Shopping for a New Vehicle from Home



For many consumers, the process of buying a new car has traditionally involved a trip to the local dealership. Test drives, negotiations, paperwork—it's usually an all-day affair that some dread. However, advances in digital technology are now allowing car shoppers to search for, select, and even purchase their next vehicle entirely from the comfort of home. Online auto retailers and manufacturers' websites offer an array of options that allow browsing inventory, getting price quotes, initiating financing, and scheduling delivery—all without stepping foot in a brick-and-mortar showroom.



According to data from Cox Automotive, Online Car Buying  made remotely grew substantially during the pandemic as consumers sought contactless solutions. Their surveys found over 80% of recent car buyers engaged in some form of online research prior to their purchase. And many automakers saw double-digit percentage increases in online sales during 2020 compared to the previous year. Clearly, the convenience and control provided by digital automobile shopping is winning over car shoppers.



Research and Evaluate Options at Your Pace



One of the main appeals of online car shopping is the ability to thoroughly research all of your options without the pressure of a pushy salesperson. Websites like Edmunds, TrueCar, and CarGurus allow searching massive databases of new and used vehicles by make, model, price range, and location. You can filter results, compare specs and features, read owner reviews, and get pricing data to understand what similar vehicles have sold for in your area. This level of information makes it much easier to narrow down your ideal options based on your priorities.



Since the research can be done from the comfort of home on your schedule, you avoid the hassle of repeatedly visiting lots during business hours. The freedom to research in depth without feeling rushed is a big advantage of going online before setting foot in a dealership. You'll be a much more informed shopper and potentially save yourself wasted trips when you know exactly what you want ahead of time.



Negotiating from Afar



Once you've identified the specific make and model you want to pursue, many online platforms allow getting actual price quotes from multiple dealers directly on the site. Here, you can select your desired vehicle's options, get financed amounts approved upfront, and receive binding offers from competing dealerships in your area—all without leaving home or talking to a single salesperson yet.



This new negotiating dynamic puts more power in the hands of car buyers. Dealers understand to be competitive, they need their best offers on the table from the get-go rather than concealing numbers and hoping for add-ons later. You'll have documented proof of each dealership's bottom line to ensure you get the lowest possible price. With quotes literally at your fingertips, it's much harder for smarmy sales tactics to work when negotiating entirely online before even visiting a lot.



Streamlined Purchase Process



For those ready to buy, many automakers now offer end-to-end online purchase capabilities from order to delivery. Select your options, get financing approved digitally, e-sign contracts and forms—the entire transaction can be executed remotely without ever stepping foot in a dealership storefront until pickup. This provides the ultimate in convenience by eliminating multiple return trips that were traditionally needed for test drives, paperwork, financing, etc.



Automakers like Tesla pioneered this direct-sales model online but now even legacy brands are adopting it. Dealers still play a role for many but the customer experience aims to replicate going straight to the manufacturer. It streamlines what was typically an all-day affair into a process that can wrap up on your lunch break from the comfort of your couch. The pandemic has prompted more brand websites than ever before to offer these fully-digital solutions to purchase process.



Trust in Online Car Shopping



Admittedly, some remain hesitant about buying a major purchase like a car without a traditional in-person test drive or interactions. And one downside is an inability to negotiate certain add-ons or perks a skilled salesperson may provide. However, online platforms have built credibility over time by empowering consumers with information, control, and choice. Review systems allow vetting dealers' professionalism and service.



Many online retailers also address concerns about not seeing the vehicle in person before purchase with generous return policies. For example, Carvana allows a 7-day return period with a full refund to ensure the car meets expectations upon delivery. Overall, as digital security and customization improve—plus experiences are hassle-free—confidence in online automobile transactions will only continue growing. The benefits of convenience are hard for shoppers to ignore now that capable digital options exist.



the marriage of automotive retailing and e-commerce has opened up a new world of possibilities for car buyers. Thanks to online platforms that offer research, remote negotiations, and streamlined purchasing, more drivers are now comfortable executing entire vehicle transactions from home. As both automakers and online auto retailers innovate to meet shifting s, online car shopping looks poised to only further transform what were traditionally very hands-on deals done exclusively at physical dealerships. The future appears to be digital for the automotive sales experience.

Discover the language that resonates with you:

About Author:

Priya Pandey is a dynamic and passionate editor with over three years of expertise in content editing and proofreading. Holding a bachelor's degree in biotechnology, Priya has a knack for making the content engaging. Her diverse portfolio includes editing documents across different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. Priya's meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset in the world of content creation and refinement.

(LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/priya-pandey-8417a8173/)