By Arina Smith
Buying a car used to be limited to the selection on your local dealer’s lot, but no more. Now you can check out SUVs, sedans, pickup trucks, and convertibles all from your laptop or smartphone.
Internet car shopping also allows you to compare prices between dealers much more quickly. And then there’s the added perk of not having to deal with a grinning car salesperson.
If you’re ready to ditch the lot for the dot com, then follow these steps to cruise the web and find the car of your dreams.
A step-by-step guide to purchasing a car online
Before you can benefit from buying a car online, you have to know how to buy a vehicle online safely and savvily.
1. Do your homework
What kind of car fits your lifestyle and needs? Which safety features do you think are most important? Online research can answer these and other questions. What’s more, many listings will have detailed information that can help you compare models that interest you. Research is the most critical step, especially when buying your first car.
2. Choose an auto shipping provider
Using the internet to car shop opens you up to cars in other states. If you buy out of state, you may need an auto shipping provider. Whether your vehicle is new or used, finding an auto transport company you trust can prove to be a challenge.
Fortunately, the internet puts a wide range of reviews at your fingertips, while you can also request quotes at the touch of a button before you commit. Extensive, nationwide services can provide car shipping from California to New York, so the sky’s the limit.
3. Find competitive prices all over the country
Choosing the digital avenue has made finding the best car deals more straightforward than ever. After all, different states often have different price averages when selling cars. Going online means you can take advantage of the car that costs thousands less from three states over.
Better selection
When you go online, you’re no longer simply stuck with what is available near you. Instead, you can shop around to your heart’s content to find one you truly love. If you’ve got your heart set on a specific year or model, you can smile knowing it’s yours anywhere you can find a listing for it.
Delivery flexibility
Whether you’re moving states and want your new car ready when you arrive, or you just want to buy your car today and have it in two weeks, going online can open up flexibility when getting your vehicle delivered. So if you’re attached to your old beater, rest easy knowing you two have some time left together.
Feel out owners before meeting
Buying a car from a private owner is often cheaper than from a dealership. However, meeting strangers can be scary at any age. Buying a car online lets you feel out a seller first. Be wary of scams, and never send over any financial information without guaranteeing that the vehicle exists and is for sale. If you’re comfortable, you can request a video chat before you pay for the car.
Better loans in other states
Just as cars sell for different amounts in different states, so too do loan costs vary across the country. By applying for a loan in the state from which you buy your car, you may be able to save plenty of money to be put towards other things, like an impressive stereo system or some cheetah-print seat covers for your new ride.
Cruise the cyberspace
The digital age is revolutionizing every aspect of our lives, from long-distance communication to how we buy our cars. These tips and tricks show that you can transform surfing the web into cruising the highway.
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