Car buying online versus at a dealership?

2015-02-20T10:20:39-05:00

Last time I bought a car (2011 Chevy Suburban 2500) we found the car online, called the dealership, and bought it sight unseen. Of course, we had visited a couple of local dealerships, but preferred to shop online.
(We lived in Kansas, the Suburban was in Arizona, and we had it shipped to our house.)

What is your best way to buy a car?

http://www.buffalonews.com/business/car-shopping-by-smartphone-poses-challenges-for-dealers-to-innovate-20150216

Car shopping by smartphone poses challenges for dealers to innovate - The Buffalo News

DETROIT – Billy Franklin recently bought a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban for $14,900 through eBay on his Android phone while eating dinner at a Red Lobster in Traverse City, Mich.The seller was in Brooklyn. Franklin, 38, and his wife were so satisfied with the deal that they stayed a coup... - The Buffalo News

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2015 4:50 PM

2015-02-21T16:50:54-05:00

I recommend the USAA car buying service. I never know if I'm getting screwed when I walk into a dealership. I assume I am, every time I buy a car. The USAA car buying service takes away part of that feeling. I've used it twice now and I have been very pleased with the results. On top of everything else, USAA sometimes (maybe always?) gives a lower percentage rate on the car loan when you use their car buying service. It was .5% lower for me twice. That's not much, but it's something.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Feb 21 at 2015 6:06 PM

2015-02-21T18:06:38-05:00

My dad is a mechanic so anytime I have bought a car He has always given me advice on what to look for. As for online, I will look online but I would never personally agree to buying unless I see the vehicle and test it first. Never know what you are going to get through online purchasing.