The Pros and Cons of Buying Online

If you’re thinking of buying a car online, there’s no better time than now. It’s easier than ever to both shop and purchase your next vehicle online, though you need to know how the process works and what to look out for along the way.

Buying a car online offers the ultimate convenience and comfort and can really reduce some of the stress involved in visiting multiple dealerships. However, some parts of the process are considerably different. Below, we’ll take you through what to do as you prepare to buy your next car online as well as the steps to do it.

If you’re looking for a trusted partner in the online car-shopping process, let Toyota of Rock Hill help. Just send us a message via chat or give us a call directly to get more information about the online car-buying process and one of our helpful team members will take you through it.

How to Buy a Car Online

Whether new or used cars, there are just five steps to buying your next car online. Let’s go through them one at a time:

1. Get pre approved

Once you know what make and model you’re looking for, the first step in the online car-buying process is getting approved online. Through a platform like AcceleRide^®, you can get pre-approved in minutes without ever having to step inside a dealership.

2. Search inventory

Chances are, you may need to search around to find out exactly where a vehicle that meets your specifications is located, including the trims and features of your choice. This part of the process can either be instant or take a bit of time, so you might need to be patient.

3. Chat online with a sales manager

Now that you’ve found an exact match, it’s time to have a chat online with sales manager. Examples of some of the things they may ask you include what make and model you’re interested in, how much you’re looking to spend, and whether you have a trade in.

Alternatively, if you use an online order platform like AcceleRide, you simply have to input your information to find a match, and a deal, quickly. Keep in mind that you may still end up speaking to a sales manager, but the negotiation process over the phone is often simpler and easier than in-person.

4. Consider a test drive

This is the one step where you might want to consider visiting the dealership before purchasing. Keep in mind that taking the vehicle for a test drive isn’t necessary for buying your vehicle online, but it is smart to make sure you like the drive and the overall feel of the vehicle before finalizing the contract.

Some online order platforms have a return policy. However, a simple test drive may help avoid the hassle of potentially returning your vehicle for another, so consider whether it makes sense to you to test drive before finalizing your purchase or not.

5. Get your car delivered

Once you’ve gotten to this point, it’s time to get your new car delivered. Depending on where you purchase your vehicle, you may have a choice of having your car delivered to your home or to pick it up from the dealer.

Some platforms and dealers are more advanced than others, so you might even be asked to come in to finish signing paperwork in some cases. Just be aware of how the process is going to go ahead of time and that you’re comfortable with it before committing.

If you’re dealer does need paperwork from you, ask them ahead of time, that way you don’t end up having to make two trips if you absolutely have to make that one. And be careful for dealers who try to change terms on you when you show up to the dealer. This isn’t a true online car buying experience and they’re likely trying to get you for more than you bargained for.

Purchase Your Next Vehicle Online with Toyota of Rock Hill

Deciding to buy your next car online is a big step, but it’s easier now than ever to do it– and the process is getting easier every day, with new technology and a more streamlined process.

Whether it’s your first car or your fifth, chances are you’ve never purchased a vehicle online before. That’s where Toyota of Rock Hill can help.

With AcceleRide, you can purchase your next vehicle online in just a few steps, from finding the vehicle of your choice, choosing the deal, getting approved, and selecting your payment terms. No fuss, no mess, and you can even choose to have your vehicle delivered to the dealer or straight to your home.

Want to learn more about how it works? Jump on a quick chat with us online or give us a call and we’ll take you through the process to learn more. At Toyota of Rock Hill, we make buying your next vehicle online easy. Get in contact with one of our helpful online team members today.