How to Purchase a Vehicle Online

How to Purchase a Vehicle Online
The dealership is often the only sensible choice for those wishing to buy a new vehicle. Thankfully, Consumer Reports' knowledgeable auto buyers, who secretly acquire over 50 vehicles annually for CR's testing, have a few tips for cutting down on time spent at the dealership:

Conduct research online. Choose the model, trim level, and features that best fit your requirements. Next, do an internet search to find out which dealerships sell cars with the features you want. Depending on availability, you might need to ask the local dealer you're dealing with if they can obtain you a car that's outside of your area, or you might need to broaden your search to include dealers in other states.

Talk. You don't have to physically visit a dealer to get in touch with them. Contact the dealer via text, phone, or email, whichever is most convenient for both of you.

Plan ahead for a test drive. You will eventually want to take a test drive before making a purchase. Spending less time at the dealership can be achieved by setting this up in advance. Make a note of the things you like and dislike about the car. This might assist you in selecting the trim that best fits your needs and reducing the number of models you have in mind.

Engage in distant negotiations. After you've selected a vehicle, use the phone or email to haggle over a price with each dealership. Make sure there are no fees or extras you don't agree with included in the final price by carefully going over the pricing breakdown. Before making a commitment, get the final, out-the-door pricing in writing.

Stoke contest. You might inform the dealers that you have received a range of pricing from them and encourage them to compete with one another for the best offer.

Learn about rewards. Be sure to inquire about discounts for conquest (moving from a rival brand) or customer loyalty (having the same brand of vehicle). Even on recently produced cars, CR's customers discover that incentives like these are simple ways to save a few thousand dollars.

Present a loan offer. Before you visit the dealership to sign the contract, shop online to find the best interest rate and financing terms. Having your bank or credit union preapprove a loan that meets your budget gives you a starting point for talks at the dealership, where you might even receive a more attractive loan offer. However, be advised that dealers often focus buyers on monthly payments when it comes to financing, which may or may not be within your means. (Remember to include insurance and sales tax in your overall budget.)

Don't give in to pressure. When speaking with the dealer from home, be honest about your expectations regarding price and the amount of time you will have when you get to the dealership. If the dealer tries to upsell you or add items you don't want, be prepared to leave. You may want to find another dealer that will work with you if the dealer is adamant about signing you up for in-house financing that doesn't beat your pre-approved offer.

CR teaches you how to outsmart the "four square" and other sales techniques used by auto dealerships.

How to Complete the Purchase of Your Vehicle
It is uncommon for an automobile sales contract to be completed entirely online because most jurisdictions require in-person signatures. 

Whether buying or leasing a car, obtaining finance and proving insurance are typically also part of the process, and the purchase agreement has certain requirements. Stephanie Brinley, associate director of research and analysis in AutoIntelligence at S&P Global Mobility, notes that although some automakers and used-car websites have developed methods to manage the paperwork primarily online, it still takes time and can be difficult. "Buying a car online is more difficult than ordering groceries to be delivered to your house."

Every state has different laws governing automobile sales contracts, which makes things more difficult, according to Mark Schirmer, director of public relations for Cox Automotive, an Atlanta-based auto industry monitoring firm. At some time during the car-buying process, you will be asked to sign documents, even if you are purchasing a used car online from Carvana.

The lesson learned: Be ready to make the purchase in person at the dealership.

CR's Build and Buy Automobile Purchasing Service
Consumer Reports provides its subscribers with free access to its Build & Buy Car Buying Service when they purchase a vehicle. 

With this service, you will have the ability to:

Find out what folks in your neighbourhood paid for a car that is comparable to what you are searching for.
Before you go to the dealership, check out the upfront pricing offers on particular cars.
From the convenience of your home, peruse a nationwide network of more than 12,000 prescreened dealers.
Get affordable prices on cars that fit your needs and tastes.
Get extra membership savings from participating dealers and save at least $100.
Look for the Consumer Reports recommendation sign to be promptly notified when a car has passed our stringent testing. 

Please leave your comments below and also subscribe and share this article. Thanks. 

By: Tom Fon