How to Buy a Car Online in 2024 3 months ago

Buying a car online can be an efficient and convenient way to find your next vehicle, especially with technological advancements and the rise of online marketplaces. This guide will walk you through the best way to buy a car online for a stress-free and budget-friendly experience.

In This Review:

• Online Car Buying vs. Traditional Car Buying
• How to Buy a Car Online
• Drive It Home or Get It Delivered
• Online Car Buying FAQs

Decide on a Budget & Get a Loan

Before you start browsing, determine your budget. Consider your down payment, monthly payments, insurance, and maintenance costs. Secure financing either through online platforms, banks, or credit unions. You will also want to determine if a new or used car best serves your budget and needs. Bankrate’s New vs Used Car Calculator is a great tool for developing your budget.

Decide on a Car

Choosing the right car is crucial and involves careful consideration of your needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Start by identifying the type of vehicle that suits you best. For instance, if you have a family, a spacious SUV or minivan might be ideal, whereas a compact car could be perfect for city driving. College students’ car needs may be different from those of those in their golden years.

Consider Your Needs and Preferences:

• Usage: Think about how you will use the car. For daily commuting, you might prioritize fuel efficiency, while for long road trips, comfort and cargo space could be more important.
• Features: Decide on the features you want. Modern cars come with various amenities like advanced safety features, infotainment systems, and driver assistance technologies. Make a list of must-have features versus nice-to-have features.
• New vs. Used: Determine whether you want a new or used car. New cars come with the latest technology and warranties but at a higher cost, while used cars can offer better value but may require more maintenance.

Research and Reviews:

• Reliability and Safety: Check reliability ratings and safety scores from trusted sources like Consumer Reports and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Websites like Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book provide comprehensive reviews and ratings for various makes and models.
• Ownership Costs: Consider the total cost of ownership, including insurance, fuel, maintenance, and depreciation. Some cars might have a higher upfront cost but lower long-term expenses.

Narrow Down Your Options:

• Test Drive and Compare: If possible, arrange for test drives to get a feel for the cars you’re interested in. Compare different models and makes to see which one fits your comfort and driving style.
• Online Tools: Use online comparison tools to compare specs, prices, and features side-by-side. Websites like Cars.com and Autotrader offer filters to help you find cars that meet your criteria.

By thoroughly researching and considering your options, you can make an informed decision and find a car that perfectly fits your needs and lifestyle.

Check for Deals

Finding the best deals when buying a car online can significantly reduce your overall cost. There are various strategies and resources available to help you secure the best price for your new vehicle.

Look for Promotions and Discounts:

• Seasonal Sales: Many dealerships offer promotions during specific times of the year, such as end-of-year sales, holiday sales, or model year-end clearance events. Look for these seasonal discounts for potential savings.
• Manufacturer Incentives: Car manufacturers often provide incentives such as cash rebates, low-interest financing, or special lease offers. These incentives can usually be found on the manufacturer’s official website or through authorized dealerships.
• Dealership Discounts: Individual dealerships might offer their own discounts or price reductions to attract buyers. These can include price cuts on overstocked models or special offers for first-time buyers.

Negotiate the Price:

• Research Market Prices: Use online resources to research the average market price for the car you are interested in. Websites like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds provide tools to check the fair market value, helping you understand what price range to aim for.
• Contact Multiple Dealerships: Reach out to several dealerships to compare their offers. This can give you leverage to negotiate a better price by showing that you have other options available.
• Be Prepared to Walk (or Click) Away: Sometimes, the best deal requires being patient and willing to walk away if the price isn’t right. Dealerships may follow up with better offers if they know you are considering other options.

Use Online Resources and Tools:

• Price Alerts: Set up price alerts on websites like Cars.com and Autotrader. These alerts notify you when the price of a particular car drops or when a new listing within your criteria appears.
• Deal Aggregators: Websites like TrueCar aggregate deals from various dealerships, showing you the best prices available in your area. These tools often provide transparent pricing and highlight significant savings.

Consider Additional Savings:

• Trade-In Offers: If you have a current vehicle to trade in, get quotes from multiple sources. Sometimes, online car-buying platforms offer trade-in deals that can be combined with purchase discounts.
• Financing Offers: Explore different financing options, including those offered by the dealership and external lenders like banks and credit unions. Pre-approval for a loan can also give you more negotiating power.

By taking advantage of promotions, negotiating effectively, and using online tools, you can secure a great deal on your next car purchase.

Search Several Dealerships

To get the best deal and find the right car, it’s essential to explore multiple dealerships. Online platforms provide access to a wide range of dealerships and inventories, allowing you to compare options easily.

Expand Your Search:

• Online Marketplaces: Utilize major online car marketplaces that aggregate listings from various dealerships, giving you a broad selection of vehicles to choose from.
• Local Dealership Websites: Visit the websites of local dealerships in your area. They often have exclusive online listings and promotions that might not be available on larger platforms.
• Manufacturer-Certified Programs: Check out certified pre-owned programs offered by car manufacturers. These programs offer thoroughly inspected and certified vehicles with extended warranties, providing additional peace of mind.

Compare Prices and Features:

• Side-by-Side Comparisons: Use online tools to compare different models side by side. Look at the specifications, features, and prices to see which car offers the best value for your needs.
• Read Reviews: Check reviews and ratings from other buyers to learn about their experiences with specific dealerships and car models. Websites like Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and Consumer Reports provide detailed reviews and ratings.
• Check Vehicle History: For used cars, always check the vehicle history report using services like Carfax or AutoCheck. This report provides information on past ownership, accidents, and maintenance history, helping you make an informed decision.

Explore Dealership Incentives:

• Dealer-Specific Promotions: Some dealerships offer unique incentives, such as cash-back offers, free maintenance packages, or extended warranties. These promotions can add significant value to your purchase.
• Price Matching: If you find a lower price at a different dealership, ask if your preferred dealership can match or beat the offer. Price matching can save you time and money while ensuring you get the best deal.

By searching several dealerships and comparing your options, you can make a more informed decision and find the best car at the best price.

Test Drive It

While buying a car online offers convenience, it’s crucial to test drive the vehicle to ensure it meets your expectations. A test drive allows you to experience the car firsthand and evaluate its performance, comfort, and features.

Arrange for a Test Drive:

• Local Dealership Test Drives: If you’re buying from a local dealership, contact them to schedule a test drive. Many dealerships offer flexible test drive options, including bringing the car to your home or workplace.
• Online Platforms with Test Drive Options: Some online car-buying platforms, like Carvana and Vroom, offer test drives as part of their buying process. They may deliver the car to your location for a limited test drive period before you finalize the purchase.
• Return Policies: If a traditional test drive isn’t possible, check the platform’s return policy. Many online dealerships offer return periods ranging from a few days to a week, allowing you to return the car if it doesn’t meet your expectations.

Evaluate the Car:

• Comfort and Handling: Assess how comfortable you feel in the car. Check the seat comfort, visibility, and ease of accessing controls. Pay attention to how the car handles, including acceleration, braking, and maneuverability.
• Noise and Vibration: Listen for any unusual noises or vibrations while driving. These could indicate potential issues with the car’s engine, transmission, or suspension.
• Technology and Features: Test all the features and technology in the car. This includes the infotainment system, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, climate control, and any advanced safety features.

Inspect the Car:

• Exterior and Interior Condition: Thoroughly inspect the car’s exterior for any dents, scratches, or rust. Check the interior for signs of wear and tear, such as stains, tears, or unpleasant odors.
• Engine and Performance: Pay attention to the engine’s performance. Ensure it starts smoothly and runs without any issues. Check for any warning lights on the dashboard.

By taking the time to test drive and inspect the car, you can make sure it meets your needs and expectations before completing your purchase.

Drive It Home or Get It Delivered

Once you’ve completed the purchase, decide whether to pick up the car or have it delivered.

Benefits of Getting Your Car Delivered

Unmatched Convenience:

Having your newly purchased car shipped to your home eliminates the hassle of long road trips. Instead of spending hours driving, you can have your vehicle professionally transported, allowing you to focus on other important tasks or simply relax. At Sherpa, we provide door-to-door auto transport services across the U.S., so your new vehicle will arrive at your doorstep.

Time Efficiency:

Retrieving a car from a distant location can be incredibly time-consuming. Home delivery services save you valuable time by bringing the car directly to your doorstep or a designated location. This convenience allows you to avoid long drives and continue with your daily activities without interruption.

Preserved Vehicle Condition:

Long-distance driving can cause unnecessary wear and tear on your new vehicle, leading to increased maintenance costs. By choosing auto transport, you reduce the mileage and stress on your car, helping to maintain its pristine condition and longevity.

Cost Savings:

Purchasing a car from a location offering the best prices becomes feasible with home delivery. Instead of incurring travel expenses to pick up your vehicle, you can save both time and money by having it delivered to your preferred destination.

Enhanced Safety and Security:

At Sherpa, we work with reliable carriers that prioritize the safety and security of your vehicle during transit. By minimizing potential risks on the road, we provide online car buyers with peace of mind throughout the journey.

Flexible Delivery Options:

Whether you’re buying from a dealership, auction, or private seller, home delivery offers flexible options to suit your needs. From standard open carriers to enclosed transport for luxury or high-value vehicles, we have car shipping solutions to meet your preferences and budget.

Online Car Buying FAQs