Buy a car on the internet

IN PROGRESS

The Internet has taken much of the guess work out of the car buying process. Shoppers are able to obtain a vast amount of vehicle information on the Web including specs, reviews and even prices. Gone are the days of going to the dealer, unarmed with information, and hoping for the best.

In addition to being a source for research, the Internet can also facilitate the purchase of a car. There are two general ways one can buy a car online, directly or by being referred to a dealer.

Direct

While you can't avoid a car salesman entirely, a lot of the negotiation and finance details can be worked out online before you even step inside the door of a dealership. There are different types of websites you can use to initiate the process, including those run by the manufacturer, the dealer or a third-party (e.g. CarsDirect[1]). While there can be some variance, generally, there are a few steps involved in using the Internet to purchase a vehicle:

• Fill out Form - You'll be asked to fill a out form with key details, such as contact information, type of vehicle you're interested in, how you plan on paying, etc.

• Contact from Dealer - Your information will be forwarded to dealers in your area. If a dealer is able to fulfill your request, you'll get an e-mail stating that your request was received, if the desired car was in stock, as well as the asking price. The dealer will also likely mention next steps, such as taking a test-drive.

• Finalize the Details - It's up

In addition to using the Internet to handle all of the