So, you need to buy a car. But with all the salesmen staring you in your face and their hard-to-digest offers, it can be very hard for you to do it. Who wants to be under pressure when it comes to buying a car? It should be a joyous experience.
Thankfully, there’s a way around that: using the Internet.
The Internet has helped in many ways when it comes to shopping – and buying vehicles online are the same. Yes, you can buy a car like a dress (without test driving it), but that would be the wrong way to go about it (it can result in an expensive mistake!).
So here’s the ultimate guide on how you can buy a car online!
Six Step-Guide to Buying a Car Online
Consider Your Needs & Wants
So what makes buying a car different from any other product? The biggest challenge of buying a car is actually being able to find one that suits your needs.
You have to consider several factors such as space, budget, fuel efficiency, if you’re planning on getting a car for yourself or family members and so on. You have to consider all these factors to determine what you want in a vehicle and why. The more research you do, the better you’ll be able to come up with a list of cars that suit your needs.
Start the Online Hunt!
You can find cars online through various websites such as eBay Motors, Kijiji, and (if you’re desperate) Craigslist. These sites offer used and new cars from different sellers. You can find cars available through private sales (meaning just you and the seller) or through dealerships.
However, the most important factor when choosing between websites is their credibility. Don’t hesitate to check up on these websites to see which one has better customer satisfaction because this would at least tell you how reliable the service (and the sellers) could be.
Maximize a Car Buying Service
If you don’t want the hassle of searching for a vehicle yourself, you can always use a car buying service like Carismo. These services streamline the buying process, as all you have to do is submit the vehicle details, and you’ll be provided with a list of cars ready to be test-driven. It’s super simple and stress-free!
These sites offer new and used cars that are sold in legitimate dealerships in your local area. They put into consideration several aspects before posting the prices of each car on their website, so expect to see only the most reasonably priced listings here. These sites are also an excellent source for well-informed car shoppers who may want to find out more about specific makes and models they wish to purchase.
Compare & Contrast Your Favourite Cars
Make a list and then compare what each car offers and what it doesn’t. You should consider factors such as budget, long-term costs, fuel efficiency, and features, as well as age, make and model.
Then, use the Internet (what a shock!) to find out more information about each of those vehicles, so you know if they’re worth the investment.
Take your time, do your research, and really think about it: it will make your hunt easier.
Book in Your Test Drive
The unique factor that separates buying a car online versus other products is the ability to “test” the car – aka test driving. For one thing, you wouldn’t want to buy a car without test driving it first. So the next step is to book a test drive of all your favourite vehicles on your list.
When you’re in the car, try all the features (reverse camera, Bluetooth and so forth), performance (the steering, speed and brakes) and on different types of roads (highways and rough terrains), so you get an idea of what to expect from your vehicle.
Bid & Negotiate!
You’ll know the price of the vehicle prior to testing it (thanks to the Internet), so once you test drive it, you’ll gauge if it is worth the value or not. Now – it’s time to negotiate. Always go in a little lower, so you have some wiggle room to get a solid deal. There might be some bartering back-and-forth, but that’s just part of the process.
If you can’t strike a deal, move on to the next car – remember: there are plenty of options out there! This may take time and effort, but once you’ve found the perfect car, it’s all worth it!
