Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

A customer choosing online car sales is shown.

Evaluating the Industry: Why It Pays to Buy a Car Online

Although we’re mostly back to normal since the world seemed to halt three years ago, one of the industries that suffered the longest following the pandemic was the automotive industry. Thankfully, industry experts have predicted that 2023 will mark the first year of “relative stability” for the industry,. Materials are back in supply, and more vehicles are becoming available, prompting car sales to increase. If you’re looking to buy a car in 2023, it’s important to know that you have more options since you last purchased a vehicle, one of which is finding a car online. Online shopping has seen a substantial rise since the pandemic, especially since buyers are realizing how easy and convenient it is, and car shopping is no exception. When it’s time to make your big purchase, many industry experts are promoting the advantages of buying a car online.

Car Sales Trends

The past three years have seen detrimental effects to the automotive industry with supply chain shortages, high price mark-ups, and an all-around decline in the cars available for sale. This prompted many buyers to hold off on buying a car until the industry got back on its feet again. Well, that time is now, with many automakers offering lower prices on their vehicles since the start of the pandemic and a slew of new vehicles being introduced. More online car dealers have also popped up, offering a convenient way to find the car you love for a price that works with your budget, all without having to carve time out of your schedule to head to a dealership.
According to J.P. Morgan, both new and used car prices are set to decrease, which will allow more drivers to find exactly what they’re looking for to add value to their everyday travels. This is especially common online, with many online car dealerships offering a larger database of cars located all across the country to provide buyers with seemingly endless options in their search. Many drivers are drawn to used cars, and as prices of pre-owned models are expected to fall by 10-20% this year, now is the time to find the right car for the right price. You may want to consider doing this online.

Wooden blocks are shown stating 2023 trends.

Why Buy a Car Online?

With the arrival of many new models to the industry this year, this has inevitably prompted the masses to consider trading in their current vehicles. This adds even more options to used car inventories across the country. The arrival of new vehicles will also increase new vehicle inventories as well, making for an abundance of new and used vehicles for sale that we haven’t seen for the past three years. Online car dealers are benefiting the most, as these dealers seek to keep their inventories stocked with options to appeal to virtually any buyer imaginable. Online car dealers feature many more options than in-person dealerships can offer, which allows buyers to focus on what they really want in a vehicle and pinpoint that vehicle’s exact location throughout the country.
Online car buying allows shoppers the freedom of completing this process on their own time, and without a sales person looking over their shoulder. If you’re one of the many who has a packed schedule, you’ll be thankful that online shopping is an option. Online car shoppers are also known to do more research on vehicles, helping them to obtain the vehicle they really want and need for their travels. Plus, with the ability to shop from the comfort of your sofa at 3 a.m. on a Friday night, it just goes to show why more drivers are choosing to buy a car this way. According to a survey conducted by Progressive, 81% of online car shoppers choose to finance their vehicles, and with easy and convenient financing options, online car sales continue to skyrocket.
In the same survey, approximately 67% of online car buyers traded in a vehicle to help bring their monthly payments down even more to further appeal to their budgets. Many shoppers want the perks of working with a dealership like being able to trade in their current vehicles, as well as enjoy outstanding finance rates, which is exactly what you can expect when you work with an online car dealer. It also helps that many reputable online car dealers have dedicated specialists who work with you every step of the way, helping you find the car to match your lifestyle and a payment plan to match your budget, so you’re not going about this process on your own.
In the end, online car sales are becoming more popular because it’s convenient and simple to complete the entire process. Not only do you have access to many more vehicles than you would on a physical dealer lot, but you also get to enjoy the process from home, as all of the paperwork is completed on your time and your vehicle is delivered wherever you desire. Today, we want convenience, from being able to order groceries and dinner that gets delivered right to our door, to meeting with a doctor for a consultation right from our phone. Car buying should be no exception, and online dealerships make this possible.

Vehicle inventory is shown.

Online Car Inventories

A number of different makes and models are featured in online dealership inventories, which makes it even easier to find exactly what you’re looking for. For instance, there are a wide array of SUVs of all shapes and sizes, including those perfect for families, adventurers, and everyday commuters. Tough trucks in the lineup make it easy to find the ideal workmate or trail explorer, while dependable and efficient sedans and EVs are ready to maximize your drive in unimaginable ways. With so many options to choose from, you’re bound to find a model that checks all the boxes on your list of must-have vehicle features.
In addition to all of the different makes and models, online car dealers also showcase an abundance of different years. If you’re searching for a classic, you’re more likely to find it online. You can also sort by payment, mileage, color, features, and so much more, creating a list of vehicles that are perfect for you. Online car inventories are extensive, offering something for everyone, which is why more drivers are choosing to shop this way than at traditional dealerships.

Finding Your Ideal Car Online

If you’re one of the many who has held out for the right car these past couple of years, now is the time to start your search, and many believe that there’s no better place to start than online. After all, you buy everything from clothing to food items online, so why not cars? With all of the advantages of shopping online for a car, it’s only natural that the industry is expected to see a shift in buying behavior.
Plenty of benefits and an abundance of options make online car buying the best way for many drivers to shop. We recommend finding a respected online car dealer who is experienced in online car sales and features a versatile lineup of top-quality vehicles. You’ll also want to partner with a dealer who provides you with the help you need in order to make the most out of your experience. The future of the automotive industry is shining brighter than before, and when you don’t want to compromise on your options, you’ll want to shop online.