Buying and Shipping Cars Online
Buying and shipping cars online have become quite common — a recent survey states that nearly 70% of people would consider doing so. Still, even in the era of Google, it can be a complex process if you don’t know what you’re doing. It just takes a little extra footwork because, in this case, you aren’t able to test drive or check over the car yourself.
Set a Budget, Then Do Your Research
To get an idea of what you need, consider your family size and needs and then set a budget you’ll stick to. Determine how many miles you will accept a vehicle if you go the pre-owned route.
Now, start searching on reputable online car dealer sites like Autotrader. You can also utilize other resource sites like Kelley Blue Book, which offers all-inclusive estimates of vehicles’ values.
Narrowing down even further, if you have a specific used vehicle in mind that you’ve found, you can run the VIN through Autocheck or Carfax websites.
Start the Negotiations
Once you’ve got an idea of the car or truck you want, you can start contacting the seller — whether this is an online dealer or a private seller. Ensure you know if the quoted price you’ve been given includes any additional fees if working with a dealer. If they do or if the fees sound fishy, do a quick Google search on what the fees are for.
Many people don’t like having to do back-and-forth haggling through online dealerships. If you’re one of those people, websites like Truecar and Vinadvisor will negotiate with dealers on your behalf.
If You’re Buying Used, Get It Inspected
Always have a local mechanic inspect the vehicle before you pay for it — especially if you’re buying from an individual seller. This can be arranged by searching for a mechanic near the seller and arranging a time and date for the inspection. Another great option is utilizing Wegolook.com. You can order a full inspection form anywhere in the country, and they will provide a full compressive analysis of the vehicle’s condition.
If the seller doesn’t agree to a third-party inspection, this could be your sign to jump ship and find another vehicle. And while an inspection may run around $100, it’s worth the cost when you consider how expensive repairs can get or find out you may have dodged a bullet.
Have Your Car transported to You
Because your new car isn’t located in town, unless you’ve got a friend willing to lose a day on your behalf and add wear and tear to their vehicle, the easiest option is to have it shipped.
Shipping your car offers peace of mind that it will arrive safely. You’ll have it arrive on time, without all the needless expenses of a road trip or running the risk of an accident on the way home. It’ll also keep unnecessary miles off your new car, which will preserve its lifespan!
There are many cost-effective ways to ship your car, truck, or SUV, including working with our Number 1 Auto Transport team. We are highly experienced and love what we do, and we will help you find the lowest cost and most reliable method to ship your vehicle!
