The shutdowns due to COVID-19 have changed the way companies have done business, and as with many other industries, car dealerships are adapting to changing circumstances. Dealers across the country offer everything from appointment-only showroom shopping to online buying that includes a white glove driveway delivery. Dealers now even have online showrooms or can offer consumers a remote way to buy a car.
It’s a different world now for car shoppers, so here are some tips from CARFAX.com to help make sure you still get the right car at the right price:
- Do your homework on the vehicles you’re considering.
- Ask the dealer to be your eyes and ears on the lot. Request photos and videos of any car you’re thinking about. If there are features you care most about, ask them to take videos for you demonstrating that they work properly.
- Research the car’s value to make sure you aren’t overpaying.
- Check for open recalls.
- Take the car for a test drive. It’s still important to perform your due diligence when it comes to how the vehicle drives and if there are any apparent issues. Make sure you take steps to properly disinfect any surfaces before touching them.
- Inquire about whether the seller has a return policy. Allow for time to have an independent mechanic inspect the car – they can see areas you can’t – and negotiate a several day return window if there are issues. And remember, service bays are open all over the country that can perform these inspections.
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