Buying Online or at the Dealership

Some enjoy the pressure-free experience of car shopping from home, while others, for intuitive purposes, prefer face-to-face dialogue with a salesperson. There is no right or wrong for either option. Mainly it narrows down to personal preference.

Online Advantages

• No pressuring sales teams.

• Internet preserves your identity, preventing salespeople from profiling.

• Ability to scan numerous dealerships within minutes.

• More conducive for comparative shopping, giving you more price, make, model and color options.

• No online closing hours.

• Less time spent haggling over price.

• No driving through traffic to visit dealerships.

• Manufacturer websites allow you to customize colors and accessories with complete ease.

In-Person Advantages

• Seeing a car in person provides more peace of mind with the decision process.

• Immediate answers to all questions.

• Easier to gauge if you feel comfortable with the dealership.

• Easier to hammer out an exact price.

Online Disadvantages

• You cannot complete a deal online. You must still visit the dealership in person.

• Creates false confidence, making you less apt to spend time inspecting the car in person. Consequently, it's not until after the deal is sealed you might find fault with something like legroom, handling or seat adjustments.

• You must meet with salesperson to get an exact price.

• Prevents establishing a "gut feeling" for whom you're dealing with.

In-Person Disadvantages

• Pressuring sales teams.

• Must juggle your schedule to conform with dealership's operating hours.

• Limits comparative shopping.

• Must spend time and gas driving to various dealerships.

• Lousy showroom coffee.

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