6 Essential Tips For Buying A Car Online

The way we buy cars is evolving. It used to be that the only way to buy a car was to visit a car dealership or a used car showroom; however, in recent years things have changed as more methods of buying and selling cars have entered the scene.

 No matter what your background or your lifestyle, buying a car online is becoming a popular way of car shopping. Particularly at this time, you may prefer not to visit a site. The good news is that many dealers have a range of options that have been put in place to support you remotely. From a more practical perspective, it offers everything you need – a showroom and often car financing options – within just a few convenient clicks.

It is now possible to pick and choose your ideal car online, getting everything you need, specified the way you want it. What is more, it is even possible to get it delivered directly to your doorstep or collect it from the nearest dealership. Thanks to online showrooms, buying a car has never been easier, safer, or more convenient than it is today.

1. Understand the Car You Want To Buy Online

As with all large purchases, before buying your car online, it is essential to do your research. For many people, buying a vehicle is not a small deal. Before thinking about purchasing a car online, it is vital to fully understand all the core elements that surround the decision you are about to make.

The good news is that everything you need to understand is easy to find out. Some of it is a personal preference, and most of the rest of the information will be listed online. You can be flexible in your buying journey and decide whether you want to refine your search by budget or type and make a car.

The first thing you need to understand is the make and model of the car. When choosing a car, nothing is more important than ensuring the car fits all of your needs. This means it is crucial to undertake the same level of research into various different types of cars that you would do if buying the car in person. 

Read reviews and get feedback from other drivers of the vehicle you are looking at purchasing, and make sure all the options are there that would make your car driving experience a satisfying one.

 There is nothing too small when it comes to buying a car. If you want to have a car that has 5 doors, then make sure you are looking at cars with that option. If you want heated seats or an auxiliary port, then make sure you are including those elements as important ones in your car search. There is nothing that is too picky or small to be considered when buying a new car.

If possible, it is always a wise decision to ensure you have test driven the car before, just to make sure you are pleased with it. For more information about picking the right car for you, you can visit our full guide to buying a car.

2. Research the Dealership, Company, Or Website You Are Buying Your Car From

When buying a car online, it is vital to buy from a reliable seller.  What this means is that it is a good idea to research the dealership and get an opinion of what they are like – whether that is through word-of-mouth or whether it is through online review sites. Always make sure the dealership you are purchasing a car from gets good reviews as it can help put your mind at rest when making a large purchase. 

Once you have found the car that you want, listed at a dealership you like the look of, the next step is to make sure that the showroom or company you are buying your car from lists everything you need to know about your new vehicle.

A lot of online dealers make this next task more manageable, as they allow you to configure or filter options to get the specific model you want. If you are ever unsure, however, of what comes with a car or what a vehicle includes, then it is a simple task to call, live chat or email your questions to the dealer. They will be only too happy to help.

3. Understand Your Financing Options

Once you have chosen your car, chosen your dealership, and understood if you can part-exchange then the next step is to research the various financing options available. When making decisions about large purchases, like when buying a car online, it is vital that you fully understand the financing options available – whether that is a car loan through a third party, through the dealer, or a personal loan from your bank. Alternatively, you may want to part exchange or move your current finance deal to your new car.

The great news is that getting car financing online is incredibly easy, and it is often just a few more clicks within the purchasing journey. Consider whether you wish to own the car at the end of the finance agreement, keep payments low with a balloon at the end or spread the cost evenly. Many websites will have a finance calculator so you can adjust the deposit and the term to find the right deal for you. Just make sure you choose the right finance scheme for you and your situation.

Aside from the base finances, one thing worth looking at is what kind of money-back guarantee or return policy is offered by the dealership or website. It is vital that you are happy with your car when it arrives, and a money-back guarantee or return policy can help ensure your complete satisfaction.

4.  Consider Your Delivery Options

Once you have found the car you wanted, chose a reliable seller, understood your financing options, and got ready to purchase your car, there are a couple of basic ideas that are still worth considering. The first of these is around the delivery of the car.

When buying a car online, there are usually two different options available for you. The first is to pick the car up from the chosen dealership. Alternatively, it is often more convenient to get the car delivered to your home or place of work. This helps take the hassle out of having to pick your car up. Instead, you get it dropped off at your location. Simple as that

5. : Read Through The Returns Policy

When buying a car online, always carefully read the return policy. Being able to return your car hassle-free is a considerable part of your buying satisfaction. It allows you to buy, safe in the knowledge that it will be the right car and the right deal for you

After your purchase, you will automatically have a 14-day ‘cooling-off’ period. If during that time, you do want to return a car, then you will need to check the small print to ensure there are no extra costs to pay when returning a vehicle. Buyers are liable for any damage and diminished value for the goods, which means the car’s mileage would be taken into consideration if you’re intent on returning it.

6. Feel Free to Ask Questions

Making a large purchase can be a daunting experience, both online and in person. Never be afraid to ask people for their opinions or help when choosing your ideal car. When browsing a car online, the sales assistant is always on hand to answer any queries you may have.

Always feel free to fire any questions off to the dealer, showroom, our website, or social media to make sure you make the most out of your purchasing journey.

Why Should I Buy Cars Online?

There are several reasons why you might consider buying a car online:

1. Convenience: Online car dealerships offer the convenience of shopping for a car from the comfort of your own home. This can save you time and energy compared to visiting multiple dealerships in person.
2. Greater selection: Online dealerships often have a wider selection of cars to choose from, including vehicles that may not be available at a local dealership.
3. Competitive pricing: Online dealerships may offer cars at a lower price than traditional dealerships because they have lower overhead costs.
4. Easier price comparison: When you shop online, you can easily compare prices from multiple dealerships and models to find the best deal.
5. Detailed information: Many online dealerships provide detailed information about the cars they offer, including pictures, specifications, and reviews, which can help you make an informed decision.
6. Hassle-free process: The process of buying a car online can be less complicated than in-person, as you can make all the arrangements online, including financing and delivery.
7. Avoiding Pressure Sale: Many people find that online car shopping helps to avoid the pressure of in-person sales tactics.

Cons of buying cars online:

1. Risk of Scams: There is a risk of scams when buying a car online, so it is important to thoroughly research the online dealership and check for reviews before making a purchase.
2. No Test Drive: One of the downsides of buying a car online is that you can’t take the car for a test drive before you buy it. This can be a problem if you’re not sure of the car’s condition.
3. Lack of Personal interaction: Online buying process lacks personal interaction with the salesperson, which can be helpful in clarifying your doubts or discussing special deals or discounts
4. Shipping and Delivery: If you buy a car online, you’ll need to arrange for shipping or delivery, which can add to the cost of the car.
5. Hidden fees: Some online dealerships may add hidden fees when you purchase a car online, so be sure to read the fine print before making a purchase.
6. Difficult to negotiate: Negotiating the price of a car can be harder when buying online, as you may not have the opportunity to haggle in person.
7. Warranty: It’s important to be aware of the warranty offered by the dealership before buying a car online, as warranties may differ depending on the dealership and the car you purchase.

However, it’s important to note that buying a car online does come with some risks, such as the potential for scams or receiving a car that’s different from what was advertised. It’s important to do your research and thoroughly check the reputation and credibility of the online dealership before making a purchase.