your guide to buying a car online

your guide to buying a car online

FREE Car History Check

See MOT history, valuations, detailed specs and more… AND upgrade to see if any vehicle has been stolen, has finance or has been written off from just £3.99

Search

Nowadays, trips to the forecourt have been replaced by visits to a number of online platforms for buying used cars. Buying a car online is becoming increasingly popular, as it offers more convenience and choice. But with so many options available, it can be tricky to know where to start. This guide will take you through the process of buying a car online, from finding the right platform to making the purchase.

Can you buy a car online in the UK?

When it comes to buying a used car online, there are a few different platforms you can choose from. The most popular option is eBay Motors, which offers a huge selection of both private and trade sellers. Another popular option is Autotrader, which specialises in second-hand cars and has listings from both dealerships and private sellers.

Once you've chosen the platform you want to use, it's time to start searching for your perfect car. When you're looking at listings, pay attention to the description and photos to get an idea of the condition of the car. If you're unsure about anything, don't hesitate to ask the seller for more information.

The online process

When you've found a car you're interested in, it's time to start negotiating with the seller. If you're buying from a dealership, they may be open to haggling on price. However, if you're buying from a private seller, they may be less open to negotiation. It's always worth trying though - you could save yourself a considerable amount of money.

Once you've agreed on a price, it's time to make the purchase. If you're buying from a dealership, they will usually take care of the paperwork for you. If you're buying from a private seller, you'll need to arrange payment and transfer of ownership yourself.

Paying for your car is usually done via bank transfer, although some platforms also offer the option of paying by credit card. Once the payment has gone through, the car is officially yours! If you're buying from a private seller, don't forget to transfer the ownership into your name. This can be done online through the DVLA website.

What is the best website for buying a new car?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as different people have different preferences. Some popular websites for buying new cars include Autotrader, Motors.co.uk, and Honest John. All of these websites offer a wide selection of new cars from both private sellers and dealerships.

What are the risks of buying a car online?

As with any purchase made online, there is always a risk of fraud. This is why it's important to be careful when buying a car online, and to only use reputable websites. If you're unsure about anything, don't hesitate to ask the seller for more information. You should also be aware that you may not have the same consumer rights when buying a car online as you would if you bought it in person. This means that it can be harder to return or exchange a car if you're not happy with it.

Can I buy a car online and have it delivered?

Yes, you can. If you're buying a car from a dealership, they may offer delivery as part of the service. If you're buying from a private seller, you will need to arrange delivery yourself. This is usually done via a specialist car transport company.

Are there any other costs associated with buying a car online?

Yes, there are a few other costs you should be aware of before buying a car online. Firstly, most websites charge a small fee for listing your car. Secondly, if you're paying by credit card, you may be charged a cash advance fee by your bank. Finally, if you're arranging delivery yourself, you will need to pay the delivery company for their services.

Can you buy a car online from the manufacturer?

Yes, you can buy a car online directly from the manufacturer. However, you may find that it's cheaper to buy from a dealership or private seller. This is because manufacturers often charge a premium for cars bought online.

The best way to buy a car remains uncertain. Buying a car online has become popular in developed countries with a growing number of manufacturers offering the option to buy cars online. The trend is slowly catching on in other parts of the world as well. In some cases, buying a car online can be cheaper and more convenient than buying from a brick-and-mortar dealership. However, there are also some risks associated with buying cars online, so it's important to do your research before making any decisions.

Found a car you like? Make sure you know its history to avoid disappointment - get a check with mycarcheck to discover everything about a car’s past.

Car History Check

car history check

Search
Never buy a used car without checking the vehicle's history first. Start your journey to being car confident by entering any UK vehicle reg number.
Free checks won't tell you if it's stolen! Every month, an average of 2,568 miss out as they don't upgrade.
data analysis from 29th Dec '23 to 29th Mar '24