Buying a Car Online - Seven Tips

Okay, so you've decided it's time for a new set of wheels. The old crocker has kicked the bucket and it's time to move on up! Buying a car online can be a wonderful opportunity to get an awesome deal, that's right, you need not fall victim to the seedy salesman with his automotive hell trap that bit your mate in the ass like a rabid dog…

Buying online can put you in the driver's seat of the deal! But let's get a few things straight with these helpful tips before you dive in and splurge on the dream ride.

Tip 1

Do you know what you are looking for? Make sure that you research the car you've been dreaming of. Take a moment to ask yourself what your needs are, how many people will you be driving around, what can you afford –including running costs. Don't let insurance and licensing costs pop up as ghosts in the night at a later stage. Know your enemy and you will conquer!

Tip 2

So you've locked onto your target model and you're ready for the next step. Enter the cyber showroom of your chosen manufacturer and check out the model's details. Familiarise yourself with the specifications and price. Now go read reviews, online, in car magazines, in newspapers… anywhere and everywhere you can. What's good about your chosen model, and what's not so good? Reconnaissance missions set you up for success.

Tip 3

You still want it? You're probably onto a keeper, so now go get some quotes. Shopping around for a deal is vital if you don't want to be taken for a fool. Check out your chosen model on the websites of a couple of dealers and see what they've got on offer. How do the prices sit with you after your extensive research? Looking good?

Tip 4

Now, time to take out the calculator. How much is this baby going to cost you in total? Insurance, taxes, tires, fuel, licence, services, etc. Add it up. Can you stomach it? Unless you have a nice chunk of cash in your pocket you may need to opt for car financing, and if so you need to see what the best plan for repayments is. You can check out your credit score online if you are unsure about your standing.

Tip 5

Get out a bright light and a pair of pliers. Interrogate the dealer. The most important info you need is about warranties, delivery costs, insurance details, whether the tank will be filled, are there any discount opportunities, maybe some free accessories and do they supply an onsite inspection report?

Tip 6

Insurance can be bought from the dealer or from an independent insurance company. Go ahead and compare the deals offered by insurance companies. You want the best for the lowest price, so it will take some comparative analysis to find the optimum insurance for your new car.

Tip 7

Before you actually buy the car, be sure to read the agreement. If you have questions then ask. Use the customer service provided. Be assertive and sure of each step. When you are happy with everything you can go ahead with the purchase. Soon you will be tearing up the tarmac in your shiny new ride…