At this point, it’s safe to say you can buy and have delivered pretty much anything online—including a haircut. In addition to access to an incredibly vast knowledge base, the internet has forever changed our lives by providing instant connections to individuals and groups around the world.
As just one example, it has become increasingly easy to purchase a vehicle online, but there are a few things to know and consider before you hit the “Click to Buy” button.
Why buy a car online?
There are many reasons to purchase a vehicle online, with a major one being convenience. Most car dealerships have their current inventory available for review 24/7 via their websites, rain or shine. You can look at the cars are on the lot, usually from more than just one angle, and review specific information about the vehicle, such as mileage and how it’s equipped.
In many cases, if you don’t see what you want, you can place a special order, all without leaving the couch. If one dealer is unable to fill your needs, there are many others to choose from; entering the make, model, and year of the vehicle desired into a search engine will usually result in many “hits” of other websites with that vehicle.
The main limitation is the current availability of the vehicle desired, regardless of whether it’s new or preowned. A brand-new 2022 Chevy Corvette or Ford Bronco may be tough to find compared to another new model for which the demand is lower. Widening the search to a low-mileage pre-owned model of the desired vehicle might allow you to find one sooner. For various reasons, new cars are in short supply, making a pre-owned model worth considering.
As a bonus, buying pre-owned might allow you to avoid the depreciation that reduces the value of a car compared to the original purchase price, unless the car is in incredibly high demand. If the search includes pre-owned vehicles, use specific keywords for location, color, mileage, and must-have options such as a particular engine or a coupe versus a convertible in order to narrow the results.
When reviewing the candidates, consider sorting them by location, from nearest to farthest away, as well as condition and price. For local vehicles, a test drive and an in-person inspection is a must. CarMax, will, for a fee, ship a car to their store located closest to you to allow you to inspect it in person before you agree to purchase it.
For vehicles that are located far away, consider arranging for a local mechanic or shop that isn’t related to the seller, or a trusted, knowledgeable friend or family member to perform a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) of all mechanical, electrical, interior, and exterior aspects of the vehicle. A thorough PPI is strongly encouraged when buying any pre-owned vehicle to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Unless you’re seeking a car in high demand, buying online might allow you to get a better deal than buying from a local seller. However, this isn’t always true, as several online retailers don’t allow price negotiations, instead stating a “no-haggle” price. When purchasing from an individual via AutoTrader, Bring a Trailer, Facebook Marketplace, or other internet sources, negotiation is almost always encouraged and expected.
So you’ve found several vehicles to consider, but they’re all far away, what now? The answer depends in part on the seller. If the seller is a car dealership or another recognized, reputable online retailer, you should be able to rely on them to provide an accurate description and assessment of the vehicle. Regardless, it’s always a good idea to make sure you have recourse, just in case something about the car is materially different than what you agreed to purchase. If the seller is an independent car lot in your state or across the country, it too should be able to offer some type of guarantee you’ll get what you expected, but consider having an attorney review the documents before you pay.
Now you’ve found the perfect car and have agreed to a price, but it’s halfway across the country; how do you get it? One option is to travel to the car’s location and drive it home. However, if driving it home isn’t possible, many auto dealers and resellers can arrange to have a vehicle shipped to you at your expense. While there are services that arrange for someone to drive the car to you, a commercial auto transporter is preferable for most. If you purchase from an individual, you can hire a car transporter using an 18-wheeler truck and trailer specifically designed to transport vehicles.
To hire a car transporter, do an internet search and check references and reviews carefully. Both open and covered transporters are available. A covered transport will cost more than an open transporter, but the extra cost may be a good investment, as it provides more protection for the vehicle.
