Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

A green 2020 Ford Mustang BULLITT is shown rounding a corner after looking at local car sales.

Should You Buy a Used Car Online?

There’s a new sheriff in town when it comes to car sales. Online car dealers are becoming the go-to spots for drivers to find exactly what they’re looking for, with a no-hassle process, unbelievable convenience, and selections that blow traditional dealerships out of the water. If you are in the market for a used car, you may be wondering if online car dealerships can cater to your unique needs, or if they’re only geared toward those searching for new cars. Rest assured that no matter what type of car you’re looking for, and no matter what your budget happens to be, online car dealers can meet your expectations far better than traditional dealerships are capable of.

Benefits of Online Car Shopping

If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that you can literally find anything online, bringing a whole new level of convenience to the world. Whether you’re not in the mood to deal with crowds at the grocery store, or you’re on the lookout for a unique item for your loved one’s birthday, shopping online will grant you the flexibility and options you need to satisfy you. The same goes with online car shopping, and with so many dealerships to choose from, you’re not limited to what resides on just one lot. By car shopping online, you have access to hundreds of thousands of vehicles, enabling you to focus on finding what you truly want in your everyday travel companion, instead of compromising for whatever happens to be on the dealer lot.

The biggest perk of online car buying is that you don’t have to leave your house, and you’re able to shop for a car any time of the day or night. If you want, you can shop at midnight from your cozy living room sofa, without an eager salesperson breathing down your neck, urging you to make a decision. Another thing customers love about online car shopping is the fact that there are no stressful negotiations and price haggling. Online car dealerships offer fair prices and a no-hassle experience, so you can say goodbye to hours spent arguing over prices at an uncomfortable dealership.

Many customers are concerned about completing a process as important as buying a car alone, but with many reputable online car dealers, you won’t have to navigate this on your own. When you partner with a trusted online car dealer, you get to work with an experienced vehicle specialist who will help guide you through the process. This way, you won’t have to worry about whether or not you completed all aspects of your purchase properly. They will also help you arrange pickup or delivery of your vehicle, which enhances the convenience factor of your buying experience like never before. If you want to be able to search from a lineup of vehicles spanning the country, as well as do this at a pace that works for you, there’s no better way to buy a car than online.

What Types of Cars Can You Find Online?

The biggest advantage of online car sales is the fact that your options are seemingly limitless. There are some online dealers that specialize in new cars, while others focus solely on used models, so if you have a used car in mind, these are the dealers to partner with for best results. Think of online car buying as shopping at a mall. You’re not limited to one brand. You get to shop from every brand, all in one place. From Chevy and Ford to Toyota, Honda, Kia, and many others, you have the opportunity to explore vehicles from all of the top automakers in the industry. You’ll even find luxury vehicles, such as those from Lexus, Cadillac, BMW, so if you’ve always had your eye on an extravagant experience behind the wheel, buying used will allow you to obtain this.

You’ll also find plenty of different models, ranging from subcompact sedans fit for city commutes, to full-size SUVs built for families, tough trucks designed for work, and every size in between. From sports cars to SUVs of all shapes and sizes, hybrids, and classics, the selection of used models available in online inventories is beyond impressive. This is why, if you’re looking for a used car, online car dealerships are the best places to shop. You won’t be limited to the handful of used options available at your local lot, and you’ll be able to search for the perfect car, based on your unique criteria.

A teal 2021 Chevy Spark is shown driving on a city street.

FAQs About Buying a Car Online

When it comes to online car shopping, it’s understandable that you have some questions. Let’s answer some of these.

Where Is the Best Place to Buy a Car Online?

There are many options when it comes to online car buying, so finding the dealership that meets your needs is important. If you’re searching for a used vehicle, you’ll want to turn your attention to an online car dealer that specializes in used cars. This way, you’ll be able to choose from a remarkable lineup of used vehicles to find the model that ultimately suits your needs. You’ll also want to partner with an online dealer that filters out cars that aren’t in good condition so that you’re only shopping from the best inventory. It’s also helpful to find an online car dealer that has a team standing by to help you through the process because you don’t want to go it alone.

Is It Safe to Buy a Car Online?

Working with a respected online car dealer is a lot different than working with a random stranger on the internet. When you work with a reputable dealer, you won’t have to worry about safety throughout the process. Online car dealers won’t rush you through the process and they will have an arsenal of lenders available to help you craft the payment plan you need, just like a traditional dealership. If you’re being rushed or if your questions aren’t being answered, it’s time to find a new online car dealer to work with for this important purchase.

Are There Any Risks to Buying a Car Online?

The fact that online car dealerships offer no-hassle pricing means that you won’t get the chance to negotiate, which can actually be a positive for most drivers. Haggling over the price of your vehicle takes time and energy, so eliminating this from the process is appealing to many. Another limitation is the fact that you typically won’t be able to test drive the vehicle prior to delivery. The good news is that many online car dealerships offer a no-questions-asked return policy within a few days of delivery, which can be even better and more thorough than a traditional test drive. Terms and conditions vary, so be sure you review this and understand the terms prior to making your purchase.

A red 2021 Toyota GR Supra is shown at a racetrack.

Buying a Car Online

When it comes to online car sales, more drivers are choosing to go this route with their purchase than ever before. If you’re searching for a used car, finding the exact model with all the features you want is more achievable when shopping online. Remember, always find a reputable dealer that offers plenty of options for fair prices. If you’re focused on finding a used model, partner with a dealer that only offers pre-owned models in impeccable condition so that you can find the perfect vehicle for your travels. When you do a little research and choose the right online dealership, you won’t want to shop for a car any other way ever again.