How to Buy a Car Online and Ship It

These days, buying a car is no longer limited to shopping at your local dealerships. Thanks to the ease of online shopping, buying a car online is fast, easy, and convenient. Not only does it save you the hassle of having to spend hours on a car lot, but it also means you have access to a much broader inventory of vehicles. If you are interested in buying a car online, but unsure about where to start and how to have it delivered, keep reading to learn more about this process.

Do Your Research

As with anything else these days, you should begin with an online search. There are a number of online dealerships and websites where you can search for the exact make and model that you want. Once you find a few vehicles that you are interested in, you can confirm fair pricing by looking at Edmunds of Kelley Blue Book to get a comprehensive estimate of the vehicle’s value. You can also run the vehicle’s VIN number through a website like CarFax or AutoCheck to get a better idea of the vehicle's history.

Start Negotiating

Once you have narrowed down your search to the vehicle you want, you should contact the seller. If your vehicle is at a dealership, you can contact their online sales department through the company website. If you are purchasing a used vehicle from a private seller, you will need to contact them directly. This is your chance to ask specific questions about the vehicle and negotiate the price.

Arrange for an Inspection

If you are buying a used car, it is important to have it inspected by a local mechanic before purchasing it. You can contact a local mechanic in the area and arrange a time for the inspection. Many mechanics will offer pre-purchase inspections for about $100, which is well worth the price when buying a car you haven’t seen in person. You can use the findings of the inspection to further negotiate and move forward with the deal or start your search over.

Shipping Your New Car

The next step in buying a car online is having it delivered to you after purchase. If the car you are purchasing is a long distance away, you can work with a reliable auto transport company to arrange for delivery. In most cases, having your new car shipped to you is faster, easier, and less stressful than picking it up yourself. Research professional auto transport companies and find a reliable company that meets your needs. There are even options available for any budget, including open or enclosed transport as well as door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal shipment. Once you have chosen a shipping company, simply schedule a window for pickup and make sure someone is present upon delivery. With convenient and affordable shipping options, buying a car online has never been easier.