Buying a Car Online
Yes you can actually pick out the car of your dreams and never set foot in the dealership until you go to take delivery.
How easy is this? A lot easier and so much more hassle free than dealing with salesmen swarming around you the minute you walk on the lot. Just a few steps and you can get behind the wheel of your new car in about 45 minutes to an hour. Yes you will still have to spend some real time at the dealer but it is so worth it in the end.
First, we will assume you already have the car of your dreams in mind, down to every detail including the floor mats. If you haven’t many automakers offer “Build Your Own” functions on their website. You pick out exactly what you want and in real-time can view images of all the features, bells and whistles.
Second, price your vehicle. Many sites like Edmunds.com and Kelly Blue Book offer free pricing. Know before you buy. Once you know what others have paid and what you are willing to pay you will need financing.
Online financing is easy to apply for and if you have less than perfect credit it is less embarrassing than dealing face to face with a lender that you fear may reject you. Once approved you will receive a check, usually overnight, that you can then use as “the bait” for the absolute best deal.
So you know the car you want, what you are willing to pay and you have your check in hand. Now comes the best part. Most dealerships today have a department or at least one manager dedicated to online sales. If not, the dealers will at least have an email address.
Most dealership websites have their inventory online. Look at their inventory and see if they have the car you want. Often they’ll have a “Make An Offer Now” button on the page about that car.
Write an email and then send it to every dealer in your area that sells the auto of your dreams. Let them know you have been preapproved for $X and that you are ready to sign over the check from your lender to the dealer that gives you the best price. Hit send and let the replies come in.
They can’t use all the tricks to keep you from walking off the lot that car salesmen are famous for, because you aren’t on the lot. You’re at home or work doing whatever you want to be doing. When an email arrives, you can think about their offer without pressure.
My last automobile was purchased this way. There was a bit of work I had to do as far as researching the car, finding a lender and then sending the emails and replying in kind. But once I got the auto I wanted at the price I wanted, I drove to the lot, signed over the check, went over the paperwork and I was driving home in my new car 45 minutes later. Easy and convenient. Try it.
Author Bio: Written by Shane Hurley Cadillac Chicago Des Moines GMC Used Cars in Southern California
Category: Automotive
Keywords: car shopping, buying a new car, online car shopping