It’s a question that has crossed every car shopper’s mind: should you buy your next car online or at the dealership? There are pros and cons to both options, and the right choice for you will ultimately depend on your specific needs and preferences. However, by carefully considering the benefits and drawbacks of each option, you can make an informed decision that will help you get the best deal on your next car. If you’re thinking about buying your next car online, here’s what you should know.
1. You Can Do Your Research from the Comfort of Your Own Home
If you are the type of shopper who likes to do extensive research before making a purchase, buying a car online can be a great option for you, given that 60% of the car-buying process is completed online. You can read reviews, compare prices, and get a good sense of the available features and options before you even step foot in a dealership.
2. You Can Get a Better Deal
In many cases, you can get a better deal on a car when you buy it online. This is because online car buying platforms typically have lower overhead costs than brick-and-mortar dealerships, and they may be able to pass those savings on to the consumer in the form of lower prices.
Another reason you might be able to get a better deal online is because you have more negotiating power. When you’re dealing with a salesperson one-on-one, they may be able to convince you to pay more than you had originally planned. However, when buying a car online, you can simply walk away from a deal if the price isn’t right.
Of course, it’s important to remember that not all deals you’ll find online will be better than what you could get at a dealership. In some cases, dealerships may offer special incentives or discounts that you won’t be able to find online. However, if you’re willing to do some comparison shopping, you’ll likely find an online deal that beats what you could get at a dealership.
3. You Have More Car Buying Options
When you buy a car online, you’re not limited to the inventory of the dealerships in your area. You can search nationwide for the perfect car, and you’re not limited by geography. This is especially beneficial if you’re looking for a rare or hard-to-find model.
Of course, one downside of this is that you can’t test drive the car before buying it. However, many online car buying platforms offer a money-back guarantee or a free trial period so that you can test out the car after you’ve received it. This takes away some of the risk involved in buying a car sight unseen.
4. You Can Get What You Are Looking for Faster
If you’re looking for a specific type of car and have trouble finding it at dealerships in your area, buying online can help you find the perfect match faster. Remember, most online car sellers now take mobile and automated advertising more seriously. It’s part of the reasons why programmatic advertising accounted for 72% of all mobile ad spending in the world. This means you are now more likely to see the ‘right’ car ad at the ‘right’ time on your mobile device as you go about your day. This can help to speed up the car buying process.
5. You Can Avoid the Hassle of Dealing with Salespeople
If you hate haggling with salespeople, buying a car online can be a great option for you. You can avoid the pressure and the hassle of dealing with salespeople altogether by buying a car online. This can be a great way to relieve some of the stress involved in buying a car.
Once you find and buy a car that fits your lifestyle, don’t forget to keep up with its maintenance! Regular oil changes, tune-ups, and other preventive measures will help to keep your car running smoothly for years to come. Remember, the national average cost to repair a vehicle is $356.04, but you can avoid some of these costs by taking good care of your car.
