How to Buy Cars Direct

Buying a car direct via the Internet can save you thousands of dollars.

You can buy cars direct by making use of tools available on the Internet. Thanks to the variety of pricing information and dealer websites available, you can make an educated decision and work to find the best price possible, even if it is at a dealership hundreds or thousands of miles away. Online car buying programs can even help you arrange shipping to get the vehicle to your doorstep. Although buying cars direct sounds simple, it is important to make sure there are no unexpected roadblocks that impact your purchase.

Instructions

1. Choose your vehicle. The first step to buying a car direct is to choose the vehicle that best fits your needs. Even if you plan to purchase a car directly over the Internet, you must be prepared to visit dealerships and deal with salespeople in order to complete test drives.

2. Research pricing information. Websites like Cars Direct, Edmunds and Auto Trader provide new and used car pricing information. Be sure to set a target price that you plan to pay for a vehicle. On a new vehicle, you should set a target price that is at or slightly above the invoice price, based on current market conditions. Edmunds offers a true market value pricing feature that provides a target price based on the invoice price and current transaction prices in your area. Once you set a target price, make note of it for when you contact dealerships.

3. Contact dealerships. Services like Cars Direct and Autobytel offer online car buying programs that can put you in touch with dealerships around the country that offer upfront pricing for their Internet clients. When you contact a dealership using a direct buying service, expect to receive detailed quotes from dealerships within 24 hours. You will find a range of prices and equipment packages quoted in the quotes, so feel free to contact each dealership to request a revised quote based on the exact options you are looking for.

4. Compare quotes. Once you get quotes that reflect actual pretax prices on vehicles with your preferred equipment, compare the quotes and choose the one that is closest to or below your target price. If none of the quotes are close, contact dealerships via email or telephone to negotiate a better price. If you use a service like Edmunds to research true market value, do not worry about your offer being unreasonable; true market pricing includes a reasonable profit margin for the dealership while still giving you a great deal.

5. Select a dealership. Before agreeing to purchase a vehicle, think about any additional costs that might be associated with your transaction. For example, if the lowest quote is at a dealership that is far away, you may be able to get a lower overall price elsewhere once you factor in the necessary shipping costs. When you find the best overall value considering shipping and possible travel expenses, agree to the transaction. Be sure to get a buyer's order in writing from the dealership faxed or emailed to you. If necessary, sign and accept the buyer's order and fax it back to the dealership.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are purchasing a used car direct or plan on driving a new car many miles each year, ask the dealership about warranty options. You may be able to finance or pay cash for an extended warranty that can keep your vehicle reliably on the road for years to come.

• Manufacturers like Hyundai, Kia and Volkswagen offer first time buyer programs that offer guaranteed credit approval for recent college graduates who have full-time employment or an offer of employment. These programs also include rebates that can save you more money on your next purchase. Be sure to ask each dealer you contact about these programs. Also check with the dealership about owner loyalty offers, as current owners of certain brands may also be eligible for additional discounts.

References

• Car Buying Tips: Guide to Discount Internet Car Buying
• Cars Direct: New and Used Car Quotes
• Autobytel: New and Used Car Quotes