Maybe haggling with a car dealer and handing over a large sum of cash…
Luckily, you can often skip the tense negotiations at a dealership these days.
Online marketplaces for buying cars are growing in popularity — and they could help you save both time and money.
The Advantages of Using an Online Car Marketplace
Sites such as Carvana and Vroom focus on selling vehicles entirely online.
There are no dealer commission fees or many of the overhead costs you’d pay at a physical lot, and the vehicle is shipped straight to your home.
One drawback is you won’t be able to take it for a test drive beforehand. Still, most of these services provide return windows. For instance, Carvana offers a seven-day money-back guarantee.
Three Sites to Consider When Buying Your Next Vehicle
If you’re curious about these services, here are three options — each provides home delivery and accepts returns.
1. CarSense
CarSense operates five lots across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, but you don’t need to live in those states to browse their stock.
Everything they sell is listed online. You can conduct very targeted searches or keep things broad — whichever you prefer.
You can even search based on your monthly budget. Estimate what you can afford by entering the monthly payment, down payment, APR and desired loan term into the calculator. Then input that budget to find suitable matches.
When you locate a car you like, check the complimentary vehicle history report, photos and full specifications. You’ll also see how the price compares to the Kelley Blue Book value.
If it checks out, free delivery is available within 50 miles of the vehicle’s location. If you live farther away, delivery fees apply (rates vary by distance). Either way, CarSense offers a five-day return window.
2. Carvana
On Carvana, you can narrow your search to the exact features you want or simply browse available options.
When you pick a vehicle, take a “tour.” I selected a Volkswagen Tiguan. Clicking on the blue dots brought up details; a yellow triangle flags issues. In that example, it was just minor scratches on the hood. (Try searching for a car and you’ll see what I mean!)
Photos of the interior, exterior and engine bay are all provided.
If the car appeals to you, you can configure your purchase. Enter annual income and your VantageScore to view tailored financing offers. If those terms aren’t to your liking, you can arrange financing elsewhere.
All paperwork is reviewed and signed digitally. You can take your time reading the fine print or move through the steps quickly.
Carvana says the quickest purchase on its platform took just 11 minutes. (I’d hesitate to award that buyer a prize…)
If the vehicle doesn’t meet your expectations after delivery, you have seven days to return it.
3. Vroom
Vroom claims to maintain more than 100 acres of inventory “car heaven,” featuring advanced reconditioning facilities at its Texas hub.
Vroom deploys scouts nationwide to locate top-quality used cars. After a scout finds a vehicle, the reconditioning crew restores it to as-close-to-new condition as possible.
Then it’s your turn to shop. You can browse or go straight to searching by make and model.
Each listing includes all the essential information. The free vehicle history report reveals accident records (if any), title status and odometer verification.
There’s also a handy estimated payment calculator. Pick your credit tier, loan term and desired down payment to see likely monthly costs.
If the car arrives and you’re unhappy with it, you have seven days to send it back. Plus, Vroom provides a 90-day warranty to cover potential issues.
They also let you trade in your current car through the site.
Before you shop, be mindful of car buying scams — always verify listings and read policies carefully so you don’t get caught off guard.
Brynn Ellis (@BrynnEllis) is a staff writer at Savinly.
