Mark Gilbert ATN: Safety Reminders for Buying Cars Online

In today's age, buying a car online has become more common than ever before. The convenience factor of shopping from the comfort of your own home, coupled with the vast selection of vehicles available from across the country, is definitely an enticing offer. However, it's important to be aware of the potential risks as well. One of the major concerns when buying a car online is the inability to physically inspect it before making a purchase. Mark Gilbert ATN says while photos and videos can give you a good idea of what the car looks like, nothing quite compares to being able to touch, feel, and see the vehicle in person.

On a similar note, you often have no opportunity to test drive the car before you buy it. This disadvantage represents another huge risk because, for many buyers, "experiencing is believing." In the past, Mark Gilbert ATN says that online sellers have tried to compensate for this. They offered used-car warranties as well as return policies to their customers. Today, online car sellers increasingly allow for test drives at a time and place of your choosing.

Mark Gilbert ATN says another risk when buying a car online is the inability to negotiate prices or terms. For many potential buyers, that is actually a positive. However, some shrewd negotiators might miss the opportunity to get themselves a better-than-average deal, or at least to think that they did.

Lastly, one of the most significant risks when buying a car online is that financing choices may be limited. You may find that the online sales process limits you to a single lender or toward one of just a few with which the car dealer has a relationship. Mark Gilbert ATN notes that you can secure financing before the online shopping process before purchasing the car as a "cash buyer." However, that complicates what would otherwise be a straightforward and time-efficient transaction.

Mark Gilbert ATN shares his insights on automotive marketing, sales, and online sales on this page. Subscribe to receive updates.