Find Car, Find the car of your dreams online |
For many, the days of kicking tires and checking under the hood have become a distant memory. Along with having faster access to information, the ease of shopping for food, clothes, real-estate and just about whatever else one could think of, the world-wide-web has also become a preferred place to find a car.
While it used to take days, weeks, or even months of riding from lot to lot, haggling with less than scrupulous sales people, test-driving and fact-checking to find a car to purchase, anyone with a PC and internet access now has endless options to make their search as easy as a few clicks of the mouse.
Popular sites such as: autotrader.com, automart.com, getauto.com, carsdirect.com, and many others offer services ranging from financing to the actual shipping of your vehicle. Also popular with online car shoppers is eBay®, the site where buyers bid on their preferred car without the hassle of having to find a licensed dealer and be physically present at an auto auction.
Finding a car online also has its down-side. While cars sold by reputable dealers may come with a warranty, many cars, (such as those sold on eBay®) are sold "as is", which means the buyer may not end up getting what he or she believed was a great car at a low price. Also, car buyers may find that shipping costs, (if the car is purchased from a seller in another state) can subtract from any savings that may have resulted in winning the car with a reasonably low bid. As with any purchase, it's a good idea to keep in mind the old adage that "you get what you pay for".
When trying to find a car on the internet, here are some key points to remember:
- Always research the website and be sure it is legitimate.
Checking the Better Business Bureau's website is a good idea.
- If the site offers Car Fax®, consider taking advantage of the service.
For a small fee, Car Fax® will send you the car's history. There may be a reason the paint is fresh, and the windows have all been replaced. You're trying to find a car that has no history of being wrecked, flooded or drag-raced on a Talladega strip.
- Be extremely cautious about how you make your purchase.
Once you find the car you wish to purchase, NEVER wire funds by Western Union®, Money Gram® or any other wire service. Never send a cashier's check or money order. Most services use PayPal®, an online payment service that affords both the buyer and seller some protection during the course of the transaction.
- Be cautious when dealing with companies that offer to sell you a warranty or warranty extension. Always read the fine print. The "warranty" they are offering may not offer coverage beyond what your auto insurance already offers, especially if you plan to carry full-coverage.
- Maintain ALL paperwork, receipts and records. This is a good practice in general.
It is now as easy to find a car using the internet as it is to do research for a school paper, find a long-lost relative, or to order the latest gadgets, baubles and trinkets. With a little caution and a bit of luck, you may be fortunate enough to have your new car delivered to your doorstep without ever having to leave the comfort of your home! |
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