Looking to Buy a Car Online? Here’s What You Need to Check First

Looking to Buy a Car Online? Over the last two years, Online Car Buying has become the go to purchasing method for Australian Car buyers. Buying a Car entirely online does provide many advantages, however there are a few things you need to know and consider before you go forward with buying entirely online.

Here’s what you need to check before buying a Car Online.

1. Find out who the Seller is

The first and most important thing you need to check before you look to buy a car online is find out who the seller is. You need to ensure that they are a real person, and you can easily contact them. Some people have been stung by communicating with fake or international sellers and have even lost money due to not checking this simple point.

Find out who the seller is, try to arrange a call or zoom call, you need to know that the person is real and has what you are looking for.

2. Arrange a Virtual Vehicle Inspection

The second thing you need to do if you are looking to buy a car online is to arrange a virtual vehicle inspection. Never just base your buying decision on the photos alone. People can manipulate vehicle images and even use online stock photos when advertising a car to sell. A live virtual inspection of the car helps you make sure that the vehicle is real and is as per advertised.

3. Ask for a Car History & PPSR Report

To reduce your risk of buying a lemon, it is important to ask the seller for a Car History & PPSR Report. If you are looking to buy a car online directly from a dealership, some dealerships may provide both reports free of charge. If you are dealing with an individual private seller you may need to purchase these yourself. If you are looking to purchase a private car, it is important that the seller provides you with the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) so you can access these reports.

The benefit of gaining these reports is it tells you the vehicles history, if there is any finance owed, if the vehicle has been stolen and most importantly if the vehicle is under any type of recall.

Related Article: How to Get a Free Car History Report in NSW.

4. Consider a Third-Party Inspection

If you cannot access the seller to complete a face-to-face inspection, it is highly recommended that you consider hiring a third-party mechanic to conduct an inspection on your behalf. One of the benefits of the current Australian Market is there are an abundance of Mechanics available no matter where you reside.

Research online for mechanics close to the seller and try to arrange a time for them to conduct an inspection on your behalf. This will cost you some time and money, but it will help further protect you from buying a lemon.

5. Ask for Sales Contacts and Registration Forms

It is important to request the sales forms from the seller. To buy a Car in any state of Australia there are a variety of different sales and registration contracts that you need to go over and sign prior the vehicle exchanging hands. It is important to review these forms with a third-party prior to signing them to make sure they are correct and accurate.

6. Ask about Finance Options

Finance is big part of the car buying process. It is important to ask the seller how they go about finance and if they are able to cater for finance options. Remember the lender will need specific details from the seller if they are to proceed with a loan. If the seller doesn’t have the necessary information, you may not be able to receive finance.

7. Delivery Logistics

Before you proceed with buying the vehicle it is important to understand the sellers delivery process. Most online sellers will include a further charge for shipping depending on your location. It is important you discuss this process prior to purchase as it could cost you hundreds of extra dollars.

8. Price

Price is often the key deciding factor when it comes to buying a car. Once you have decided that the car is the right one for you, begin negotiating the price. Ask the seller about the payment options, ad see what price they can do. Be sure to double check account names, numbers etc. before you transfer any money.

Related Article: How to Negotiate The Cheapest Price When Buying a Car.

Final Word,

Buying a Car Online has many advantages for buyers. Before you purchase a car online it is important that you check as much as you possibly can to minimise your risk of making a poor buying choice. The 8 tips mentioned above should be checked before buying a car online.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. To read more articles like this, please visit the Shop for Cars latest news page here.

About Shop for Cars,

Shop for Cars is Australia’s first car dealership-only online classified. Shop for Cars brings you the best quality new and used vehicles from trusted motor dealers Australia wide. Shop for Cars currently has over 12,500 cars listed for sale all from licensed Motor Vehicle Dealers ONLY.

Click here to begin your search.

DISCLAIMER: This is all based on opinion please research and consult with all relevant parties to make the best buying decision.