- Our guide to buying a car online
- Is buying online safe? We explain all
- How to test drive a car if you're buying online
Buying a car online is easier, and more common, than ever before. Lots of dealers in the UK now let you configure a new car or browse thousands of used models. A lot of the time you can even see a walkaround video of any car you're interested in.
Brush up on all you need to know before buying a car online with our complete guide.
How common is it?
Some dealers have been offering online buying for quite a while, but it’s increased significantly since the 2020 outbreak of coronavirus.
Is it easy?
With most people turning to their phones or computers to shop for anything from groceries to clothes and TVs, it only makes sense that cars would soon follow. And you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your own home, which is always a bonus.
As with cars in a showroom, all cars you’ll see online from dealers should have gone through rigorous checks to make sure they’re up to scratch. You’re also likely to find better prices online - especially if you’re looking for nearly new deals.
Applying for finance can be done online, and cars from dealerships will come with a warranty and often an MoT, too. If you have a car to part exchange, the value of your current car can also be factored into your purchase.
With click and collect, you can order online and collect your car from outside the dealership, without any direct contact with the dealer staff. However, due to the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak, it is important to check local government rules contact the showroom directly to check their opening hours.
Is it safe?
Yes, you’ll have the same buying rights, even if you don’t step foot on a forecourt. If you bought the car from stock without going to the dealer’s premises, then distance selling regulations apply. This means you can cancel your order up to 14 days after it’s delivered, and you don’t need to give a reason either.
On top of that, the 2015 Consumer Rights Act guarantees you’ll be able to reject the car within 30 days of purchase if any fault is found.
Does it take long?
So, buying a car online is simple and transparent - but how long can you expect to wait for your new car? The goal for online car sales is to make purchases quicker, so it’s actually faster than buying in person once you’ve done your research and know which car is for you.
Getting your hands on your new car could take anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks depending on delivery times, but these will all be discussed ahead of time so you’ll know exactly where you stand before you put any money down.
Some final steps we’d suggest before enquiring about a specific model would be to check a range of reviews - both from pro reviewers and owners, check the real-life miles per gallon you can expect and have a look around at what the typical prices are to make sure you’re getting a fair deal.
Can I still test drive?
No, due to the Coronavirus outbreak dealers are not offering test drives until further notice.
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