If you're in the market for a new or used automobile, you can save time and money by purchasing online. Many car dealerships and auto sales websites offer a variety of new and used vehicles for sale online, and all transactions can be completed electronically. Sometimes, your car can even be delivered right to your driveway. However, buying online could leave you subject to scams and con artists. But a few tips on how to buy cars online can help you prevent that from happening.
Investigate the Seller
When shopping online, you should thoroughly investigate the person or company advertising the vehicle you're interested in. Many trusting consumers have fallen victim to Internet scams and sent off a deposit for a vehicle, only to watch the seller disappear after receiving the funds. If you're dealing with a website like eBay motors, research consumer feedback on the seller to find out if he's legit. And be sure to investigate all auto sales websites with the Better Business Bureau as well online customer reviews.
Ask for Photographs
A good writer can easily author a positive-sounding advertisement describing the car of your dreams, but you could still find yourself with a lemon. Check to see if a term like "rust colored" means "full of rust," or "minor dents" means a demolished front end or quarter panel. One way to get an idea of the car's appearance--without viewing it in person--is to ask the seller for multiple photos. Ask them to email you pictures of every angle of the vehicle including the interior and engine.
View the Car in Person
Whenever possible, view the car in person. If you're buying locally, shopping for a car online can save you the time of going from dealer to dealer. Once you find a car you like online, you'll be able to see exactly what condition it is in--and perhaps test-drive it--by viewing it on-site. Checking it out before making a deposit can save you from scam artists and costly repairs.
Check the Vin Number
A good practice--particularly if you are buying a used car--is to run the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the car through a national database. Every car manufactured has a unique individual VIN that is kept on record at all car dealerships, repair shops, police departments and DMV facilities that the car has been associated with. Checking the VIN can help you gain knowledge of the car's history and find out how many owners it's been through, how many accidents it's been in, and if it has endured any major internal damage or been involved in any criminal activity.
Online Car Financing
If you need help with financing, consider an online car dealer that specializes in car loans and financing. Another option is to find a car at a dealership and have an online debtor finance it. Online auto loan companies such as Up2Drive and MyAutoLoan offer instant approvals for car loans. In some instances, you can get approved before you even visit the dealer. In these cases, a check for the purchase price will expedited and electronically delivered to the dealership on the buyer's behalf.
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