| me, buying a car online may seem like an absurd | | | | understands what the fair selling price is, so |
| notion, considering that the “try before you | | | | you’ll be less likely to be able to haggle and |
| buy” aspect is eliminated from the process. | | | | negotiate. |
| However, by using secure forums such as eBay, | | | | Tips for buying a car online |
| many car buyers have walked away from the | | | | - Research the seller and their transaction history. Do |
| experience thrilled at the outcome – and with a | | | | they have a history of positive feedback from |
| little extra spending cash to spare. | | | | previous customers? Even if you don’t have |
| Although it’s true you may get a much better | | | | many questions about the vehicle, speak to the seller |
| deal, buying a car online is not right for everyone. | | | | by phone to get a feel for their integrity. Do they seem |
| We’ve examined the pros and cons of online | | | | trustworthy? |
| car shopping to help you decide if this option is right for | | | | - Be skeptical of sketchy payment policies. In most |
| you, as well as listed some great tips to make the | | | | cases, only a small deposit – a percentage of |
| process less stressful and more secure. | | | | the purchase price – is required to hold the |
| Pros of buying a car online | | | | vehicle until final payment. Avoid any seller who |
| When you buy online, you are essentially purchasing a | | | | pressures you to rush them a payment. |
| car at wholesale, so you can usually find a good deal. | | | | - Consider the logistics of your purchase. Before you |
| The retail market, associated with dealerships, includes | | | | buy a car online, add up the costs of any flights, hotels, |
| operating expenses that contribute to the final sale | | | | meals and the driving time it will take for you to pick it |
| price of your vehicle. Because online sellers have | | | | up. You should also consider any other shipping and |
| lower operating costs, or are motivated to sell quickly, | | | | transportation costs, and factor them into the total |
| they typically offer vehicles at lower prices. | | | | purchase price of the vehicle. |
| Cons of buying a car online | | | | - Maintain realistic expectations. Be prepared to accept |
| One of the biggest pitfalls of purchasing a vehicle | | | | the fact that you are basing your judgment on photos, |
| online is the unknown degree of risk. Because you are | | | | and even the clearest ones can’t portray |
| unable to inspect the vehicle in person, it’s hard | | | | everything. You won’t be able to nitpick and |
| to know if the car you want to buy has any hidden | | | | haggle over every minor ding or scratch on the vehicle. |
| damage or mechanical defects. You could end up with | | | | - Invest in a Carfax report to determine if the |
| a bad investment. | | | | automobile has been in any accidents, and consult the |
| Fortunately, most automobile shopping websites | | | | Kelley Blue Book for the current market price of the |
| feature an option that enables you to browse local | | | | vehicle. |
| listings. Using sites like AutoTrader.com, and | | | | If you need financing for your new vehicle, an auto |
| AutoWeb.com, you can find vehicles near you, so you | | | | loan may be the best option for you. Also, be sure to |
| can still test drive the vehicle, or have it inspected by | | | | protect your investment with an auto insurance policy. |
| your mechanic or local repair shop. | | | | Legally, you will need at least liability coverage in order |
| In addition, although you may get a lower price for the | | | | to drive it home. And if you still need help with your |
| vehicle you want, prices are generally firm. In most | | | | purchasing decision, check out these additional car |
| cases, the seller has researched the market and | | | | buying tips. |