| Buying a car, whether new or used, online options can | | | | car from one country to yours. |
| be a great way to save money, time, and find a | | | | 3. Factor In Shipping Costs |
| fantastic deal. Unfortunately, it can also be an easy | | | | Most online car purchases need to be shipped or |
| way to fall prey to potential scams and problems that | | | | freighted to their destination. If you live in Oregon, for |
| an in-person evaluation might otherwise catch. | | | | example, think about the associated shipping costs |
| If you're planning to purchase a car online, keep reading | | | | before you buy that car in Virginia. A good deal may |
| for 4 great consumer protection tips that will help you | | | | not be so sweet once you add on $500 in freight |
| make your purchase both hassle free and save you | | | | costs. |
| money. | | | | One viable option to counter some of the shipping |
| 1. If Buying New, Understand All the Costs | | | | costs (if you can afford the time) is to make the trip |
| While customizing a brand new car online can be fun | | | | yourself. Either purchase a one-way flight to the |
| and seem exciting, you'll often pay a lot more than the | | | | automobile's location or drive there with a trusted |
| Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) when | | | | family member or friend and both of you can drive |
| ordering a new car directly from the manufacturer. | | | | each vehicle back home. |
| For example, let's say you go into a dealership and buy | | | | 4. Understand Your Auction Options |
| a new model car right off the sales floor without any | | | | Before you buy a car through an online auction, make |
| factory customization or specifications. You can often | | | | sure you understand all the terms associated with |
| negotiate a price that's lower than the MSRP, and you'll | | | | making that bid. For example, eBay offers up to |
| save big on factory delivery fees. Meanwhile, ordering | | | | $50,000 in protection against certain types of fraud, but |
| a customized car online and then having it shipped to | | | | only in specific situations. |
| the dealership could cost you thousands of extra | | | | In those cases, you are protected if |
| dollars. | | | | * the car is never delivered |
| All-in-all, the additional expenses of online customization | | | | * the car is stolen |
| may be worth it to you, but you should at least be | | | | * there is a lien against the car |
| aware this is what you are facing. | | | | * the VIN or actual vehicle is not the same as |
| 2. Understand Border Restrictions | | | | described |
| If you're buying a used car online and it's going to be | | | | * the seller did not provide a title or registration |
| crossing over a country border, understand before | | | | * the car was not disclosed as being salvaged or flood |
| making a transaction that you're going to have to pay | | | | damaged and was discovered to be a salvaged |
| and deal with customs. You can hire independent | | | | vehicle |
| customs brokers that will handle all your paperwork | | | | * there is an odometer discrepancy of more than |
| and fees, but their services come at a premium. | | | | 5,000 miles, or |
| Try a website like that will calculate all the estimated | | | | * the vehicle needs repairs that were not disclosed |
| duty, tax and shipping costs associated with moving a | | | | and total more than $1000. |