Over the past twenty years or so, it has become apparent that the Internet is truly the ultimate shopping mall of them all. Thanks to companies like Amazon, the online space has become the firm favorite for shoppers looking for just about any product you’d care to think of. One item that many believed to be exceptional from the online revolution, however, is cars. Even as main street stores everywhere were being closed down by the voracious appetites for online shoppers, car dealerships were always thought immune.
Changing Times: Buying a Car Online
This belief is now being seriously tested as a whole raft of online car sales platforms have arrived and are now thriving. Whether you’re looking for new or used cars, you can find what you want online.
But after so long of everyone assuming that online car sales would never become mainstream, what has changed?
The COVID-19 pandemic has made people more wary about shopping in the public space, including for cars.
You can order your car online and it will be delivered to your door. They’ll even usually take away your trade-in at the same time.
Better-quality high-resolution images make seeing your target car much more of a meaningful experience, not to mention video walk-arounds and demonstrations of the car.
Step 1: Search the Selection
The first step is to set your search parameters and start your search for your dream car. Online platforms typically allow you to search for very specific things like brand, model, year, trim level, engine size, transmission type and more.
The best thing to do when shopping online is focus on your practical needs. Online selections (especially for used cars) are very diverse and you might surprise yourself if you don’t limit yourself to one specific model. Even if you are set on one brand, leave yourself open to explore all the available models in the range.
Step 2: Configure Your Vehicle
Once you’ve selected the car you want, you can check out our online car loan calculator for an instant car loan rate. Then, proceed to our online finance application. If you want to own the car outright as soon as possible, then paying in full is best. If you want to spread the cost and gain full ownership gradually, then a car loan is needed.
All types of credit, from good to bad, can qualify for an auto loan. No credit, no problem! We will work with you to secure a no-credit car loan if your situation demands it. INA Motors has strong relationships and is committed to finding you the perfect car loan company to suit your car finance needs.
Low-interest car loans are available for customers with existing loans. We can help you refinance your car loan or adjust the term of the contract. You’re just a step away from approved car financing!
Step 3: Add the “Trade-in” Factor (If Applicable)
Finance options secured, there’s one more factor to add, and that’s your “trade-in.” If you have an old car that you’re trading in as part of the deal, then its value has to be added in to the equation. This will invariably bring your total sale price and monthly payments down a notch, especially if the trade-in is a luxury brand or relatively new model that has not depreciated too much.
Step 4: Service and Protect Your New Car Purchase
Since many cars sold online are used cars, some may be without their original manufacturer’s warranty. For this reason, the buying platform will offer a pre-owned warranty to help seal the deal. If you drive a lot or you are worried that you wouldn’t be able to pay for any sudden expensive maintenance or repairs, then this warranty option is a good idea.
Step 5: Finalize
The final step will involve lots of confirmations. First you have to confirm your financing options and payment of a deposit. After that, you’ll need to confirm your home address for delivery, as well as additional details for the collection of your trade-in vehicle if you are doing that.
Make sure you run through all the details in the summary you are given. You should take the time to double and triple check everything. Even though you’re buying online, a car remains a more significant and serious purchase than a quick and frivolous Amazon purchase.
Finally – The Waiting Game
Once everything is confirmed and submitted, all you need to do is wait the allotted time for your car to be delivered. It normally can be completed with a week or so, but it depends on your exact location. See for yourself how online shopping now firmly includes cars as well as just about everything else.
