Sites such as what car? A new car will appeal to those who do not like to bargain
Dealers will be closed and we're stuck at home so we shop the car online
Until a few weeks ago, buying a car online stood out as one of the main advantages over buying it physically from a dealer: convenience. Now you can add one more: protecting your health. If you need to buy a car at this time, doing it remotely has the right to exist.
Buying online has been around for years, but give extra prominence when, from time to time, a car creator or new player in the market launches their own platform, like Hyundai in 2017 with Click Buy. John Azerbaijan, one of his first clients, is full of praise for the new service. “I can't be bothered going to car dealerships and I don't like being under pressure,” he says. “I did it at work when everyone was quieter and then I thought, 'OK, I'll go over to her and hit it.'”
Convenience and lack of sales pressure: Azerbaijan put a finger on why buying a car via the Internet, directly from manufacturers or through such services, our brand with sister on which car? with a new car purchase, is popular. We could name a third reason: fixed, no price haggling.
Apparently, most people don't like to negotiate. I will personally like it and, in any case, you owe it to yourself to get the best possible price. As a split-off, you experience the seller's confidence in their price, and you may find all sorts of extras thrown around. That said, it will take a pretty ruthless huckster to achieve some online savings, which we quote in the price comparison box on the opposite page.
Yet, as you would with a dealer, don't shop around when buying online. Compare prices, including any additional commissions and fees, before you click. You are not the first person to pay more for having a fixed price car than someone else.
Test Drive
Feel also talked about convenience. It's true that buying a car to work for a company, and preferably at home on your own, is more convenient than trawling physical dealers on a wet weekend. But have we forgotten? That's right: test drive.
When buying a new one, you are only about whether there is a model you like. With some online sellers that put you in touch with supply dealers, a test drive can be arranged. Also (and this is a bit cheeky), sort one out with your local dealer. Either way, you'll have to leave your chair.
Buying a used car online is a different matter. Unlike a new car, a unique one is used. You may not be able to drive and inspect it, so go for online sellers who accept accurate descriptions of their vehicles, backed up with detailed photographs. Cars must come from trusted dealers who abide by the rules set explicitly with the online seller.
A word about your swap…
Few of us buy a new car without an old part-exchange. Luckily, most online car dealers provide a vehicle valuation tool in which you'll enter your car's registration, mileage, and condition in exchange for a value guide. Do not be surprised if you quoted in the figure - this is low. The point is that you get a big discount on a new car, leaving nothing in the way of a partial exchange allowance for your old one. Don't worry about it. What questions should go from one to another and when buying online, you should still be in a good position.
What you should be concerned about is being honest about the condition of your old car. If you said it was like new, but it turns out to be an old nail when put together, the online seller will have to adjust the deal numbers.
Know your rights - and your limits
You may be surprised to know that you have more rights than buying online when buying from a car dealership. They are contained in the consumer contract rules (2013).
In addition to requiring the seller to provide a detailed description of the vehicle and a breakdown of fees and other costs, the policy provides for a cancellation period starting from the time the order is placed and ending 14 days after receiving the vehicle. During this time, you can return the car (or, more likely, it was taken), although the rules say you have another 14 days during which this can be done. In any case, you are entitled to a full refund.
Full return? Only if you satisfy the fair-use seller's restrictions. You see, within 14 days of delivery, there is no authorization cancellation to treat the car as a free car rental, as there will be no restrictions in terms of how many kilometers you can drive it (between 10 and 100 miles). Anything beyond these limits and the seller may refuse to return the vehicle.
If it's a new car, then the seller may claim to have lost a significant portion of their car's value and seek to win back a little from you. If you damage it, you will have to pay the costs. If you're returning it because it's defective, there's not likely to be a fee, but if it's because you just don't like it, there probably will be.
Finally, make sure you identify who your contract of sale is with. Some online sellers are little more than an introducer who will direct you to a dealer delivery to close a deal. This does not necessarily affect your rights, but it may not matter if there are disputes.
Don't forget that your dealer
Car dealerships have their downsides, but buying your next car from a car dealership is a good chance to build a relationship that can be useful to you in the future. You may need a last minute car loan, someone to fight your corner in warranty or buddies on the internet next time… they might be able to help.
To buy or not to buy online...
That's a real question, but as competition among online merchants heats up, so their standards are getting better. Currently, online shopping is the safest way to get your next new or used car, but even when we get out of this difficult situation, it still looks attractive - at least - poor and modest and indecisive.
DOS, not when buying online
Do…
■ Compare sellers prices, payment, warranties and warranties
■ Favor the seller who is clear and upfront at every stage of the purchase process
■ Describe your part-exchange accurately
Not…
■ Reduce your guard simply because buying online is convenient
■ Lay around other tasks but give it your full attention
■ Forget to check who your contract is with
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