Shopping online for everything under the sun is second nature for most consumers. The internet never closes. You can shop when it fits your schedule, and you won’t feel any pressure from the sales staff. If you are in the market for a new car, shopping online offers you a convenient way to get behind the wheel of a new car.
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Research options that fit your budget
If you’re not careful, you can easily fall into the black hole of information that is the internet. That’s why you must be strategic with your research. Start with a realistic budget that takes into account what you can reasonably afford that factors in costs for maintenance, fuel, taxes, insurance, and registration fees in addition to the sticker price. Then, use that number to zone in on the vehicles that respect it.
Before you reach out to any seller, be sure to get your finances in order. According to Bankrate.com writer Naomi Mannino, can help you get the best deal on your car loan. By being pre-approved, you can better negotiate, she adds.
Take your research to the dealership
Once you have narrowed down your car choice and compared prices, you can start to shop around, and that includes dealerships in your area.
“Simply track down the contact information for the internet sales department (most dealerships have one), and fire off an email to them asking for quotes on the vehicles you’re interested in,” advises How Stuff Works writer Cherise Threewitt.
Be informed
If you’re considering a used car, be sure you get a vehicle history report. This way, you have a better understanding of previous maintenance, past problems, and potential issues. You’ll also want to enlist the services of an independent mechanic to look over the car, adds Threewitt.
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If you are new to the online car shopping game, the following tips will help you navigate the process more confidently.
DeAnn Owens is a Dayton transplant by way of the Windy City, yet considers herself to be a California girl at heart even though she’s only visited there once. To get through the dreaded allergy season unique to the Miami Valley, she reads, writes, complains about the weather, and enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons, and their newest addition, a Boston terrier puppy that is now in charge of all their lives. In the future, she hopes to write a novel and travel through time. See more articles by DeAnn.
