Although most people have been turning to the internet for purchasing everything from CDs and clothes to books and furniture for a long time now, not many people seemed to prefer purchasing a car online. But the situation is fast changing. More and more people are now turning to online sources not just to compare car prices, but also to actually make a purchase. Whether you are planning on purchasing a brand new car or a used car, there are plenty of online automotive sites that offer reasonable new car prices and amazingly low used car prices. As a result, you can save thousands of dollars if you opt for car shopping online.


Online Car Purchase
Most people go in for online purchases due to the attractive car quotes. Most automotive sites offer access to huge databases of cars across the United States. That means you have the convenience of browsing through various sites and car categories from the comfort of your home. However, the downside of purchasing new or used cars online is that you do not get a chance to thoroughly inspect the car before confirming the purchase.


Things to Watch Out For



Before going in for an online car purchase, use this checklist to ensure a safe and good buy.


* Reputation of the site: Ensure safety by checking if the site is reputable and if it has been around for some time. Do not believe the new car price quote you receive out of the blue from a new site it is likely to be a scam.


* Location: Take note of the areas where the cars are delivered throughout the United States. If you are from Maine, avoid a site that requires you to collect the car from Texas. Remember that most online dealers add the shipping charges to the car quote if you live far from their car delivery locations.


* Compare car prices: Always compare the car quote you receive with ones on other sites, newspaper ads or car showrooms.


* Request for the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) of the used car: If you are looking to buy a used car, the VIN allows you to get a detailed report of the car history. You thus get to know everything related to the car if it has ever been involved in an accident, if its odometer is showing the exact mileage of the car, number of cylinders, its engine type, etc.


* Get everything in writing: Ask the dealer to provide you a detailed report of the car specifications and new car price quote in writing. This way, even if you find faults in the car after purchase, you will have sufficient evidence to make a complaint.


* Take along an expert: Before taking delivery of the car, let an expert or a mechanic do a simple inspection.


Reliable car dealer sites offer you plenty of new cars with exciting car quotes. These sites also offer used cars in good condition and cheap used car prices. Even if you are dealing with an established, online dealer, observe how good their customer service section is. With a bit of browsing around, you can easily find good dealers known for competitive car prices, impeccable service and satisfactory customer support. Get started right away, your dream car is probably just a few clicks away!