Did you know that 90% of consumers prefer starting their car buying journey online? In fact, we spend most of our time in the research phase getting as much information as we possibly can before we’re finally ready to make that big purchase. Of course, with something that can cost you thousands of dollars, you’ll want a bit of guidance.
Keep in mind that many factors come into play when you’re buying a car. The more research you do, the more equipped you will be for figuring out what you need and communicating with your sales rep. Whether you’re looking for a brand new vehicle or a pre-owned model, remember these five tips when buying a Chevy car online.
1. Determine your budget
First and foremost, determine how much you can afford and get pre-approved for a car loan. It’s important to look at the cost of the vehicle as a whole rather than the monthly payments, as a low monthly payment over 72 months may not be ideal for your financial plans. When establishing your budget, factor in:
- Monthly insurance payments
- Maintenance costs
- Gas mileage compared to your daily commute
Ask your sales rep about any purchase incentives, cash back rebates, rewards, and loyalty programs. If you have a specific model in mind, shop around and browse through the pre-owned vehicles listings. In some cases, you can find a pre-owned version of the model you want in excellent condition and will save thousands of dollars.
2. Narrow down your options
Now that you have a budget in mind, it’s time to narrow down your search. Buying a Chevy car online provides you with many, many options on the type of vehicle you’re looking for, the year, make, and model. One of the greatest tools we have at the click of a button is to filter search options on dealership websites. Narrowing down your search can be a bit overwhelming at first. One of the easiest ways to start is determining whether you want a car, SUV, or truck.
To help you narrow down your search even further on the type of vehicle you want, here’s a general guide on each type of vehicle:
- Car - 4-door sedan or a 2-door coupe
- SUV - Compact, mid-range 5-seater, or full-size 7-seater
- Truck - Regular cab with two doors, extended cab with 2-4 doors, or a 4-door crew cab
An advantage of buying a Chevy online is that there are options for each category, and you’re likely to find a make, model, type, size, and power that fits your lifestyle.
3. Do a test drive
No matter how incredible the specs sound and how amazing the car looks on your screen, the test drive is the most critical part of the process. After you’ve narrowed down your search, contact your Chevy dealership to request a test drive of the top car or two that you’re interested in.
Spend time getting to know the vehicle, its features, and try it on different roads. After a test drive, many consumers are surprised to learn that the car they wanted is not the car they feel most comfortable in and opt for a different model. Take your time and trust your instincts. You likely want to keep the vehicle for years, and a test drive will help you avoid disappointment on such a big purchase.
4. Request a maintenance history report
If you’re buying a pre-owned vehicle, always ask for a maintenance history report. It will tell you everything from accidents to irregularities that were flagged. A well-maintained vehicle will help you avoid costly issues in the long run due to its previous owner not changing the engine oil or regularly servicing the brakes, for example. A reputable dealership will always provide a history report. If a deal seems too good to be true and the seller won’t provide a maintenance history report - walk away as this is a big red flag.
5. Ignore the shiny object syndrome
Shopping around for a car is an exciting time. As you’re browsing through different types of vehicles, you’ll always come across a ‘bigger and better’ model. By doing your research, you’ll prevent impulse buying and avoid purchasing a car that you don’t need, doesn’t perform to your liking, or is over your budget. When you can ignore the shiny object syndrome and stick to your guns, you have a better chance at purchasing a Chevy online that you’ll enjoy for years to come.
