Essential Tips for Buying a Car Online and Ensuring Smooth Auto Transport

Online car buying is becoming the norm, replacing brick-and-mortar retailing as the preferred vehicle discovery and purchasing method. Before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, only 7% of car buyers completed all steps of their auto purchases online. 

Four years later, that number tripled, and over 70% of consumers utilized online tools for one or multiple parts of the purchasing process. The convenience of online car shopping is a beautiful thing. It allows vehicle buyers to research and purchase in a few clicks and encourages a critical, self-actualized approach to finding the right vehicle at the right price. 

However, the ease of online shopping is a double-edged sword. When skipping the dealership, you must be more sure than ever about what you’re buying and how you’ll get it home. This guide is here to help you get the most out of buying a car online. We’ve compiled a deep list of insider tips to help you confidently research, plan, purchase, and transport your vehicle. 

Navigating the Online Car Buying Process

It used to be that you’d have to spend a whole day driving to dealerships in your area to browse the limited number of vehicles currently in stock. This limited consumer choice often left the best purchasing option out of view. Now, you can access thousands of listings across the country and the world within seconds. 

It can be very overwhelming, so here’s how to navigate this complex digital terrain: 

• Do your due diligence and select from trusted online platforms such as Autotrader and Cars.com. 
• Entertain verified listings only. 
• If buying used, look for certified pre-owned vehicles, with special interest in those with warranties and detailed inspection histories. 
• Request a detailed vehicle history report (via Carfax or AutoCheck) to ensure the car hasn’t been in any significant accidents or sustained flood damage. 
• Ask the seller direct questions about the vehicle and potential concerns. Request hi-res photos and videos, and arrange a virtual walkaround or video call. 

Ensuring Reliable Auto Transport for Your New Vehicle 

Buying a vehicle online comes with a caveat — you have to figure out a safe way to get it home. Many online car purchases cross state lines and may require long-distance transport to seal the deal. 

This is where a top auto transport service comes in clutch. Consider these tips to get your car delivered home promptly and securely: 

• Research reputable auto transport companies. Check for proper licensing and read third-party reviews on trusted sites like the Better Business Bureau and Transport Reviews. 
• Use on-site car shipping calculators to compare quotes from multiple carriers. Look for pricing consistency and transparency. Bargain-basement prices often come with hidden costs or massive delays. 
• Do you need open or enclosed auto transport? Open car hauling is perfect for 95% of customers with vehicles under $70,000 in value. Enclosed hauling provides added protection to high-value, luxury, antique, classic, and exotic cars, but is more expensive than open shipping. 
• Try to book your shipment 1-4 weeks to maximize driver availability and give yourself the best chance of securing an affordable deal. Companies usually offer expedited shipping, but priority services come with premium charges.
• Keep the lines of communication open to verify pickup and delivery timelines. Delays are part of the car shipping process, so seek transparency and professionalism from the companies you work with. 

Financial Planning for Your Car Purchase 

Whether buying a car outright or financing, your car purchase is a significant financial decision. 

Here’s how to plan intelligently:

• Fix your budget with registration, taxes, auto transport costs, and insurance factored in. 
• If financing, check your credit score in advance and seek pre-approval for a loan. Use your score as leverage and a litmus test for the vehicles you can afford. 
• Research current interest rates from banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Compare and look for options that fit your monthly and yearly budget. 
• Factor in long-term ownership costs, such as fuel, maintenance, and inevitable depreciation. 
• Use online loan calculators to estimate monthly payments. Be realistic about what a comfortable monthly payment looks like. 

Tips for Researching and Choosing the Right Vehicle 

Having your financing and transport lined up ideally doesn’t matter if you don’t have the right vehicle in mind. 

Here are some tips to help you approach the car-buying process with a discerning, knowledgeable eye: 

• Browse professional reviews and user feedback from trusted consumer information sites like Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book. 
• Compare car models based on fuel efficiency, safety ratings, technology features, and resale value. 
• List your needs and wants by order of priority. Do not settle for vehicles that don’t meet your basic expectations. 
• Use YouTube or manufacturer websites for virtual test drives and interior overviews. 
• Check recall information via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to ensure the vehicle model doesn’t have unresolved issues. 
• Consider ownership costs by researching common repairs and insurance premiums for your preferred model. 

Mental Preparation for a Smooth Car Buying Experience 

If you’ve heard of the term “executive dysfunction,” you know that car buying can be a massive trigger for it. Buying a vehicle is stressful, especially with the added responsibilities such as budgeting and arranging auto transport. 

Here are a few ways to eliminate headaches and keep a level head during the buying process: 

• Set realistic expectations. You may not find the dreamiest of dream cars, but research and patience will help you find the right car for you. 
• Take your time. Don’t rush into a deal, even if it seems too good to pass up. Scammers often use your urgency against you. 
• Ask for opinions from friends, family members, and colleagues. 
• Stay organized. Keep track of your communication with sellers, documents, quotes, and transport details. A simple Excel spreadsheet can save you headaches. 
• Be good to yourself. Once you’ve closed the deal and set up an order with a reputable auto transport provider, take some time to enjoy your vehicle and the work you did to get it. 

Final Thoughts 

The online car buying trend is now a revolution within the industry. Most car buyers now use online websites and apps to research, compare, and purchase vehicles nationwide. Use online inventories and expert resources to your advantage. 

With the right approach and tools, you can empower yourself and make intelligent, cost-effective purchasing and transport decisions. Set a budget, do your homework, and be patient. The right deal is just around the corner.