This is a sponsored post.
Finding the right car and deal is not always easy, but nowadays, getting a great deal is possible thanks to the internet.
Because of this, it’s becoming increasingly popular to conduct car purchases online.
Of course, at some point you will want to test-drive a car and negotiate with a car dealership.
However, you can do the bulk of the ground work online before you ever need to meet or speak to a car dealer.
Step 1: Do your research
The key is to make sure you carry-out effective online research. A first step is to hone in on the type and model of car you are looking for.
Cars.com is a great starting point for your research – simply search for cars for sale based on what you’re looking for.
Their search options can take into account many relevant variables, including the budget you have available, car size, engine size, fuel type, and so on.
Soon enough you should have narrowed down your search and have a very good idea of exactly what car you wish to purchase.
Step 2: Set a budget
Using the same determined research, you should also investigate how much you should be paying for your chosen model.
Are there any discrepancies between the dealer’s price and the manufacturer’s price? Make sure that you are not paying more than necessary and check what can be negotiated.
You should also search a number of dealers to compare and contrast potential hidden fees and costs that need to be factored into the purchase.
If you are looking to trade in your old car, online investigation is a crucial part of the process.
Check out second-hand car websites and see exactly how much your car is actually being sold for.
Dealerships usually provide a higher price, so it’s smart to be armed with the real market price.
Step 3: Shop around
If you now know what you want, then you are well placed to take the final few steps before making a purchase.
You should collect a few online quotes tailored to your specifications. This will place you in a position to haggle.
It’s also a good idea to check the local inventory online which will tell you exactly how many cars are available at any given moment.
The more available, the better your bargaining position will be.
Step 4: Negotiate the price
You are now in a position to negotiate an online quote from a dealership. You don’t even need to speak to anyone yet, as most dealerships are now happy to provide this service online.
Cars.com makes communicating with sellers extremely easy. All you have to do is click on the “Check Availability” button for the car of interest, and a pop-up will help you write a message directly to the seller.
Use the cheapest online quote as a benchmark and make the case for having the price reduced or at least fees relaxed or scrapped altogether.
Once you have a deal you’re happy with, you can hopefully sign and drive away in your brand new car.
Thanks to Pictures of Money for the featured image.