How can I protect myself when buying a car online? This guide explains how you can buy a car online and everything you need to know to get a great deal. We will discus how to how to check a car's history so that you don't buy a car with a problem past.
How To Buy A Car Online
Advances in online retail have revolutionised many industries in recent years, with car sales being no exception. It is now more convenient than ever to purchase both new and used cars online without having to leave your sofa.
Most manufacturers and car dealers will now have online stores with the entire range of every model they stock available for purchase.
However, while this makes purchasing a vehicle easier, you could find that you have far less confidence as a buyer. Do you even get to take advantage of consumer protections when purchasing a car online? And what happens when you receive the car, only to find it is damaged?
Do not worry; the majority of well-established online car dealers or retailers now take steps to avoid issues such as these in their policies. In fact, they can do you one better. Professional online retailers may be able to source you a particular vehicle model at a price that would make your local, in-person dealership blush.
While purchasing a car online might not feel right for those who have always done so face to face, it is practically just as safe, so long as you know what you're doing. The easiest way to reassure yourself is to purchase online straight from the manufacturer. A well-known example of this would be Tesla.
If you want a top of the range electric vehicle, then you can quickly bag yourself a Tesla in as little as a few clicks. You can select the model, specs, additional options and everything in between online before arranging when and where you want it delivered. As industry innovators, many car manufacturer's are following in Tesla's wake, offering safe and convenient online purchases.
Naturally, if you are spending a large amount of money on a sparkling new car, it is always advised that you at least see it in the metal and finish you want. You should also take the car for a test drive to see if you like the way it feels before purchasing. Of course, these are things you can't do online, so unless you are dead certain about what you want from your car, we advise that you see it in person first.
How To Check A Car's History
Checking a car's history is one of the crucial steps you need to take whenever purchasing a vehicle, especially if it is second hand.
A quick vehicle history report check can reveal whether the car has had any recent major repairs, or worse, whether it is stolen. You can also find out if the owner has any outstanding credit on the car. It won't take long and is relatively inexpensive given the peace of mind it can bring.
Check The DVLA
To check the vehicle's history with the DVLA, ask the seller for its registration number, MOT test number, mileage, make and model.
With this information at hand, you can use the free vehicle information checker online at the DVLA to verify that the information matches the official records.
If something seems amiss, don't panic, it's usually nothing nefarious. Double-check the details with the seller to see if they've made a mistake. However, if you've got a feeling that something isn't quite right or that the private seller is trying to give you false information, it goes without saying that you shouldn't buy the car.
Check The MOT And History
Every car needs regular MOT tests to ensure you can drive them safely on the roads. When purchasing a car, ensuring that these regular MOT tests have been conducted throughout the vehicle's history is essential. As a general rule, cars over 3 years old need an MOT test once a year.
You can check any car's MOT history for free on GOV.UK. If you find that tests have been missed in the records, you should ask the person selling the car why they weren't carried out. If you are in any way suspicious about what the seller is telling you, stop the transaction and walk away. Some older vehicles might not need regular MOTs, especially if they have been off the road and registered SORN (statutory off road notification).
Get A Private History Check
Another great way to check a car's history is to undertake a private history check. You will need to pay for this service, but it is well worth doing, as they reveal any serious issues in the car's past. Typically, these services cost around £20. Private history checks can tell you whether:
- The car has been reported as stolen.
- The seller still owes money on the car.
- The car has been involved in a serious accident.
- The mileage the owner quotes you is correct.
- The car has previously been written off or undergone major repairs.
Buying A Used Car Safely
Purchasing a car is one of the biggest investments most people will make in their lives besides purchasing a home. Therefore, you should want to do it in the safest way possible for both your personal health and the health of your wallet.
Here are some things you may want to consider when buying a used car online safely
When purchasing a vehicle, never do so without seeing it in person first. This will allow you to inspect the car and check the VRM and VIN numbers (Vehicle Registration Mark and Vehicle Identification Number, respectively) in the car's registration documents. You can find the VIN number on several plates around the car, such as one under the bonnet or at the bottom of the windscreen.
Genuine car retailers will often have a home delivery service, which you can find on their websites. However, you should never purchase a vehicle from a seller who asks for money upfront before you've seen the car. If you need to make a deposit, using a credit card with payment protection is a good idea.
Again, conducting a history check is essential when buying a car, especially when it is used. There are free services online where you can find information on a car's history, or you can conduct a more thorough, private check. These checks allow you to assess the car's current condition and see if there are any outstanding finances on it.
If you find that money is owed on the vehicle, you might ask the seller about it. In some cases, these financial agreements are settled once the car has been sold. However, you should be careful, as if the loans on the car are not paid off, the finance company who lent the money will remain the owners of the vehicle until it is.
Once you are happy with the car's history, you can determine a price with the seller. The best way to bag yourself a discount is by offering to pay in cash.
The easiest way to do this is to go to your bank with the seller and transfer the documents after they have received the full amount. On the other hand, if you buy from a professional car dealership, they may offer financing when purchasing one of their vehicles.
This second case offers you added assurance, given that if something goes wrong with the finances at the dealership, you can go directly to the financial company they use to sort it out. Hire Purchase deals are another possible alternative. In this case, you purchase a loan from a finance company so that if anything goes wrong with the payments, you can go directly to them.
Taking a car for a test drive is a standard step in the buying process, but you must make sure that you are insured to do so before taking it out for a spin.
Additionally, once you purchase a new car, you will need to inform your insurance company that you will be driving it. It would be best to inform them that you need to take out new coverage on your new car.
Know Your Rights When Buying Online
If you are hesitant about buying a car online, you can reassure yourself that certain organisations are there to protect you as a consumer. In some instances buying online can be even safer than buying in person, given that there are greater protections in place for distance purchases online.
Every commodity purchased from a retailer is protected under the Consumer Rights Act, but newer legislation has become necessary with the advent of the internet. This is why the UK government introduced the Consumer Contracts Regulations in 2013. The best part of these regulations is the mandatory 14-day "cooling off" period.
In this regulation, it is required that any buyer is allowed 14 days to decide whether they want to keep the thing they have bought once it arrives. If at any time they wish to return the item for their money, they are free to do so with no questions asked.
Some independent car brokers also offer a 14-day period in which you can return new or used cars for a refund. These brokers can also arrange home delivery of any car for you. You can also arrange any finances you need to pay for the car through them.
Ensuring the Trader is Trustworthy
If you are purchasing your car from a trader or trading business, you should be mindful to:
- Find a reputable trader that is well-established.
- Look for signs of their trade association, such as Retail Motor Industry Federation or national trade associations.
- Look for signs that they follow The Motor Ombudsman's codes of practice so that you can go through their trade association if issues arise.
- Find a trader who has had their vehicles inspected by an independent mechanic, engineer or motoring organisation.
Buying From An Auction
Buying used or new cars through auctions is one of the riskiest ways to go about it. Auction houses don't offer the same consumer protections as purchasing online or through a trader would.
This means you might not be able to get a refund if you are unhappy with your purchase. If you are dead-set on buying through an auction, read their terms and conditions carefully before doing so.
Getting An Independent Report
Having an independent report conducted on a car is a great way to reassure yourself and give yourself peace of mind knowing the car is in good condition. These reports go into great detail about a car's history and current state, and they will cost you between £100 to £200.
These independent reports are conducted by motoring organisations or specialist companies that inspect new or used cars.
If you don't know where to look, contacting the Motor Ombudsman is the best way to find the right independent agency in your area. The Ombudsman is a legal, government-supported, self-regulatory organisation providing advice to buyers and working on behalf of the motoring industry.
Are you thinking of buying a used car online? If you live in Preston, Lytham, Cleveleys, Blackpool or Fleetwood, you can take advantage of our car collection and delivery service for online purchases throughout the UK.
Call us today on 0759 558 2713 or complete our contact form for more information.
