I am very serious about purchasing a car over the internet. Has anyone bought a car over the inter net before? I would fly there and drive the car, but i have no time to do all that, so i just asked for pictures and stuff so that i can get a good idea on the cars condition, please let me know if anyones has done this before thank you

 

Yes. I've purchased 3 vehicles over the internet (1998 GS400, 1993 Toyota Supra TT Hardtop 6 Speed, 2002 C32 AMG). I always look up the KBB trade-in value of the car model I want. I make it my goal to buy it near that figure and nowhere near KBB retail. Then I look nationally on autotrader.com for the best deal on the model with the right color and options. Try to buy from a franchise dealer (authorized to sell some major brand but usually NOT the brand you're buying). When buying highline cars (Lexus, MB, etc.) I prefer to buy from Ford, GM, Pontiac dealerships. They usually sell lower knowing fewer highline customers will come through their doors. Don't be afraid to lowball people. All they can say is no. KBB was saying that retail value on my GS400 was $27,000 when I bought it for $22,000 from a VW dealership. I just picked a figure that I couldn't say no to and threw it at them.

KBB is saying that the C32 I bought last week for $37,475 has a retail around $44,000. Many of these dealers will come down $3K-$5K or more on a $40K car. Shipping is $500-$1,000 depending on the distance. If you save $7,000 off of retail then who cares about the shipping. Plus, if you get a real steal (way below loan value) on a car, your bank will likely be able to make your loan amount cover all of your related fees (tag, shipping, sales taxes, etc.). Always do a carfax check. Request as many pictures as possible and see if the dealer will bring the car to the closest authorized dealer for the make in question for an inspection (at your cost). Cars depreciate so much that you really have to get steals to keep from being upside down in the thing as you add miles and make payments.

Kevin

 

thanks, yea I found a car on autotrader, and i think i am going to buy it.

 

True, but here's how I look at it (I only buy new cars). I will probably keep my $50K Lexus 6 years (or more) and it will probably be worth $20K when I sell it. That's $5K a year, or just over $400 a month - a bargain as far as I'm concerned to have a new car, with warranty, and a load of fun.

 

Yep, one really needs to base these buying decisions on their own priorities. I bought my GS400 out of warranty and knew it wouldn't have issues. I didn't take any chances on the Benz. It only had 8,600 miles on it and much of the 4 yr/ 50K mile warranty was left. But I let somebody else take the $19,000 hit of the first 14 months of ownership/ depreciation.

Kevin

 

Used Carsdirect.com to buy my mother's Corolla and would do it again in a heartbeat. Got the car for $500 less than any dealer was willing to do and zero hassle.