Buy a car online
From LoveToKnow Buy
Buying a car online is a technological shopping experience that may make your hunt for a new car a pleasure, rather than a pain. There are upsides and downsides. The upside is that research and straightforward information are only a click away. The downside is that you can’t kick the tires of an online vehicle. But by combining local dealer visits with information gathered online, you can get a good deal.
How Car Dealers Profit
Dealers profit in three ways: leasing and financing through a host of financial partners, bewildering charges and add-ons, and buyer’s naïve purchasing and negotiating skills. By going online and researching first, you can avoid these pitfalls.
Research The Accessories You Want
Set a budget, then research to see how much a car will actually cost after you’ve added on everything you want. If you’re buying new, you can research the model, options, accessories and price. If you choose a used car, you can shop by price, condition and availability. Check these Web sites for new and used car pricing and value information.
Get Objective Opinions
These sources provide vehicle reviews and comparisons offering unique points of view:
- Automobile Magzine.com
- AutoWeek.com
- Car and Driver
- Epinions.com
- Motor Trend
- MSN Autos
- New Car Test Drive
- Road & Track
Check Online Ads
These two are a good place to start:
Check The Sticker Price
The MSRP or Manufacture’s Suggested Retail Price is the base price and a place to start. The MSRP doesn’t include options, accessories and delivery or destination charges. The sticker price is what the dealer wants you to pay because it represents the highest profit margins. It includes the MSRP, options and accessories charges, delivery or destination charges, but doesn't include any taxes, title or vehicle tag or registration fees.
Some of these Web sites provide prices for specific models and links to participating dealers. Others are online classified ads. Once you’ve decided upon a local dealer, check out several others for comparison pricing information in your area.
- Autobytel
- Auto Trader
- AutoVantage.com
- Autoweb
- Consumers’ Checkbook CarBargains
- Car.com
- Cars.com
- CarsDirec
- ConsumerGuide.com
- Dealernet.com
- Ebay Motors
- Imotors.com
- InvoiceDealers
- Motobidia.com
- MSN Autos.com
- Usedcars.com
- Vehix.com
Check Your Credit History
First step is to Check Your Credit Reports. One thing you can be sure of, the dealer will, if you let ‘em. It’s best to do this at least six months in advance. Why? In case you have errors on your reports, you’ll need the time for Credit Repair 101: Disputing Errors. It will take at least 30 days after errors are removed to How to Increase Your Credit Score. The more errors you remove and the better your Credit Scores is, the less you’ll have to pay for financing.
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