5 Tips For Shopping For Cars Online

It used to be the only way to purchase a vehicle was to go directly to the dealership. But these days, with online shopping, it’s easy as clicking a button.

You do however need to know how to approach online car shopping and below we’ll go into 5 tips that will help you nail down your online car purchase

Let’s get started.

1. Do Your Research

Knowing what you can afford will help you decide what vehicles you can purchase online. By budgeting for what you can afford monthly, you can get pre-approved for loans you may need to help you buy the vehicle that you’re eyeing.

With interest rates climbing, it’s essential to verify that you’ll be able to get a suitable loan for your budget. It may mean that you opt to go for a lower car to offset the increase in the interest rate, but at least you won’t be in over your head.

It’s also a good time to look into what vehicle and what type of vehicle you’ll be purchasing. With so many options out there, it can seem like a daunting task, but having 2-3 car models that you’re interested in will help streamline your vehicle purchase.

2. Direct to Consumer Options are Available

TrueCar and Carvana are online-only platforms where you can purchase vehicles, they only service the USA but there is a UK option, Cazoo. Cazoo has a massive inventory of vehicles (almost 4000) and they have a way to finance your vehicle through them.

When you work with a direct-to-consumer option, you’ll be able to have every aspect of your vehicle purchase streamlined. From transportation to aftercare and car inspections, it’s a good bet if you don’t want to have any issues buying from an independent dealer or person.

These companies also offer a 7-day return policy, so you don’t even need to go and do a test drive. The car will arrive and you’ll be able to test it out before you decide if you’d like to keep it. You also get a 90 day warranty and roadside assistance should anything go wrong.

3. Consider Return Policies

If you are buying from an independent seller or dealership, it’s important that you either test out the vehicle before you buy it and have it inspected or have a way to return the car. Lemons are sold (sometimes unknowingly), so you must verify that you aren’t purchasing a vehicle that is on its last legs.

The good news is that the Consumer Rights Act 2015 means that you are entitled to a full refund from the dealer within 30 days if you can prove that the fault was there before you purchased the car.

This law does not affect independent purchases, so if you buy from someone directly, you’ll have to spend extra time inspecting the vehicle and testing it yourself to ensure it won’t break down on you. 

4. Have the Vehicle Inspected and Ask for a Vehicle History Report

If you’re purchasing a used vehicle, it’s important to have it inspected beforehand. It’s better to hire a third party to inspect for you rather than rely on the dealership. This way, you have a source that’s without any bias when it comes to the inspection.

You can also ask for a vehicle history report to verify the car’s history in the past and how many accidents ts been in. CARFAX is not always accurate, but it’s better than no history. Your dealership or independent seller should provide you with this report for free, so if you’re asked to pay, look for another place to purchase your vehicle. 

5. Hire a Transportation Service to Deliver Your Vehicle

If you buy your vehicle online from an independent source and it isn’t local, you’ll have to find a transportation service that can ship your vehicle. Thankfully, such services like a1autotransport.com/ exist and can help you get your vehicle from anywhere in the UK to your preferred location.

If you purchase your vehicle from a dealership or a service like Cazoo, they have ways to ship your vehicle to you. You won’t need to look for a transportation service if this is your method of purchase, but if you suspect the charge is quite high, you can always negotiate down the price by getting quotes from another transportation service.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of car purchasing has undergone a significant transformation with the rise of online shopping. What used to require a visit to the dealership can now be accomplished with a simple click of a button. However, navigating the realm of online car shopping requires a strategic approach. By following the five tips discussed, buyers can ensure a smooth online car purchase. 

First and foremost, conducting thorough research and budgeting accordingly will enable buyers to make informed decisions. Direct-to-consumer options like TrueCar, Carvana, and Cazoo offer streamlined purchasing experiences, complete with transportation, aftercare, and return policies. 

Return policies are especially crucial when buying from independent sellers or dealerships, as buyers need to protect themselves against potential faulty vehicles. Having the car inspected by a third party and requesting a vehicle history report are essential steps when purchasing a used vehicle online. 

Lastly, if the vehicle is not local, arranging for transportation through services like a1autotransport.com or negotiating shipping options with dealerships can ensure the safe delivery of the purchased vehicle. With these tips in mind, online car shopping can be a convenient and successful process.