How to Buy a Car Online: A Guide to Researching, Finding and Purchasing Vehicles Online

Thanks to modern car sales websites, the entire process of buying a new or used vehicle can be done from the comfort of your home. This guide explains how to research cars online, find reputable online sellers, negotiate pricing, arrange financing, and complete your purchase remotely.

While traditional car buying at brick-and-mortar dealerships is still commonplace, shifting your shopping online offers convenience and selection advantages. Follow this advice for smoothly navigating web-based car buying from start to finish.

Benefits of Buying a Car Online

Here are the prime advantages of buying a car through online auto retailers vs visiting local dealerships:

• Wider selection — Access to nationwide inventory provides far more choices than your area dealers.
• Competitive pricing — Online sellers aim to win on price against other e-retailers.
• No haggling — Set “no haggle” prices avoid tedious negotiations.
• Home test drives — Many online sellers offer local test drive delivery to your door.
• Financing options — Secure financing online prior to purchase.
• Convenience — Complete the purchase fully online without lengthy dealer visits.
• Reviews visibility — Transparent online reviews help identify reputable sellers.

For buyers that dislike the old-school dealership gamesmanship, online purchasing provides a streamlined alternative.

Here’s a table summarizing the benefits of buying a car online:

BenefitDescriptionWider SelectionAccess to nationwide inventory, not just local stockCompetitive PricingOnline sellers compete aggressively on priceNo HagglingSet prices avoid haggling hasslesHome Test DrivesSellers can bring cars to your home to testFinancingPre-approval online simplifies financingConvenienceSkip lengthy trips to the dealershipReviews VisibilityTransparent online reviews build trust

How to Research Cars Online Before Buying

Before you buy, use online resources to become an informed shopper:

• Manufacturer sites — Browse models, build and price vehicles, view offers.
• Automotive reviews — Research expert reviews from sites like Car & Driver, Motortrend, Edmunds.
• Forums — Read first-hand experiences from owners on forum sites.
• Model-specific forums — Join a forum for the specific vehicle you’re interested in.
• Comparative reviews — Cross-shop makes and models on sites like Kelley Blue Book and Cars.com.
• Reliability data — Consult Consumer Reports or J.D. Power ratings to compare projected reliability.
• Safety tests — Check crash test results from the NHTSA and IIHS.

Doing your homework online helps you zero in on the right vehicle before you start shopping.

Here are 7 key things to research online about any car before buying:

• Expert Reviews
• Owner Forums
• Model-Specific Forums
• Comparison Test Reviews
• Reliability Ratings
• Safety Tests
• Manufacturer Website

Where to Buy a Car Online

Once you decide on a make and model, here are trusted sites to shop:

• Carvana — One of the largest online car retailers with huge inventory.
• Vroom — Similar model to Carvana with thousands of vehicles available.
• Shift — Focuses more on used cars but offers at-home test drives.
• CarMax — The online arm of the largest used retail chain.
• TrueCar — Matches buyers with discounted pricing from certified dealers.
• Autotrader — Popular classifieds site to buy from both dealers and individuals.
• Cars.com — Owned by major dealers, combines classifieds with online purchasing.

Sticking with major online retailers helps ensure a smooth purchase from start to finish.

Here are 7 top places to buy a car online:

• Carvana
• Vroom
• Shift
• CarMax
• TrueCar
• Autotrader
• Cars.com

What to Look for in a Reputable Online Car Retailer

Here are signs an online auto seller is trusted and legitimate:

• Established history — Longstanding players tend to be more reliable.
• Satisfaction guarantees — Return policies in case the vehicle falls short of expectations.
• Positive reviews — Check sites like TrustPilot and Google for actual customer feedback.
• Responsive support — They have streamlined communication channels like live chat, text, phone support.
• Physical dealership — Many operate real dealerships alongside online sales.
• Transparent pricing — Advertised prices include all fees so what you see is what you pay.

A little due diligence goes a long way in determining an honest e-commerce experience.

Here are 5 signs of a reputable online car retailer:

• Longstanding Company History
• Satisfaction Guarantee
• Positive Customer Reviews
• Responsive Customer Support
• Transparent Pricing

Buying New Cars Online

Purchasing a brand new vehicle online follows a typical workflow:

• Choose model/trim — Select the exact new car you want using online configurators to customize color, options, packages.
• Get price quote — Receive a firm pricing quote upfront, avoiding haggling.
• Arrange test drive — Many sellers will bring the new car to you for a home test drive.
• Verify availability — Make sure the dealer has your preferred car in stock or can source it from another location.
• Complete purchase — Finalize your order online by securing financing and signing paperwork digitally.
• Schedule delivery — Your new car can be delivered to your home or a store location.

While less hands-on, buying a new car online can be done comfortably end-to-end.

Here are the 6 steps to buying a new car online:

1. Choose Model and Customize Build
2. Get Upfront Pricing Quote
3. Schedule Local Test Drive
4. Verify Dealer Vehicle Availability
5. Finalize Purchase Remotely
6. Schedule Home Delivery

Buying Used Cars Online

For used vehicles, there are a few additional steps to the online process:

• Read listing carefully — Check details like miles, options, and condition. Ask seller for clarification as needed.
• Vet seller reputation — Ensure the seller has solid reviews and history before sending money.
• Get vehicle history report — Purchase and review an Autocheck or Carfax report for that specific VIN.
• Arrange inspection — If local, take the vehicle for an independent inspection first.
• Complete sale — Finalize deal online and submit final payment once you accept the vehicle.
• Transfer title — The seller will provide title showing you as owner to register in your name with the DMV.

Paying close attention to the vehicle condition and seller reputation is key when buying used online. Test drives also remain highly recommended.

Here is a 6-step checklist for buying a used car online:

1. Carefully Review Listing Details
2. Vet Seller Reputation
3. Verify VIN History Report
4. Get Independent Inspection
5. Finalize Sale Online
6. Transfer Title Registration

How to Negotiate the Best Car Price Online

Here are tips for scoring the lowest price when buying online:

• Compare multiple sellers — Get quotes from at least 3 online dealers for maximum price leverage.
• Check listing duration — Cars sitting longer tend to have more wiggle room on price.
• Note cosmetic flaws — Use minor dents/dings as justification to ask for a discount.
• Master timing — Ask for a deeper discount if it’s month/quarter end when sales goals loom.
• Secure financing first — Having outside financing gives you more leverage to resist dealer financing offers.
• Highlight competing offers — Politely let sellers know you have lower quotes in hand.

Cast a wide net to force sellers to put their best deal forward or lose the sale.

Here are 6 price negotiation tips:

• Get Quotes from Multiple Sellers
• Check How Long Listing Has Been Live
• Use Cosmetic Flaws to Ask for Discount
• Time Requests Around Sales Goals
• Have Separate Financing Lined Up
• Mention Competing Lower Offers

Arranging Financing for an Online Car Purchase

You have two main options to fund your online vehicle purchase:

Dealer Financing

• Often lowest rates on new cars with OEM support
• Used financing generally through third-party banks
• Apply and get pre-approved online first

Outside Financing

• Credit union financing typically offers the lowest rates
• Bank pre-approval also an option
• Gives you leverage to negotiate dealer financing down

Having financing locked in beforehand, whether internally or externally, smooths the online buying process.

Here’s an overview of online car purchase financing options:

TypeProsConsDealer FinancingMay have best new car ratesUsed financing rates higherOutside FinancingLower rates at credit unionsLess convenience

Documents Needed to Finalize an Online Car Purchase

To wrap up a remote car purchase, have these items ready:

• Photo ID — Driver’s license or other government-issued ID for identity verification.
• Proof of insurance — Your policy showing valid auto insurance coverage.
• Finance approval — Approved loan details if not paying cash.
• Spaces for e-signatures — Online forms to sign sales documents and financing contracts.
• Registration documents — Paperwork to register and title the vehicle in your state.
• Payment information — Card for deposit or wire transfer details to transmit final payment.

Much of the paperwork can be completed digitally for a touchless end-to-end experience.

Here are 6 key documents needed for an online car purchase:

1. Valid Photo ID
2. Current Proof of Auto Insurance
3. Financing Approval Details
4. Electronic Signature Forms
5. Vehicle Registration Paperwork
6. Payment Information

Inspecting and Test Driving Cars Bought Online

Here’s how to fully vet a vehicle before finalizing an online auto purchase:

Virtual Walkaround

• Many sellers provide 360-degree vehicle tours and detailed photos to view remotely.

Independent Inspection

• For local vehicles, take to a trusted mechanic for an inspection first.

At Home Test Drives

• Many sellers offer test drives brought right to your home by a product specialist.

Rental Car Test Periods

• Some sellers give 5–7 day rental periods or money-back guarantees if not satisfied.

Don’t finalize a purchase until you get eyes on the car, get it inspected, and do an extensive test drive.

Here are 4 ways to inspect an online car purchase:

• Virtual Video Walkaround
• Independent Pre-Purchase Inspection
• At-Home Test Drive
• Rental Car Trial Period

How Does Car Shipping Work with Online Purchases?

Once you finalize the deal, online sellers can coordinate delivery:

• Nationwide shipping — Major transport companies ship to your door.
• Open vs. enclosed — Open transport is cheaper but vehicle exposed. Enclosed costs more but protects from elements.
• Cost — For a typical sedan, transport runs $600-$1,000 for a 500–750 mile trip. Longer distances cost more.
• Door-to-door service — Some carriers will collect the vehicle and deliver right to your address.
• Timeframe — Coast-to-coast transport takes roughly 1 week. Regional shipping is just 2–3 days.

Online car purchases open up geography — now any vehicle in the country can easily end up in your driveway!

Here are 5 key things to know about shipping an online car purchase:

• Nationwide Door-to-Door Shipping
• Enclosed Transport for Protection
• $600-$1000 Average Cost for 500–750 Miles
• Coast-to-Coast is ~1 Week
• Regional Shipping Only 2–3 Days

What Are the Risks of Buying a Car Online?

While online sales provide many advantages, also weigh these potential downsides:

• No face-to-face interaction — Lose opportunity to build personal trust through a salesperson.
• No dealer maintenance — No ongoing service relationship with the seller. Must find other shops.
• Tight return windows — Much shorter return periods than at a dealership.
• No immediate ownership — Must wait for shipping if the vehicle is not local.
• Scams — Some fake online listings aim to extract payments from buyers without delivering a car.
• Harder price negotiations — Less leverage negotiating remotely versus in person.

As with any major purchase, careful vetting and common sense is key for minimizing risk when buying online.

Here are 6 key risks to consider with online car buying:

1. No In-Person Sales Relationship
2. Lose Dealer for Service
3. Short Return Windows
4. Wait for Delivery if Not Local
5. Potential Scams
6. Less Negotiation Leverage

5 Key Questions to Ask When Buying a Car Online

Does the online seller have a solid reputation?

Check for longstanding history, reviews, satisfaction guarantee.

Can I get the car inspected before buying?

Absolutely, insist on an independent inspection first if local.

Will you deliver the car for a test drive?

Many sellers provide home test drives to give you a risk-free trial.

Who handles the shipping process?

Reputable online sellers will coordinate professional nationwide shipping to your door.

What are the return rights if unsatisfied?

Understand the return policy before committing to ensure you have an out if needed.

Here are 5 key questions to ask any online car seller:

1. What is your company reputation?
2. Can I get the car inspected first?
3. Do you offer home test drives?
4. Who handles shipping?
5. What is your return policy?

Is Buying a Car Online Right for You?

Here are a few key questions to assess if you should take the online route for your next car purchase:

• Are you comfortable buying a vehicle you haven’t seen and touched in person?
• Do you prefer having guidance from an expert sales agent?
• Do you want to form a relationship with a local service department?
• Are you willing to wait for delivery if the car must be shipped?
• Are you able to arrange independent inspections and test drives locally?

If you answered yes to these questions, then online shopping could provide the convenience and selection to find your ideal next vehicle. For hands-on buyers who value personal interactions, traditional dealerships may remain the better choice.

Ask yourself these 5 questions before committing to buy a car online:

1. Am I comfortable not seeing the car first?
2. Do I want guidance from a salesperson?
3. Is building a service relationship important?
4. Can I wait for delivery?
5. Can I inspect and test drive locally?

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