subject: Tips for Buying Cars Online [print this page] One of the first ports of call for anyone looking for a used or new car will be websites on the Internet. There are many offering great deals and good advice but how can you make sure you are getting the best deals around? When you buy a car online, do you receive the same value for money as you would if you bought it from a local manufacturer?
Buying a used or new car online is always going to be a risky business, whether you choose an online auction site or private purchased advertised in the online classified sites. Research the cars you are interested in, find out common problems, and the current value of any similar models. This will give you an idea what to expect online.
Inspecting a car before you buy it is usually recommended, this gives you the opportunity to check the car for any damage, wear and tear and also gives buyers the chance to test drive the car, however unless the cars advertised are in your neighbourhood it may be difficult to inspect before you buy, so read the description carefully and have a good look at the photos. Confirm that the cars records are listed as complete, with a logbook, and valid MOT certificate. If necessary email and ask about the service history and daily usage; this will give you a good idea of how well the car has been cared for.
When using online auction sites, research the seller, verify their sales history and if things seem anything less than 100%, walk away. As an added precaution verify that the companies are registered businesses.
If at all possible, always view the car before buying, although this is not always possible it will cut out many of the worry factors. Lastly, never feel pressured into buying a car, if it does not feel right, it probably is not.
