Are you on the hunt for your dream car? Before you dive into your search, there's an important decision: should you go the traditional route and visit a dealership or explore the digital realm and purchase online? If you've been pondering this, fret not! In today's guide, we'll provide all the information you need about buying a car from a dealership versus buying one online.
Let's explore the fine details of each purchasing approach without keeping you waiting.
Buying a Car From a Dealership
According to various surveys, 26% of people still prefer to buy a new vehicle from a dealership. This approach involves physically visiting the dealership, interacting with sales staff, and often, taking a test drive before deciding.
You can visit a dealership in your local area or any location where you think you'll find the best pick. You can explore various car options and make informed decisions about the vehicle you'll purchase, considering factors like family needs and personal preferences.
Advantages of Buying From a Dealership
Buying a car from a dealership has the following perks:
Physical Inspection and Test Drives
Buying a car from a dealership gives you the advantage of test-driving it on the road and inspecting it in person. You can assess the transmission and check whether the performance is up to the mark.
Additionally, this method allows you to inspect the car's interior and exterior to ensure it meets your expectations. This hands-on experience helps buyers make an informed decision and feel confident in their purchase.
Negotiation Opportunities
Suppose you want to buy a car without breaking the bank. In that case, purchasing from a dealership provides excellent negotiation opportunities. Vehicle dealerships often have a lot of flexibility in pricing, allowing you to get a better deal than the sticker price.
Immediate Availability
Buying a car from a dealership allows you to drive your vehicle immediately after completing the paperwork and payment. This is particularly beneficial for buyers who need a car immediately and do not want to wait for shipping or delivery.
Disadvantages of Buying From a Dealership
Drawbacks of buying a car from a dealership include:
Potentially Higher Prices
Dealers often must cover overhead costs associated with maintaining physical locations and paying staff salaries. Consequently, you will likely encounter higher prices when buying from a dealership.
Limited Selection Based on Location
While dealerships often boast a wide range of vehicles available for purchase, the selection may still be limited at times. For instance, you might find it challenging to find the exact make, model, or features you desire at a dealership.
Time-Consuming Process
Buying a car from a dealership can often be a time-consuming process. Visiting multiple dealerships and negotiating prices can take several hours or even days, which can be inconvenient if you have a jam-packed working schedule.
Buying a Car Online
Online vehicle buying is a comparatively new method of purchasing a car. It involves browsing through online car-selling platforms or websites like Cars.com and CarGurus. You can search through a vast inventory of vehicles from the comfort of your home, eliminating the need for physical dealership visits.
Advantages of Purchasing Online
Buying a vehicle online offers:
Convenience and Saves Time
Online car buying provides unparalleled convenience. Using your laptop, smartphone, or computer, you can browse countless vehicle inventories. Consequently, this saves you valuable time and allows you to shop at your own pace.
Access to a Wider Range of Options
Online platforms like Cars.com and CarGurus offer access to numerous vehicles from various sellers across different locations. You can explore different makes, models, and features, expanding your options beyond what is available at local dealerships.
What's truly remarkable is the flexibility in location. Whether you're eyeing a car across the state or clear across the country, the process remains seamless. Once you've made your choice, all that's left is to arrange transportation through reliable auto-shipping companies. And you get to do all this without leaving your comfort zone.
Potential for Better Pricing
Purchasing a car online often offers better pricing opportunities compared to traditional dealerships. With increased competition among sellers and transparent online pricing information, buyers can easily compare prices to secure a suitable deal for their desired vehicle.
Furthermore, online vehicle sellers typically have lower overhead costs than brick-and-mortar dealerships. While they may incur commissions for listing on online platforms, these costs are generally lower than maintaining physical staff and facilities.
Disadvantages of Purchasing Online
Purchasing a vehicle online also comes with its share of drawbacks; let's explore these below:
Inability to Physically Inspect the Car
One major drawback of purchasing a vehicle online is the inability to physically inspect the car before buying. Since the entire process occurs online, you won't be able to assess the vehicle in person.
While many sellers are transparent about the vehicle's condition, there are always risks of encountering less honest sellers who might try to sell you a defective car. To avoid getting scammed, rely on sellers with positive reviews and a good reputation.
Lack of Immediate Gratification
Another con of buying a car online is the potential wait time for your vehicle to arrive. To ensure your dream car reaches its destination on time, contact a reliable auto shipping company.
Limited Negotiation Opportunities
While online car buying can offer competitive pricing, there may be limited negotiation opportunities available. Usually, Online sellers have already set fixed prices or are less willing to negotiate, which limits your ability to secure a better deal through bargaining.
Should You Buy Your Next Vehicle at a Dealership or Online?
Whether you buy a car online or from a dealership ultimately depends on your preferences and priorities. If you value hands-on inspection, immediate availability, and the ability to negotiate prices, a dealership might be the better option.
On the other hand, if convenience, access to a wide range of options, and better pricing are more important, consider buying online. And don't worry about getting your new car delivered—a reputable car shipping company can handle the transportation for you.
Shipping New Vehicles Made Easier With Nexus Auto Transport
Whether you buy a new car online or at a dealership, shipping it to its destination can be tedious. You need to ensure the vehicle is not damaged during transit and that it complies with all legal regulations of the destination state.
Nexus Auto Transport makes this process seamless by safely delivering your new car to your doorstep. Our team ensures that every step of the shipping process is managed with precision. From picking up your vehicle at the seller's location to delivering it to your home, we guarantee a hassle-free experience.
Get in touch with us today to receive a quote for shipping your car, or visit our website to explore more options!
