Okay, we get it; there are dos and don'ts for almost everything in life. When it comes to buying a car online, we wish we could say there is only a list of things to do, but the reality (sigh) is that there are some things you need to make sure to avoid. After all, we are talking about buying a car here; an industry notoriously known for its lack of honesty. So let’s kick things off, here’s your first don’t, don't buy a new car online without reading our blog or reading this first.
Is Buying a Car Online that Much Different?
Umm, well, that depends. If you think car buying is just picking a car, arranging payment, and then taking the vehicle home, then, no, there isn't much difference. The reality is that there are many similarities between the car buying process at a dealership and going through the online experience. The big difference that FFUN Cars has avoided from the get-go is that when you buy your car online, you don't have to worry about the hassle and haggling with annoying salespeople. Another big difference is that online car shopping is way (like way way) more convenient than going to multiple car dealerships trying to find the right car. When you shop for your new vehicle with FFUN Cars, you never have to leave your house because it has the option of a 100% online experience with the best prices available for used cars.
The Don'ts of Buying a Car Online
We aren't trying to sound like a nagging parent by telling you what not to do when buying your new vehicle, but we care about you and want to share some big car buying no-nos! As you begin looking for your next car, don't forget to do your research. It's pretty easy to find information on anything these days; use that to your advantage and research the heck out of everything. This research should include details about the vehicles you are considering, what vehicles are selling for, what the car insurance will cost, what type of gas mileage it has, etc. Whether you are a first-time car buyer or a seasoned one, ensure you get a vehicle history report if you are buying a used vehicle.
Don't Assume Anything
Never assume that everything you read online is true. Duh! Remember, all these fancy "online" car buying dealerships may just say they are online, but in reality, you still have to go to the dealership, and if you've ever purchased a car from a dealership, you know how long that can take. As part of your research, look at reviews of online car dealerships to see what actual car buyers have said. You could just shop for your next car at FFUN Cars, where we can prove that our customers love their experiences.
Another thing; don't assume there's only one dealership that has the vehicle you're looking for and never fully complete the purchase transaction until you have read through all of the paperwork. It's easy to get fixated on the first car you see, especially if it checks off many boxes for your next car. Pump the brakes and remind yourself there are loads of other options, both at online car dealers, like FFUN Cars and the dreaded brick and mortar dealerships, so don't instantly buy the first car you like. You can always return to it if you don't find a different car you like better. Part of this might mean exploring other automakers that you never thought you would consider. You may call yourself a "Honda person" but end up in a Toyota or Tesla.
Never be afraid to ask questions. If you are buying a car online, there is always a way to contact the car dealer. If there isn't, don't buy from that site; it's probably not legit. At FFUN Cars, we don't want to bug you, so we let you do your thing, but know that one of our Customer Experience Specialists is here to answer any of your questions.
Don't be fooled by the monthly payment amount. Dealerships and salespeople have a way of using the "low" monthly payment to get customers one step closer to buying a vehicle from them. Can we say commission for the salesperson? If you're at a dealership, you might hear the line, "this is the lowest monthly payment I've seen," or something like that to make you feel like you are getting the best price ever on your car purchase. WRONG! Well, maybe it is, but don't be blindsided by the lines. When it comes to the automotive world and cars, look at the overall cost of the vehicle.
The Dos for Buying a Car Online
We'd love just to have one "do" for car buying, which would be, DO buy your car online at FFUN Cars! But, we should probably share some other tips not to seem totally biased.
Consider the type of vehicle you need, not necessarily the one you want. I mean, who doesn't want a two-seater BMW convertible? If you have a family, that's probably not the best option, and you'll want to shop around for larger vehicles, such as a minivan, sedan, or SUV. Pay attention to all of the details. This goes for buying a car online, and especially at a dealership.
Do you know what the price of the car you are looking at should cost? By knowing this, you can avoid getting ripped off and ensure you get the best price on the vehicle you want. On the topic of money, get qualified for a car loan before you start your car shopping. It's important to know what you can afford. Hate dealing with lenders from banks and credit unions? No problem, you don't have to. Get qualified through FFUN Cars in two minutes. Seriously, it only takes two minutes to complete a few forms, and your loan terms with interest rates will be emailed to you. The best part is that it won't impact your credit score. If you can, do have a down payment as it will make your monthly payments even more affordable, just like using your current vehicle as a trade-in will. The more money you can put towards your new car, the better chance you will get the best car for you and your lifestyle with payments you can afford.
Just because you buy a car online doesn't mean you skip the test drive. If you are purchasing a vehicle online and they don't offer a test drive, stay clear of buying from whichever sketchy site that is. #truthbomb, not all online car sites have a return policy, so look to see what each online car dealer offers. At FFUN Cars, you can take your "new" used car for a 24-hour test drive. If you don't like it, no problem. We’ve also got a 30-day money-back guarantee.
If you aren't dealing with anyone face-to-face, you may want to know how you will get your new car. Figure out delivery or pick-up options. At FFUN Cars, we already have that figured out; we deliver the vehicle to you; just saying.
Start browsing our massive inventory if you're reading to put these tips to work. You will see how convenient buying a car online can be.
