Buying A Used Car Online? Avoid These 7 Mistakes
Shopping for your next vehicle from the comfort of your couch? We love that! Plus, finding a vehicle online has never been more convenient. It can, however, come with a few speed bumps if you’re not careful. No worries – we’ve got your back! Here at CarShop, we make shopping for a vehicle online smooth, simple, and stress-free. Here are the top mistakes to avoid when buying a vehicle online, and how CarShop helps you steer clear of them!
#1: Not Doing the Research
You check the ingredients on chips and read reviews for restaurants, so why rely on guesswork when shopping for a vehicle? You’ll want to make sure you study up on both the vehicle you’re looking for and the person or place selling it.
When researching the vehicle itself, check for common issues associated with that make and model, see how it holds its value, and make sure it fits your lifestyle. AI is a great tool for this – just ask something along the lines of “What should I watch out for on a 2021 Honda Civic?”
And, before you commit, research the seller to make sure they’re legit. Private sellers can be hard to verify and could even be a bit sketchy. Whoever you’re purchasing your used vehicle from, make sure they can be trusted.
#2: Falling for “Too Good To Be True” Prices
Found a luxury SUV for $3,000? That’s a red flag. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Some sellers hide fees, or worse…they don’t even have the vehicle. Don’t get scammed or swindled – shop somewhere that’s honest and transparent about cost.
Of course, you’ll want to know the real price of the vehicles you’re interested in, and that’s where CarShop can step in with our haggle-free pricing. We’ll always give you real prices up front – no tricks, no surprises, and no pressure.
#3: Forgetting to Ask for a Vehicle History Report
This one’s a biggie. A vehicle might look perfect from the outside, but it could be hiding a not-so-perfect past. Always ask for a history report to check for previous accidents, flood damage, or title issues. At CarShop, every vehicle comes with a free CARFAX report. Why? Because peace of mind is priceless.
#4: Overlooking Return Policies
If you've ever shopped for anything online, you know that not every purchase is a keeper – vehicles included. If you buy from someone who has strict restrictions on returns or worse, doesn’t offer them at all, you’re gambling with your purchase.
Don’t want to worry about returns? We’ve got you covered. CarShop gives you a 5-Day Money-Back Guarantee on our Certified vehicles. Don’t love your vehicle? Return it with zero stress.
#5: Forgoing a Pre-Purchase Inspection
Thinking about buying from a private seller or a site like eBay or Craigslist? Make sure to get a trusted mechanic to do a pre-purchase inspection—it could save you from costly surprises down the road. Or skip the stress altogether and shop at CarShop, where every Certified vehicle must pass a rigorous 109-point inspection 1before it ever hits the lot.
#6: Not Taking a Test Drive
Photos can’t tell you if the seat feels right or if the handling of the vehicle fits your style. A test drive is still one of the best ways to know if a vehicle is “the one.” Be wary of sellers who try to convince you that this isn’t a worthwhile step.
Shopping CarShop? Schedule your test drive today at any of our brick-and-mortar locations – just show up, buckle up, and see how it feels.
#7: Skipping Financing Preparation
Figuring out financing at the last minute is a recipe for stress. Knowing your budget ahead of time helps you shop smarter and avoid overextending your wallet. We make it easy by using our online financing calculator to explore your options. Let us handle the hard part. We partner with over 20 local and national lenders who compete to offer you the best rates and terms. That means more value, less hassle. No bank runs, no guesswork—just flexible financing that fits your budget.
Feeling prepared to find the like-new vehicle of your dreams? Now that you know what to avoid, you’re a step closer to a smarter purchasing experience. Feel free to browse our selection of inspected, ready-to-roll vehicles and see for yourself why shopping online with CarShop is the easy choice.