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Posts Tagged ‘Car Buying’

10 Mistakes Car Buyers Make

Customer and salesman with car key

A car is the one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make, second to a home. The car buying process can be a bit intimidating and overwhelming. After all, you do not want to end up overpaying for a vehicle. You definitely do not want to get the wrong car, altogether, as the return policy for vehicles works a little differently than any regular store purchase.

You will invest a lot of time, energy, and money into the car buying process, but are you avoiding some of the most common mistakes car shoppers make? We have compiled this list to help you drive off the lot with a smile on your face without any regrets.

Here are some mistakes that many car buyers are currently making:

1. Avoiding Research.

Think of buying a car like preparing for a big exam. You do not want to go in for your big test, blind, because it could cost you. Instead, you need to study up and do your research. The internet is your friend. Use it to search for a car that matches your price range. You can filter your car search by makes, models, years, mileage, and more. It is also smart to read a few reviews about both the car and the dealership you will be potentially be doing business with.

2. Picking The Wrong Car.

Think about what you do on a day-to-day basis. What about on a weekly basis? Maybe, better fuel economy is at the top of your must-have list because of your long commute to work. Also, think about your future plans. If you are planning on starting a family, investing in a sedan or SUV that offers the safety and seating you need may be a good idea.

3. Looking At Only One Place.

If you have found your dream car, there is nothing wrong with signing and driving away without stepping foot on another car lot. However, sometimes, it pays to keep your options open. Travel to different dealerships to see who offers the best deal. For a more convenient search, this can also be done online. When shopping for a dealership, keep customer service in mind, as well. This is just as important as the price and value of the car.

4. Not Looking Up Your Car’s Value.

If you are planning on trading in your car for a new or used vehicle, it would be a smart idea to look up your car’s trade-in value. Keep this number at the back of your head when going to a dealership. If the dealership does not offer you what you want, you can try to negotiate, sell on your own, or go to a private party.

5. Skipping The Test-Drive.

A test-drive is one of the most important factors in determining if a car is right for you. Pictures do not tell the entire story. Therefore, you must sit in the driver’s seat. During the test-drive, consider the following:

  • Seat comfort
  • Controls
  • Visibility
  • Engine noise
  • Technology and features
  • Steering
  • Acceleration

6. Forgetting About The Online Department.

Many people think of buying a car in the traditional way. You walk onto a lot to speak with a salesperson about your interest in a vehicle. In today’s world, most dealerships also have an online department. These departments take the stress out of the negotiation process, creating a totally different car shopping experience.

7. Thinking Dealership Financing Is Your Only Option.

Most people cannot afford to pay for a vehicle in its entirety, so they finance it with a loan. It may seem easier to use the financing options offered through the dealership. However, this is not your only option. You can also get a car loan through a bank, credit union, or online company. Do your homework to decide which financing option is right for you and which one offers you the lowest interest rates.

8. Feeling Forced Into A Buy.

Buying a car is a big decision. If you have any doubts, sleep on your decision. You need to be 100% confident and be in a place where you can financially afford the monthly payments. A salesperson should respect your choice and need for more time, so they should not push you to buy.

9. Thinking New Is Your Only Option.

There are advantages and disadvantages to buying both new and used cars. While new cars offer top-rated technology and features, buying used could save you money, upfront. In addition, requesting a CarFax report is a great way to have peace of mind in the car buying process. You will find out information about the vehicle’s history, such as previous owners, accidents, and more.

10. Breaking The Bank.

One of the first things that you should do when searching for a car is to establish a budget. Stick to that budget. One way to do this is by avoiding looking at any cars that fall outside your price range. This way you do not risk falling in love with a car that you cannot afford.

Auto Transport And Your Car

By avoiding these mistakes, you can save yourself time, money, and stress, making the car buying process much more enjoyable. We, at National Dispatch, are also here to help during the process and anytime in the future.

If you are buying a car out of state, our nationwide auto transport services can make your life easier by shipping your car to you. With our years of experience and trained auto shipping experts, you never have to worry about your car’s safety along the way.

Request a free, instant car shipping quote. No personal information is required to get a car transport rate in seconds. Only four fields are needed: vehicle make, vehicle model, pickup location, and delivery location. If you prefer to speak with an auto transport representative, you can call us at 800-321-2051.

Car Buying: Visit The Dealer Or Go Online

Car Buying Concept

A car is a big purchase, one which requires a great deal of time and research. In today’s technology-driven world, you do not even have to step foot onto a car lot, if you do not want to. However, there are many people that still prefer the traditional car buying experience over a virtual one.

The shopping option you choose depends mainly upon personal preference. Therefore, we have outlined each shopping experience to help you make an informed decision. After all, car buying is meant to be both fun and stress-free.

Woman hand with mouse and laptop

Buying A Car Online

It often appears that online car buying offers a more timely and stress-free experience. You can look up trade-in values, financing options, inventory, ratings, reviews, and more at the click of a button. Many people are resorting to this option for the following reasons:

  1. Negotiating is not necessary. The internet takes some of the pressure off and allows you access to thousands of websites, where you can conduct a price comparison search. No bargaining with a salesperson is required.
  2. You do not have to move off your couch. Online car buying allows you to purchase a car from the comfort of your own living room. After selecting the vehicle of your dreams, you can have a car shipping company ship it directly to your home. How convenient!
  3. This method may offer you a more pleasant experience. Salespeople are categorized as being pushy and aggressive. Some people would prefer to bypass dealing with a car salesman, altogether.

This may sound like the perfect car buying experience. However, online car shopping is not for everyone. In some cases, purchasing a car over the internet can make the car buying process more of a challenge.

This is primarily the case when it comes to purchasing a car from another state. Getting the title and registration may require a few extra steps. In addition, when a car is too far away to drive to, you may have to skip a test-drive. Are you okay not driving the car before buying it? These are important factors to take into consideration.

Understanding Your Options: Online Car Buying

When it comes to buying a car online, you have two options. You can either purchase directly from a dealership or use an online car marketplace.

Using A Dealer

Many dealerships have an Internet Sales Department. You can email the dealership for a quote on the car you are interested in. Some websites also offer a live chat option. Make sure you ask the dealership to list out all the fees associated with purchasing the car. After obtaining this information, you can go to other dealerships to compare pricing.

Online Marketplace

These online car buying sites are useful resources in your search for the best deal on your dream car. You can search local dealers, browse through a large selection of makes and models, and get side-by-side price comparisons. Here is a list of some of the most popular car buying sites:

Autobytel

Autobytel gives you access to a large inventory of both new and used cars. Not only does this website provide you with prices and reviews, it is also informative with its Top 10 lists.

Autotrader

Autotrader allows you to narrow down exactly what you are looking for. You can filter your car search by price, style, condition, year, mileage, and more.

eBay Motors

eBay has a large selection of new and used cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, motorcycles, and more. You can use their easy-to-use search form to find a car anywhere in the nation.

Edmunds

Edmunds is a reliable online resource for researching new and used cars. Not only can you view and compare vehicles, but you can access advice and reviews that might be helpful in your search.

Hemmings

If you are in the market for a classic or muscle car, then Hemmings is the perfect place to start your search. With so many to choose from, it will be hard to find another online classic car selection that beats it.

Sports Car in Showroom

Buying A Car At A Dealership

Maybe, you prefer the traditional method of buying a car. Some people are more comfortable physically going to a dealership. This could be because they do not exactly understand how online car buying works or for one of the following reasons:

  1. Face to face communication is better. While email and phone conversations work for some people, others prefer a conversation in person. This allows you to get the salesperson’s expert opinion on a wide variety of makes and models.
  2. It allows you to determine what you want through a test-drive. Test-driving is an important part of the decision-making process. However, sometimes, this is not possible due to distance. Purchasing a car out-of-state can make test-driving a challenge, or nearly impossible.
  3. It is unfair to group all salespeople into one category. Not all salespeople are aggressive in their business tactics. Many are also knowledgeable and helpful. Keep an open-mind about how your car buying experience might be.

The traditional car buying method, at a dealership, may seem to offer an unmatched level of customer service. However, this method makes it difficult to compare, even if you are jumping around to different dealers. This can make it hard to see what the best deal is, ultimately making the decision-making process more complicated.

Which Option Is Best For Me?

Let’s get right down to it and discuss which option best suits your needs. What it comes down to is which option will give you the best experience.

For some, buying a car at a dealership is too much pressure. They would prefer having the leisure of making a decision from their living room sofa, because they can walk away from a deal more easily. On the other hand, some prefer to physically go to a dealership to get the “old-fashioned” experience. This way they can walk around and see what catches their eye.

The truth is that purchasing a car is not a decision that you should make hastily. Each method has its pros and cons. Take your time, and use all the resources available to you to get your dream car.

Car Being Inspected

Steps To Buying A Car

It does not matter whether you are purchasing a car on the lot or over the web. There are certain steps that every buyer must go through. Here is what your car buying process might look like.

  1. Find the car you want.

    Choosing the right car for you is step one. Determine what makes and models you are interested in, along with what features are necessary. Keep in mind your lifestyle, as this will help you determine what other factors, such as fuel economy, size, and budget, are important.

  2. Get your finances in order.

    Once you have narrowed down your list to a few options, it is time to decide on a budget. What can you afford? There are many resources, such as online payment calculators, to help you determine what monthly payment won’t drain the bank. When performing these calculations, it is also important to know what your current car is worth (if you want to trade it in). Kelley Blue Book is a recommended website to get an idea of what the dealer might offer. You also might want to consider securing financing before going through the car buying process.

  3. Research the inventory.

    Next, it is time to see what vehicles are available to you. If you are going with the traditional method, you can go to the car dealership and speak with a salesperson. Online research allows you to conduct a search for the make and model you want. Search availability at your local dealerships or nationwide.

  4. Collect quotes and negotiate.

    You will want to receive information on pricing, whether you are conducting an online search or visiting a dealership, firsthand. Fill out a contact form, email the Internet Sales Department, or chat with someone online. When on the lot, you can look at the price sticker on the window or work with a sales representative. If the price does not fall within your budget, you can negotiate a price. Make sure that you come up with a price that is fair to the market value of the vehicle.

  5. Sign and drive.

    A test-drive goes a long way in deciding on a vehicle. If you already have experience with a particular make and model, sometimes it may not be necessary. After you have driven the car around the block, it is time to sign all the necessary paperwork. If you have completed everything online, then you may be required to come to the dealership. Other arrangements can be made if dealing with a dealership out-of-state.

The process of buying a car does not have to be scary, complicated, or high-pressure. While many are choosing to switch over to a newer method of car buying, some still prefer the traditional car buying experience. Whichever shopping experience you choose, the end result is the same – driving around town in your dream car.

Car Transport Truck - Utah

Shipping A Car

Many people have realized that physically going to a dealership is not your only option to buying a car. You can also purchase a vehicle online. Each option has their own advantages and disadvantages. When making an online purchase, you will need to consider how to get the car home.

Although you can fly or drive to pick up your car, shipping a car has its benefits. Here is what you can expect when you ship your car with a professional auto transport company.

  • Less stress. If the dealership is not local, you may be required to drive hours outside of state lines to pick up the vehicle. While road trips can be fun, they are also stressful. You will have to arrange with a friend, neighbor, or family member to travel with you. It may be easier to have the car shipped to your home.
  • No wasted time. There is no need to take time off of work or use up precious vacation days to travel to pick up your new car. Car shipping services are a time-saver.
  • Convenient delivery. With door-to-door delivery, you can get your car shipped directly to your home. With online booking and free car shipping quotes, the process is made even more simple.

Car Shipping Tips

To ensure that your car shipping experience is a success, it is important to understand a little bit about the auto transport industry. This will provide security for your new purchase, give you peace of mind, and help prevent delays to guarantee a fast delivery.

When it comes to determining a car transport rate, there are numerous factors that are involved. It is important to take into consideration certain aspects of the move, as well as the particulars of your car. Here are some of the variables that go into calculating a car shipping quote.

  • Location. How far and where the driver must travel to means everything. Pricing will also vary depending on where the pickup and drop-off locations are in reference to major highways.
  • Size. Another factor that is important in determining the price of shipping is how big the vehicle is. The price of shipping between a compact car and SUV will differ due to weight.
  • Season. The time of year can affect your rate because of demand, amount of traffic, and more. Do your research to determine when the best time to ship will be.
  • Carrier Type. The type of carrier you choose will depend on the type of car you own and personal preference. Open carrier and enclosed carrier shipping options are available.
  • Shipping Option. How soon you need your vehicle is also important. This will ultimately decide if you need guaranteed shipping or not.

National Dispatch is a leading provider of car shipping services anywhere in the United States. Making an online car purchase is just one situation in which you might need car shipping. We also transport cars in the cases of residential moves, corporate relocations, vacations, and more.

If you need car shipping services, request a free, instant car shipping quote. No personal information is required to get a quote in seconds. If you would prefer to speak with an auto transport representative, call us at 800-321-2051 or chat with us online.

Purchasing And Shipping A Car Out Of State

Brand new cars on lot

Car Buying And Shipping

When searching for a new car, most people go to a local dealership to make a purchase. While this provides ease and convenience, there may be a better option available to you. When you are shopping locally, sometimes the exact make, model, and color that you are looking for are not available. Even if you find the perfect car, you cannot be sure that you are getting the best deal.

One way to ensure that you find the perfect car within your price range is by looking outside of your local area. If you expand your search outside of your state, then you will have many more options available to you. Therefore, you will have a higher chance of finding the car of your dreams. The problem comes with getting your car to your home. This is where National Dispatch comes in.

National Dispatch offers auto shipping services anywhere in the United States, making it easy to get your new car to you. Auto transport also makes it so that you do not have to drive hours to your destination. All the hard work is done for you.

Internet

Purchasing A Car Out Of State

Many of the same steps should be followed, regardless if you are buying a car within your state or outside of your state. You will want to find out everything you can about the vehicle prior to purchasing. However, there are some differences regarding paperwork, inspections, and registration.

  1. Get A Vehicle History Report.

A Vehicle History Report is a crucial component when you are in the market to purchase a new car. It can tell you important details about the vehicle, such as its accident history, service history, previous owners, and more. If you know that the vehicle has been involved in an accident, this information can be useful for your mechanic. The damaged areas should be inspected to ensure that they were replaced and installed, appropriately. This can be obtained through a company, such as Carfax or AutoCheck for a reasonable price. Getting this report will also prepare you, so that you can avoid many unforeseen circumstances.

  1. Have An Inspection Completed.

Have a trusted mechanic conduct an inspection on the vehicle prior to purchasing. During this inspection, the mechanic will look for cosmetic damages and mechanical issues, as well as check on the safety condition of the vehicle. This inspection, along with the vehicle history report, ensures you that you are buying a car free of any major problems. When making your purchase, you can rest easy knowing that you won’t be falling into a money trap. If issues are found with the vehicle, your next move depends on the severity and how much money and time you are willing to invest. You could negotiate for a lower price, or choose to not buy the car at all.

  1. Pay Taxes.

Where you intend to drive and register the car is the state to which you will pay taxes. Therefore, you would pay taxes to your home state. Taxes usually must be paid before you can obtain a title and registration. The tax rate will vary by state. Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If you are going through a dealership, most of the time, they handle all the work for you. They will gather the necessary paperwork, as well as calculate the sales tax.

  1. Make Sure It Meets Safety Standards.

Check to see if your home state has certain requirements regarding smog and emissions. Many states, such as California and New York, require that vehicles pass a smog and emissions inspection before they can be registered. If you are buying a car from a state that requires these smog checks, then you might already have a valid inspection sticker on your car. You will need to check with your home state’s DMV to see if the sticker will be accepted. Otherwise, the car will need to pass another safety inspection. Once the car passes this inspection, you may not be required to complete another one until 1 to 2 years.

  1. Obtain A New Title And Registration.

Buying a new car requires a new title and registration. After getting the car to your home state, the timeframe to do this will vary, from 30 days or more. If you are purchasing a car from a dealership, then the dealer will handle the paperwork for you. This will serve as a temporary solution, until the car gets to its permanent destination. If you are purchasing a car from a private seller, then you will be required to do much of the work, yourself. This means that you will need to communicate with the DMVs of both states.

  1. Get Insurance.

When you buy a new car, you will want to contact your auto insurance provider to get it on your policy. You will want to discuss with your insurance provider how much insurance is required and needed, as well as what is covered. You will also want to find out what your deductible will be.

Woman receiving car key

Shipping A Car Out Of State

After purchasing your car from another state, you will need to get your car home. The best way to do this is by using a professional auto shipping company. If you have never shipped a car before, you are probably unfamiliar with the process. Here’s a quick outline of how the auto shipping process will go.

  1. Find your dream car.

    You will first need to find a car. The internet is filled with many car-buying sites, making it easy to search through an extensive inventory from the comfort of your own couch. Many of these sites allow you to sort and shop by make, model, color, and features. When you have found the vehicle for you, you must discuss with the dealer how payment will be handled.

    Note: Unfortunately, the internet has made it easier for people to conduct car-buying scams. For this reason, you must be extra cautious when buying a car from a private seller whom you do not know.

  1. Select a car shipping service.

    After you have decided on the right car, truck, SUV, van, or motorcycle for you. You will need a way to get this vehicle to you. National Dispatch offers a wide range of nationwide auto transport services to meet your budget and timeline. In general, most auto shipping companies give you the option to choose between open auto shipping and enclosed auto shipping services. In addition, you can decide which shipping option you need based on how soon you need the car. At National Dispatch, we offer 3 shipping options, with guaranteed being for those individuals who are on a strict timeline. We will discuss this further, later.

  1. Book auto shipping services.

    Once you have decided that National Dispatch is the best option for all your auto transport needs, you will need to contact us to schedule services. You can reach us by phone at 800-321-2051. We will need general information about the vehicle, such as the make and model. We will also need to know where the car will need to be picked up from and delivered to. As per our policy, we do require some payment, in the form of a deposit, prior to transport.

  2. Pickup/Delivery of the vehicle.

    A date and time will be scheduled for pickup of the car from the dealer or private seller. This will be communicated to the seller, so they know to have the vehicle ready for auto transport. The car will be loaded onto a carrier, of your choice, for its journey home to you. We will keep you informed every step of the way, letting you know when you can expect your new car. With door-to-door auto transport, the car will be delivered directly to your home. This adds convenience and eliminates unnecessary driving for you. You do not have to drive to a terminal to pick up your car.

  1. Enjoy your new car.

    The car will arrive safely at your home. Upon arrival, you will be required to complete a visual inspection with the driver. This is to ensure that the car has no signs of damages. Once you have walked around the vehicle, you will sign a vehicle condition report. The driver will hand over the keys to your new car. The car is yours to enjoy for years to come.

Car Transport Truck - Utah

Car Shipping Services

At National Dispatch, we understand that you are an individual with unique needs. Therefore, we provide numerous auto shipping options to meet your timeline, budget, and personal preferences. Select which type of transport carrier you need, as well as which shipping timeframe best suits your schedule.

Here are a few of the car shipping services we provide.

  • Open Auto Transport

    This is the standard method of shipping in the auto transport industry. If you choose to ship your car via open auto transport, the vehicle will be loaded onto an open-air carrier. These carriers are capable of hauling up to nine cars at one time. Due to the construction of the transport carrier, the car will be exposed to weather and road elements. If this concerns you, there is another option, enclosed auto transport, available to you.

  • Enclosed Auto Transport

    With this method of auto shipping, the car will be transported on an enclosed transport carrier. These types of carriers have side walls and a roof to provide extra protection for the vehicle during transit. Due to the added protection that the carrier provides, the vehicle will be shielded from a variety of weather and road elements. This includes dust, dirt, and grime, as well as hail, wind, rain, and snow. This is the recommended transport carrier for those who own high-valued vehicles, such as luxury, classic, sport, or exotic cars.

  • Guaranteed Auto Shipping

    At National Dispatch, we have 3 different shipping options to choose from. This includes Economy, Priority, and Guaranteed. Economy shipping is the cheapest option, while Priority shipping is the standard shipping option. Guaranteed shipping is intended for people who need their car shipped as soon as possible. Sometimes, you just cannot do without your vehicle. We understand.

National Dispatch logo

Why National Dispatch

With thousands of car shipping companies available to choose from, it can make it difficult to know which one is the right one for you. Here are a few reasons why our customers choose us, time after time, for reliable service.

  • On-Time Shipping

    Getting your car by its expected delivery date is very important to you and us. We work hard to stick to the timeline we provide at booking. Only under certain circumstances, such as weather delays, must we stray from our promise to you. This is because we seek to put the safety of your car above all else.

  • Excellent Customer Service

    We pride ourselves in providing the best customer service. From booking to delivery, you will receive the best service around. You will remain informed every step of the way. You can rest easy knowing that your car is in the best hands.

  • Nationwide Services

    At National Dispatch, we provide nationwide auto shipping services. Therefore, it does not matter where in the country you need to go. We can get your car where it needs to go, safely and quickly.

  • Online Quote Form

    Our online quote form makes the process of requesting a free car shipping quote fast and simple. Only four simple fields are required: vehicle make, vehicle model, pickup location, and delivery location. After filling in this information, you will be instantly redirected to your quote. It’s that easy! No personal information is required.

National Dispatch is a nationwide auto transport company with a company-owned fleet. We transport all types of vehicles for individuals, as well as businesses. If you are buying a car out of state, auto shipping services can make the process of getting your car much easier. Request a free, instant car shipping quote using our online quote calculator. If you prefer to speak with us by phone, we can be reached at 800-321-2051.