The internet has become the go-to place for good deals even for cars. The ease and convenience of buying cars online have also helped increase its popularity. With online car buying, you don’t have to drop by dealerships or haggle with salespeople—everything can be done on your computer!
But of course, car buying online can be hard because of so many untrustworthy online sellers. The key to not getting scammed is doing your due diligence before purchasing.
Thinking of buying a car online? Use this article as a guide for a successful online car purchase.
How to buy a car online in Australia
Buying a car online is similar to buying in person. The only difference is that you get to sit back and stay at home. Here’s a quick overview of the steps to buying a car online:
Step 1: Do you research
First, you need to figure out what type of car suits you best. Understand your needs so you can find a car that matches your lifestyle. What type of driving will you be doing? What will you use the car for? Are you a solo driver or will the whole family use the vehicle? Asking these types of questions will help you narrow down your options.
When you’ve created your criteria, it’s time to start researching cars. Consider the model, fuel consumption, type of driving, and other important specifications before making your choice.
Step 2: Set a budget
Review your finances carefully to figure out a comfortable price range. In addition to the car’s purchase price, consider taxes, insurance costs, and the like when calculating the total cost of your car purchase.
If you’re applying for car finance, getting a pre-approved loan could be a good idea. A pre-approved car loan will indicate the maximum amount you could borrow from a lender. Although a pre-approved loan isn’t a guarantee, this gives you a better idea of how much you can afford to borrow.
Step 3: Shop around for a car
Online shopping has higher stakes when you’re buying a car. Before anything else, you need to verify that the website or app you’re using is trustworthy. Use only legitimate car selling websites like OnlineAuto.com.au when shopping. These websites typically have search filters so you can customise your search. This makes it easier to find your ideal car.
If you’re buying a second-hand car online, ensure that the seller is legitimate. It’s best to verify the seller first before sending a message. Whether new or used, take your time to assess each option. It may take a bit of scrolling, but you will find the perfect car for you.
Step 4: Get the car inspected
Car inspection is a must regardless of where you buy it. If you’re buying a car brand new, arrange a test drive of the make and model you want. It’s never wise to buy a car without testing it out first.
For a used car, it’s best to have a mechanic check it to ensure it’s in good working condition. The inspection report will also tell you if the vehicle was maintained properly. You should also test drive it to see if there are any issues while handling that the seller may have forgotten to mention.
Step 5: Negotiate and finalise the deal
Once you’ve found the perfect car, it’s time to finalise your purchase. Speak with the seller or dealer and discuss the price. Have your car finance ready beforehand so you can get your car as soon as possible. Ensure that all the paperwork and documents have been properly filed. For used cars, make sure that the ownership has been transferred to you.
Advantages of buying a car online
There are plenty of upsides if you buy a car online including the following:
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Extra convenience. You don’t have to lug yourself from dealership to dealership. Easily browse the internet for the perfect car without leaving the house.
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Easy price comparison. You can compare prices from different dealers in an instant.
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Pressure-free. No pushy salesperson is trying to get you to buy right away. And no one to influence your choice.
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More efficiency. Online search filters can narrow your search instantly depending on model type, features, specifications, colour, price, and more.
Disadvantages of buying a car online
There are some disadvantages you also need to consider when buying a car online such as:
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Virtually anonymous sellers. You only get to meet the dealer in person during the inspection. This makes it harder to judge if the seller is trustworthy or not.
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Over-advertisement. Online car dealers can easily make a car look and sound amazing in their listings, but they can be far from what has been advertised.
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Scams. Fake advertisements that offer non-existent deals are also possible. Make sure to be very vigilant.
Tips to avoid scams when online car buying
Avoiding scams is easy when you know what to look for. Watch out for these red flags when buying a car online:
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Do a PPSR check. Personal Property Securities Register checking will ensure a safe and reliable buying or selling of a vehicle. It can tell whether the car is stolen or being recalled.
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Ask for the VIN. Check the vehicle identification number to make sure it’s been registered and to verify the seller’s claims.
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Be wary of extremely marked-down prices. Consult price guides to see if it’s within the market price. If the seller refuses an in-person inspection, it’s best to walk away from the sale.
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Note unusually low odometer readings. It is a common practice for scammers to tamper with odometer readings. If you encounter this, request an independent fact-check of the odometer readings from a trusted mechanic to guarantee that it is correct and consistent.
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Verify phone numbers. Scammers usually only do transactions through texts or emails. Ensure the seller is legitimate by calling or finding out if the listed number is real.
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Be cautious of unfamiliar payment methods. Buying or selling cars usually requires cash, credit or bank transfer payment methods. Avoid sending payments through wire transfers because scammers usually use these services to collect money quickly.
Finance your online car purchase with Aussie Car Loans!
Make online car buying easier by having financing already in place. Aussie Car Loans can help you find the best loan with low rates, great features, and flexible loan terms. You can also apply for a loan with Aussie Car Loans online! Get in touch with us today by calling 1300 889 669 or get an online quote!
FAQ
Can I buy a car online?
Yes, there are plenty of websites and services like OnlineAuto.com.au that make it easy to buy a car online. However, you should always practice caution when dealing with online transactions. Ensure that the seller is legitimate before proceeding.
Is buying a car online a good idea?
Buying a car online has many benefits like extra convenience, and efficiency, and could provide more savings for buyers.
How to spot a scam when buying a car online?
Avoid signs of online car selling scams such as extremely marked-down prices, sellers using unverified numbers, and sellers refusing to show the car in person first before payment.
Where can I buy a car online?
You can buy a car online using websites like OnlineAuto.com.au. Or you can check out car sale forums and speak with sellers directly if you’re buying a used car.
How do I know if an online car selling website is legit?
You can check the reviews, testimonies, and online history to make sure it’s a legitimate website. Be wary of websites that have only been up for a few weeks or ones with little to no reviews.
How do I know if an online seller is legit?
For private sales, you have to be a bit more vigilant. Request to talk to the seller on the phone to make sure they’re not using a fake number. Also, inspect the car in person as soon as possible. If they refuse to talk on the phone or insist on payment first before seeing the vehicle, it may be a scam seller.
Can I buy car insurance online?
Yes, you can buy car insurance online. As with buying a car online, you have to practice caution and ensure that the insurer is legitimate.
Can I get a car loan online?
Yes, you can get a car loan online from brokers such as Aussie Car Loans. These online brokers can help you find the best deal on your loan without going to the lender directly.
