Essential Car Transport Strategies for Online Auto Buyers
Close to 23% of car buyers use their mobile phones to check features, remotely tour the vehicle, and make a purchase. Online car shopping may provide a unique thrill and access to incredibly affordable inventory options, but there is a slight snag some consumers overlook. You still need to schedule car transport services to ensure the vehicle arrives at your location.
Understanding the various logistics for vehicle pickup and delivery boosts a buyer’s ability to save money and get the automobile in the best shape. The last thing anyone wants is to spend money on a purchase only to have damage or debris lower the car’s value before getting behind the wheel.
The following quick car transport strategies are crucial to getting the most value on your new ride.
Financial Planning for Your Auto Purchase
The average new car price is about $49,740. That is a sizeable investment you’ll need to protect during the transportation process. Before the car is cleaned and shipped, you must finalize any financing for your online purchase.
As you’re browsing online marketplaces, have a budget in mind. Approach your new purchase with discipline to cover all monthly expenses and payments. Don’t let expensive trim options or sports packages sway you to overspending. Stick to your preset range to get the car perfect for your lifestyle and income.
While setting your budget, you also want to consider extra expenses like:
- Shipping insurance and cost
- Car registration and title fees
- Annual gasoline purchases
- Maintenance or repairs
- Vehicle Insurance
- Storage or local parking
- Sales tax and emissions testing
When you have a solid number in mind, you can get pre-approval through your bank, local credit union, or reputable online lenders. Approaching an online marketplace with a letter proving the total cost you can afford smooths the entire buying process. It gives you leverage and helps keep you grounded.
If you’re nervous about the final purchase, it’s okay to sleep on it. Take a night and give the entire situation some thought before moving forward. You want complete peace of mind so you’ll enjoy all the benefits of your new or used vehicle.
Navigating the Online Auto Marketplace
The first step in making any new online purchase is to use a reliable platform. You no longer have to rely on the advice of a local dealership or pushy sales tactics to find the make, model, price, and features you want. Many online resources will provide a fair quote or estimate for your preferred vehicle.
Start with dealer websites offering pre-owned and new inventory. From there, you’ll better understand what to look for when branching out to online marketplaces like Edmunds, Autotrader, and Cars.com. You can use a car buying service like TrueCar to help you negotiate if you prefer a stress-free sale.
Social media and forums like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace often have many deals, but be cautious as these will not have the inspection processes to confirm the value of your vehicle.
Compare and Research
While searching for your next ride online, compare any listing with Kelley Blue Book (KBB). You’ll get a better idea of the actual price compared to the value. You can dig up the auto’s history using Carfax or AutoCheck (especially from private sellers) for details on previous accident reports or title status.
Don’t Skip the Vetting Process
It’s perfectly acceptable to ask questions from a seller. Look at their seller reviews (if applicable) to be sure they are on the “up and up.” You may want to request photos, videos, or verify contact information using the VIN (vehicle identification number) so you can run a “car background check.”
Never forget you are the buyer and have a final say in whether or not you wish to move forward. You should never feel pressured to make a purchase that doesn’t align with your needs. Trust your gut.
Extra Tips for a Smooth Online Car Buying Experience
Communication between you and the online platform you choose matters. You want all the clarity in the world before committing to a vehicle. While static photos are great, stick to the idea of a video tour. Static images can hide potential issues with minor scratches or warning lights, so ask if the video tour includes running the engine.
If you go with a private sale through social media, get a third-party inspector to check the car for you. You should also review the state Lemon Laws to know the timeframe for lodging a complaint if there is an issue.
Most importantly, make sure all your purchase steps are in writing. You should have copies of inspection reports, sale agreements, car transport documents, payment confirmations, and any emails or texts between you and the seller.
Understanding the Logistics of Car Transport
Once you’ve found the car of your dreams, it’s time to arrange auto transport delivery. Working with a professional car transport company helps ensure a smoother and more secure relocation experience.
The two primary forms of car transport are open or enclosed. Open transport means your vehicle is exposed to the elements, but costs less and is easier to arrange due to availability. Enclosed means your vehicle is better protected from road damage or storms, but will cost a little more upfront. You want the best auto transport services to fit your new ride’s size, shape, weight, and value.
From that point, domestic transport for your auto comes down to confirming delivery details like the reception address and delivery timeframe. Other information to have ready include:
- Contact number for driver or dispatcher
- Visual inspection (video or live stream) before shipping and upon arrival
- Proper paperwork and payment for sale
- You can “walk the car” with the delivery driver upon arrival
Once you sign the Bill of Lading or delivery confirmation, be sure you have copies of all documentation. Reliable transport carriers will have a prepared packet that simplifies the entire process, especially when shipping across state lines or from one coast to another.
Final Strategies for the Best Car Shipping Services
There are some additional “checks” you can complete to ensure you’re working with only the best car transport companies. After reading reviews and collecting necessary documents, be sure the company has valid DOT (Department of Transportation) numbers or Motor Carrier Numbers.
Double-check that the carrier has transparent insurance processes and cancellation policies. It’s better if you avoid brokers that will charge you more and work directly with the transport carriers.
Finally, be available at delivery. Some companies will require you to be present, but even if they don’t, you want confirmation of all the details and conditions of your new vehicle so you don’t get stuck with a car different from what was advertised.
Buying and Shipping with Confidence
While buying a car online may feel like a leap of faith, using the many strategies outlined above helps ensure you make a calculated step forward. Finding your vehicle through online auto marketplaces opens the door to all models with features you’ve always wanted. Do your research, trust your sources, and complete the due diligence required, and you’ll be worry-free when the car arrives.
Unless you’re flying to Montana to drive the truck you found on Facebook back to your home in Florida, you need good car transport options. It makes the entire process of buying a car online easier, safer, and ensures you won’t limit the inventory you’re viewing to only a 20-mile radius from your current location.
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