Buying a car online can seem daunting, but it can also save you time, money, and stress. Why limit yourself to the limited inventory at local dealerships when you have access to a global marketplace of thousands of vehicles at your fingertips? Additionally, buying a car online allows you to comparison shop, read reviews, and research vehicle history reports. If you’ve found the perfect car, but it’s located miles away, don’t fret! Shipping a car cross country is a straightforward process that also gives you the freedom to fly and avoid a long road trip. Here’s how to buy a car online and ship it cross country.
- Research and Find a Trustworthy Car Dealership or Online Marketplace
The first step is finding the right car dealership or online marketplace. You want to buy from a dealership with a proven track record of delivering cars that match their descriptions, good customer service, and transparent pricing. For online marketplaces, check for websites that provide secure transactions and insured shipping, like eBay Motors or Auto Trader.
- Pre-Inspection and Communication with Seller
Once you have found a car that you are interested in, the next step is to communicate with the seller. Ask for a vehicle history report, including service records and accident reports. Also, request additional pictures and any information that could impact your decision like paint dings, rust under the car, or upgrades. You can make a request to have a pre-inspection done by an independent third-party mechanic to confirm everything before purchase.
- Secure Payment and Transportation Arrangements
Once you and the seller have agreed on a price, you will need to secure payment. This is normally done by wire transfer, cashiers check, a direct deposit, or a secure online payment service. Most sellers won’t release the car until they have received the payment confirmed by their bank.
Next comes transportation. Some dealerships will offer a shipping service (at varying rates), or you can inquire with third-party auto transport companies to find your transport quotes. Ensure that your transporter is licensed, insured, and bonded. You can instruct them when and where to pick up your car and where to drop it off.
- Pick-up and Delivery
When the time comes to pick up your car, make sure to have documents such as bill of sale, registration, and proof of insurance from your side. You or your representative will, however, have to inspect the vehicle inside and out before you sign off that everything’s what you approved when seeing the car online. Ensure the bill of lading is signed before take-off. When the transport arrives, inspect the vehicle again, hand over necessary paperwork and sign the release form. Finally, ensure that you test drive the car before taking it home, verifying that all the specs and features are as described on the seller’s website.
Buying a car online and shipping it cross country is a convenient and rewarding process with thoughtful preparation. With these few steps, you will find the right car at the right price from any location in the USA. Do your research, ask questions to the seller, secure a reliable auto transport company like Montway, and keep an open line of communication for good business. Enjoy the convenience and the money saved from buying your dream car!
