There’s a lot of things to consider when buying a car online. With so many listings that can yield from a single search, sometimes you’re lucky and the car might be within traveling distance, but in most cases, the car is not. Many have asked me about how I go about searching for, verifying details, and deciding on which cars that I will pursue. I’ve prepared a guide based on my personal experiences to answer this.
When I am looking to purchase a vehicle online the key checkpoints in my process:
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Vehicle Listing:
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- Detailed Descriptions: Listings with comprehensive details about the vehicle’s history, condition, features, and any modifications are very important. Lack of information might lead to a “no.” If the description says that the vehicle is 100% perfect or all original, I would be skeptical (Vehicles are only all original once and most vehicles are not completely perfect). Imperfections pointed out by the seller tells me they are honestly representing what they are selling, and I know what I am purchasing.
- High-Quality Images: Clear, high-resolution photos from various angles (interior and exterior) help buyers make a quick judgment. Poor-quality images or lack of photos often result in a “maybe” or “no.” In my years of doing several restorations, the body, frame, paint, and pans are most important to see in detailed photos. These parts are the most time consuming and expensive to replace or repair. Other details about the vehicle are also important but things like interior, weatherstripping, and tires are easily replaceable.
- Vehicle History Report: A detailed vehicle history report, including accident history, ownership history, and service records, can influence a “yes.” Keep in mind this is only available on vehicles 1981 or later.
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Verifying the Vehicle’s Details:
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- In Person Inspection: When possible, I like to do a personal inspection of the vehicle. In a lot of situations this is not an option because of time, distance, and other life commitments. If I have a trusted relative, friend, or colleague who is in the vicinity of the car, I may reach out to ask them to help me do an inspection.
- Facetime Video: See if the seller will take a few minutes to do a Facetime video call to address any areas of concern. If the seller is willing to do a video call, this is a positive sign that the seller is being transparent.
- Local Car Shop: Find a local reputable car shop and see if the seller will take the vehicle there for an inspection.
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Price Evaluation:
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- Competitive Pricing: I compare prices across different platforms. If a vehicle is priced too high compared to similar listings, it may result in a “no.” Fair or slightly negotiable pricing can turn a “maybe” into a “yes.” I use platforms like Hagerty valuation, Kelly Blue Book, and CARFAX to compare pricing. If the seller has an appraisal done on the car, this is also helpful.
- Price Transparency: Clear explanations of the pricing, including any fees, taxes, or additional costs, are crucial. Hidden costs can lead to a “no.”
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Seller Communication:
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- Response Time: A prompt and professional response from the seller can significantly impact my decision. Delayed or unprofessional communication might result in a “maybe” or “no.” In my past dealings, I have sent clear and concise questions to the seller to get more insight or history on the vehicle in question. Honest sellers will answer every question that is presented in the first communication. Other sellers will only answer certain questions, and it takes four or five times of back and forth to have my questions answered. When this happens, my interest level diminishes drastically because it seems the seller is not being honest or does not truly know what they are selling.
- Test Drive: Offering the option for a test drive or vehicle inspection can sway me towards a “yes.” If a test drive is not possible, ask for a video of the vehicle being driven, both from an exterior view and from inside the vehicle. Ask for a cold start video (make sure to ask that the video includes the temperature gauge at start-up) and a walk around video with the vehicle running.
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Decision-Making Factors:
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- Condition of the Vehicle: The overall condition, including engine performance, exterior, and interior, plays a major role. Any signs of major repairs or issues can lead to a “no.” Make sure you know your intentions of buying the vehicle. If you plan on doing some light restoration or a full blown one, this will dictate the price you are willing to pay. A lot of buyers want a turnkey vehicle, which means they just want to turn the key and drive it. They are not interested in doing any kind of work or paying someone to do the work.
- Trust in the Seller: If the seller is perceived as trustworthy and has positive reviews, buyers are more likely to say “yes.” If this is a first-time seller with no reviews, their willingness to provide more information, documentation, videos, and additional pictures tells me they are being honest, transparent, and trustworthy in what they are selling.
- Ease of Transaction: Simple, secure payment options and clear transfer of ownership processes contribute to a “yes.” A secure payment would include wire transfer or bank check, that once verified that the funds are in your bank account, you can then conclude the transaction. A non-refundable deposit is always a good step for holding a vehicle. This keeps the buyer honest in completing the transaction because they know if they do not, they have lost their money.
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Final Decision:
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- Yes: The car meets all my needs or wants, is priced fairly, and the seller is trustworthy.
- Maybe: There are a few uncertainties, such as price, condition, or lack of information, but I am still interested. I will likely continue to communicate with the seller to see if I learn enough to sway me to a “yes.”
- No: The car is overpriced, has issues, or the seller is not trustworthy.
By Jim Ochs
