Buying a new or used vehicle can sometimes be a frustrating experience. You might have something particular in mind but can’t seem to find it locally. That can mean your search extends to the internet. Many people buy vehicles online, but that doesn’t mean they all have a pleasant buying experience. Fortunately, that might be the case for you by following these simple steps:
Step 1: Set a Budget
Whether you buy a car online or from a dealership in your local area, you’ll need to set a budget. A budget can help you narrow your options and ensure you only spend what you can afford.
What you set as your vehicle budget can depend on how you plan to pay for it. You might have enough money for a deposit and want to finance the rest. Alternatively, you might have been saving for an extended period to pay for a new car with cash.
Generally, your transportation expenses should only make up under 10% of your monthly income. After all, there’s more to vehicle ownership than the sales price alone. You must also factor in registration, insurance, repairs, and maintenance. Once you have a budget in mind, you can start browsing for vehicles online that suit your financial situation and preferences.
Step 2: Research Suitable Vehicles
There can be tens of thousands of vehicles advertised for sale online within your budget at any one time. However, being within your budget doesn’t mean they suit your wants or needs. Consider whether you prefer a sedan, SUV, van, or something else. It’s also a good idea to think about how you’ll use your vehicle and the roads you’ll need to travel.
Some people buy SUVs because they have children and need something large enough for car seats and strollers. Others require pickup trucks to carry building supplies for their home projects. When you let your needs guide your decision, you may improve your chances of purchasing a vehicle that meets them.
While you can research vehicles in general terms, you can also study particular makes and models. This can be an essential step to determine their safety, reliability, efficiency, and performance.
Some vehicles might tick all the right boxes from an aesthetic and functional perspective but let you down regarding safety and reliability. The more you know about specific makes and models, the easier it might be to make your purchasing decision later.
Step 3: View Online Listings
You now know how much you’re willing to spend and the type of vehicle to suit your needs. Now, it’s time to view online listings. Where you view these listings can be a matter of preference. However, it pays to keep safety in mind.
Purchasing from private sellers can be risky when you have no warranties or come-back when things go wrong. You might secure a bargain price tag, but there are no guarantees that you won’t be left with significant repair bills soon after purchase. Suddenly, that ‘bargain’ is no longer.
Buying from a dealership with a significant online presence can often be recommended. Generally, vehicles from dealerships have been inspected. Moreover, dealerships must follow stringent laws in the name of buyer protection.
Step 4: Arrange a Test Drive
You might like how a car looks in pictures, but there’s often nothing quite like seeing it in person and getting behind the steering wheel. If it’s within a convenient driving distance of where you are, consider arranging a test drive. You can then learn whether it’s the right car for you.
However, you don’t have to say no to a vehicle just because it’s inconveniently located for a test drive. Many reputable online sellers offer free returns if you collect a car or have it delivered and realize you don’t like it. They give you a limited number of days or miles to decide. As a result, you can often buy a car online without test-driving it and enjoy knowing you can get your money back.
Step 5: Perform a Mechanical Check
A thorough mechanical check is always advised if you’ve chosen to purchase a vehicle from a private seller. Just because someone looks trustworthy doesn’t mean they are. Ask for a vehicle history report to learn more about its condition, accident history, and ownership. You can also take it to a trusted mechanic to have them inspect it.
If you’re buying a vehicle without seeing it in person first, you can ask the seller to provide a real-time inspection over a video call. You can even request that they take it to a mechanic of your choice in their area.
However, this is where purchasing from reputable dealerships can be preferred. While you can still ask questions for your own peace of mind, many dealerships perform 150-point inspections and offer warranty periods. If anything goes wrong with the vehicle within a specific period, they may take care of repairs for you.
Step 6: Negotiate a Price
Most vehicle owners already know they can save money by owning a car. However, they may save even more during the shopping process. The price of a vehicle listed online isn’t necessarily the best a private seller or dealership can do. There may be room to negotiate if you ask the question.
In saying that, some online dealerships have such sharp prices that negotiations aren’t necessary. In fact, they advertise negotiation-free sales because they’re confident you won’t find a better deal elsewhere.
Step 7: Take Ownership
You’ve researched suitable vehicles, found one you like, and agreed on a price. Now, it’s time to sign on the dotted line and take ownership. How you take ownership can depend on where you’ve purchased your vehicle.
Most private sellers expect you to collect your vehicle. Some might drive halfway to meet you if it’s convenient for them. However, many online dealerships are more flexible. They might let you collect it if you don’t mind traveling, but they can also arrange delivery for your convenience.
Buying a car online doesn’t have to be a stressful or complicated process. With the right seller, you may enjoy a frustration-free and easy buying process that sees you with a reliable vehicle you love.