Attention Car Buyers: Some Tips for Buying a Car on the Internet
(ARA) - Shopping for a new or used car in cyberspace provides a convenient and comfortable environment for buying a car without the high-pressure sales tactics commonly found on car lots.
The first step, finding the perfect car to buy, is probably the most difficult. With so many options to choose from, knowing where to begin is essential. A good place to start is the manufacturer’s Web site. For example, if a potential buyer is interested in a Subaru, they can visit www.subaru.com and find a wealth of information about a specific model. It is also important to research independent reviews of the car of interest. For reviews, visit www.caranddriver.com or www.edmunds.com -- they both cover a wide range of makes of models.
If buyers are unsure of what they want, www.carsdirect.com is a helpful site that acts as a virtual salesroom for new cars. Once buyers receive a quoted price, they can compare that price with the MSRP or invoice price. A great place to find this information is on www.edmunds.com, which provides MSRPs, invoice prices, and its own True Market Value pricing for just about every car on the market. When buyers are satisfied with the price, they can place a deposit on the car and submit an order for pickup or delivery.
The next step, and often the most painful one, involves securing a loan. However, the Internet can make this process much easier. Many sites, including www.eloan.com, allow shoppers to apply for and receive loan approvals in just hours. If looking for a faster response, www.peoplefirst.com offers approval decisions within 15 minutes. Buyers can also visit www.bankrate.com to can make certain they are receiving a fair deal in addition to finding the latest information on car loan interest rates.
Finally, car buyers can also insure their new car without leaving their home. Several sites including www.insurance.com, www.pivot.com and www.insweb.com offer online marketplaces to inform consumers about car insurance and shop for free quotes. These sites recommend getting at least three quotes to guarantee accuracy.
One of the biggest concerns people have when buying a used car is recognizing whether or not they are getting a “lemon.” The Net can help buyers find out. For a one-stop-shop atmosphere, visit www.is-it-a-lemon.com. This site provides used car buyers with information on state lemon laws, performance, statistics and history about a wide range of manufacturers’ vehicles as well as links to Car Fax reports and the Kelly Blue Book. Internet sites such as www.carfax.com and www.cardetective.com can also track a vehicle’s history and provide detailed reports for under $20.
Perhaps the most important thing shoppers can arm themselves with in buying a used car is a warranty. To explore warranty options, visit www.warrantydirect.com. This site offers used car buyers low-priced loans and a wide variety of options.
Buying a car online, whether new or used, can be an enjoyable and simple experience, provided that car buyers know where to go and how to protect themselves.
Courtesy of ARA Content
