Should You Shop Online For a Buy Here Pay Here Car?

The internet is a necessary tool in today’s modern age. The average American spends a full day of their week on the internet – that’s 24 hours every seven days playing games, reading their email, doing online shopping, chatting with old friends on social media, and more. As a result, more and more businesses have taken to doing things online, and this includes private sellers and everyday people trying to make a quick buck online. Because of this, the number of secondhand car sales has risen significantly in the past year. And even more impressive – secondhand car sales have shifted from being something done in-person to something done online.

Craigslist, LetGo, and other platforms for secondhand sales have become quintessential to the used car buying process. However, when it comes to purchasing a used car from a secondhand dealership like a buy here pay here dealership, it doesn’t always help the buyer out to shop online. Here are a few reasons why you should avoid shopping for a buy here pay here car online and instead opt to visit the dealership in person.

Unless You’ve Got Cash In-Hand, You’re Going To Need to Apply For Financing

Very few people show up at buy here pay here dealerships with the right amount of cash to purchase a car outright (although, it does happen from time to time). If you can’t afford to buy the vehicle you were looking at online outright, you’re going to have to find outside financing, which always has a limit. If you opt to go the bank or traditional lender route, you will not only have to go through a credit check, but you will have to provide information about the car that you are interested in. If the vehicle you are interested in costs more than the amount they are willing to lend to you, you will be denied financing and your online shopping will be in vain.

Meanwhile, if you apply for financing through a buy here pay here dealership, you will not be denied financing unless you don’t meet the dealerships age and income standards. However, you will be given a spending limit. Unless you have an excellent idea of what your spending limit will be with that organization, you also run the risk of not being able to afford the car you were shopping for online.

The Car Buying Process is Slightly Different

Buy here pay here dealerships suggest following different purchase steps when buying from them. Instead of scoping out specific cars in their inventory beforehand, they recommend coming up with a general idea of what you want in a vehicle. From there, you will be able to apply for financing and will be approved for a specific amount. Once you are approved, a salesperson will walk you through the amount you’ve been approved for as well as the cars on the lot that fit your budget. Finally, you’ll be able to pick out a car within that budget.

Overall, this is a win-win situation for you. You get financing regardless of your credit history, and you can be confident in the fact that you will never pay more than you can afford on a car because that is how buy here pay here financing is set up.

You’ll Get More Out of Meeting With a Salesperson

Let’s face it. If you’re buying from a buy here pay here dealership, you likely want the comfort of knowing that the purchase you’re making is going to be a good one. There’s no way to determine this online from a secondhand dealer, and it’s harder to know what you’re looking for in a car just viewing it online. By meeting with a salesperson on-site and talking through your questions, car buying stipulations, and other uncertainties will help you understand the best car deal for you.

You’re Going to Want to Test Drive it First

Say you know how much you’re going to get in terms of financing. You’re prepared to make monthly payments and even put a down payment on a car. You’ve even got the perfect car picked out for your budgetary needs.

You’re still going to want to test drive it.

Test drives are an essential part of buying a new or used car. They not only determine whether something is wrong with the vehicle that might not have been mentioned online, but they help you see whether your love for that car was better in theory than it was in practice. Many times, people will love car reviews, the way it looks, and the way it supposedly drives without thinking about minor but very crucial things. For instance, will they be able to fit in the driver’s seat? Are there any blind spots because of your height? Is the interior hideous? Seeing it in-person might help dispel any sensationalism you might have about the car.

You’ll Likely Want to Keep an Eye Out For Other Deals

If you’re buying cars online, chances are you’re not dead-set on purchasing a specific vehicle. You likely have a list of Craigslist links, used cars you’ve favorited on secondhand sales apps, and bookmarks of used cars you’ve seen advertised in local ads. The reason you have so many vehicles saved? You’re looking for the right vehicle. One that is both a deal and something that you like.

At a buy here pay here car dealership, you’ll be able to look at a wide variety of cars that you might like and that are in your price range. The best part? You won’t have to look back through craigslist or your internet browsing history to compare. You’ll have all your choices right there in front of you.

Are you looking for a great used car at an affordable price? Start by applying for financing on our website. You’re not tied to any commitments until you sign ownership papers, and getting started on the financing process will help you know what we can offer you. Once you’ve applied and been approved for financing, browse our selection in-store at 1404 East Santa Fe Street in Olathe, Kansas. Don’t rely on the internet when you can get fast, friendly help at Auto Now in Olathe.