Our lives have become much easier with the emergence of the internet; everything has become available and easily accessible with a click. People are now working, studying, and shopping online.
Online shopping has saved people tons of time, energy, and money. The shopping items available on the internet aren’t restricted to grocery items and clothes like in the old times; rather, people can purchase a flight ticket, home, or a car online.
But still, many people hesitate before buying anything online, especially if it’s an expensive asset, a car, for example. And that’s completely normal, as pictures and descriptions on the internet might be nothing like reality, and one might easily be fooled.
The online car buying market is growing gradually. According to Statista, the international online auto aftermarket size is expected to increase at an annual growth rate of approximately 16% between 2021 and 2027. However, risks are still there, and people still have second thoughts about online car buying. Here, we gathered the top risks that keep many people from purchasing a car from the comfort of their homes.
Buying a car without test-driving it
You can’t decide on the car that will be your transportation means for at least five years by simply scrolling down tens of vehicles, looking at their pictures, and reading about their features. You are mainly purchasing a car to drive; buying one by spending a fortune without a test drive doesn’t make sense.
A test drive will enable you to test the car’s steering wheel, engine, brakes, and general performance. However, the online car buying experience will prevent you from all that and might even embroil you with a car that is nothing like the one you see in pictures.
You might be lucky to be matched with a buyer who allows you to test drive the car before purchasing it, but the chances are few.
Get stuck with a car with mechanical issues
The most important advice experts recommend when buying a new car is to let a professional mechanic inspect it inside out, evaluate its state, and decide whether it’s worth its price. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to consult a mechanic before buying a car from an online supplier. You will only get the chance to inspect your new vehicle after fully paying its cost, and there’s no chance to change your mind.
Buying from an unknown supplier
Being scammed on online car buying websites is very likely, as illegitimate websites and sellers are innumerable. Actually, you won’t get the chance to get to know the seller in person and ensure they’re trustworthy, and all you have is the info available on their profile and some past clients’ reviews that might even be fabricated.
Possibility of buying a stolen car
Every minute, there’s vehicle theft in the US, and robbers view online car buying websites as ideal, safe platforms to make the best profit without being caught. So, the chances of purchasing a stolen car are strong. Following some precautions might help you confirm a car’s source and verify it’s not stolen; however, you have to be careful, as thieves are constantly developing malicious strategies to deceive buyers online.
No chance for negotiation
Negotiating with a car seller for a better price is nearly impossible online, as prices are usually fixed. In addition, by buying online, you will only have your device’s screen to communicate through; as a result, convincing the supplier to a price slash is a real challenge.
Complicated registration processes
When a car’s property moves from one person to another, registering it with the new owner’s name becomes necessary as soon as possible. Car registration proves that you paid this car’s taxes, fees, etc. But the strict regulations regarding car registrations differ from one state to another.
For example, some states adopt the California Air Resources Board standards (CARB) for operating gasoline-fuelled cars only, and that’s to reduce greenhouse emissions and help fight the climate change crisis. So, if you buy a car online from a state that doesn’t adopt these standards, you will have difficulty registering it in your CARB state.
High shipping fees
People favor shopping from online websites over local dealerships and small showrooms because they provide them with many options; this advantage imposes some troubles, as cars are spread all around the nation, and the vehicle you pick might be thousands of miles away.
In this case, there’s no option but to hire an auto transport company to pick up the new vehicle from the dealer and deliver it to you, which will impose extra fees and expenses. Let alone finding a reliable auto transport company to haul and drop off your car safely.
But if you decide to take the risk and shop for your next car online, keep Tempus Logix, a trustworthy auto transport company, in mind, as it’s a professional company specializing in all types of auto transport services; the fees are also reasonable and suitable for the service’s quality.
Conclusion
The risks of online car buying are many, but the advantages are also considerable. By knowing the risks involved in the online shopping experience and getting to know the process in detail, you will be able to find the car of your dreams from the comfort of your home.
