enclosed or covered transport is better if the vehicle you’ve bought is antique, custom, exotic, luxury, or a more expensive vehicle. Other options include guaranteed pick-up dates, express auto transport, and door-to-door service.
To book your auto transport service, contact a shipping company either by phone or Live Chat. Write down any questions you might have before you get in touch. You must confirm the shipping details with the seller and let them know that someone has to be available when the vehicle is picked up. Also, make certain you’re going to be available when the car is delivered.
Buying a car online is much easier than you think, and with the help of an auto transport company you can have your purchase delivered to your door, safely and securely.
