 | Richard Smith has been in the Auto Body Industry for 26 years. He is ASE Certified Master Collision Tech, an I-Car Platinum Tech, and an I-Car Instructor. He and His wife own and operate Sharp's Auto Body & Collision Inc. located at 202 North Elm St. in Pittsburg, Kansas. He is a father of 5 children, Ex Military E-6 Staff SGT. and is active in his home Church. The one thing he enjoys doing is educating the public about the safety and proper repair of automobiles, no matter if it is a vehicle that has been in a collision, a small dent, or a complete restoration. The shop is always equipped with a skilled professional to handle your auto needs. |
Automotive Service & Repair
2012-03-27 09:51:45
Buying a car online
Q: Buying online these days seems like a safe and secure process. I am wondering if you can give me some thoughts on buying a car online. Would you recommend it or pass on the idea? Thanks for your input.
A: Buying online really has become the norm today, even in the automotive industry. Websites and online auctions specializing in parts and manuals are particularly popular as well as those sites that sell new and used cars. While I can see buying difficult to find parts online, buying a car over the internet is a different story, with both some real advantages and disadvantages to consider.
Let’s get some of the disadvantages out of the way first:
•In used cars, you have no way to verify the condition yourself unless you have a trusted mechanic in the area ready to check it out on your behalf.
•Particularly in used cars, the success of the transaction depends on the honesty and straightforwardness of the seller.
•State franchise laws (designed to protect local car dealers) prohibit you from completing a new car purchase online. You still need to go in to seal the deal.
•Online shopping eliminates getting in the car and actually testing the feel, fit, and drive of the car.
•Quoted prices are only good for a specific vehicle matching your stated preferences and only good until that particular car sells.
However, there are ways you can leverage the internet in positive ways while shopping for a new car:
•Online is the best place to start your research and narrow down what you really want in your next car.
•Online research can fortify your resolve in buying a particular vehicle with certain features and help you avoid opting in for more than you want or need.
•Shopping, or pre-shopping, online gives you a good idea of the price and availability of particular makes and models in your area.
•Shopping online levels the playing field by preserving your identity. Most sites only require a name, phone number and email address which local dealers in the network use to make their offers. Dealers have no idea of your car knowledge, whether you are male or female, age, or anything else.
•Online shopping is an advantage in rural areas where dealers are fewer and spread out over a distance. Armed with bids, you can plan a car-buying trip accordingly.
•Online shopping saves time in knowing what dealers have exactly what you want and save a trip to those that do not.
•Pre-shopping online begins the conversation early. It tells you a lot about a dealership and tells them a lot about you, too. It also lets you share your expectations upfront, like emphasizing that you do not want to see hidden fees or any other surprises when you show up.
Over all, if you were a conservative shopper, I would recommend using the internet more as a tool than as the complete solution to your car buying needs.
