Buying a Car From a Dealership vs. Buying Online

When it comes time to purchase your next vehicle, you have options. You can go the traditional route of visiting a dealership in person, or you buy a car entirely online using CloudLot. Each approach has its own set of benefits and drawbacks to consider. Whether you choose to buy online or in person, it's important to do your research, know your budget and needs, and be prepared to walk away if something doesn't feel right. By weighing the pros and cons of each approach, you can find the best path to your perfect vehicle.

Benefits of Buying a Car Online

     

  • Convenience and Delivery: One of the biggest advantages of buying a car online with CloudLot is the convenience factor. You can browse inventory, compare models and features, and even complete the purchase from the comfort of your own home at any time that fits your schedule. We will then deliver it to your doorstep, anywhere in the continental United States.

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  • Selection: Online car buying also gives you access to a much wider selection of vehicles. You're not limited to just the inventory at your local dealerships. You can search nationwide for the exact make, model, and configuration you want. This is especially helpful if you have specific criteria in mind, such as a particular color or set of features.

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  • Prices: Another benefit of online car shopping is the ability to easily compare prices and features across multiple vehicles and dealerships. With just a few clicks, you can see how different models stack up in terms of cost, specifications, and available options. This level of transparency can help you feel more confident in your purchase decision.

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  • Return Policy: Finally, buying a car online often comes with added peace of mind thanks to generous return policies. CloudLot by Van Horn allows three-day returns on pre-owned cars, provided the vehicle is in the same condition and has been driven less than 300 miles. This gives you a safety net in case the car doesn't meet your expectations upon delivery.

Cloudlot Salesperson Delivering a New SUV

Disadvantages of Buying a Car in Person

  • Pressure: While buying a car at a traditional dealership does allow you to see and test drive the vehicle firsthand, it comes with some potential downsides. One is the pressure you may feel to make a purchase. Salespeople are often working on commission and may use persuasive tactics to get you to buy before you feel fully ready. This could include playing on your emotions, creating a sense of urgency, or even guilt-tripping you into making a decision.

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  • Time Commitment: Another disadvantage of in-person car buying is the time commitment required. Visiting a dealership often takes several hours between the test drive, negotiation, and paperwork process. For many busy people, it's hard to carve out that much time to dedicate to the task, especially if you want to visit multiple dealerships to compare options.

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  • Limited Selection. Selection can also be more limited when shopping in person. You're restricted to the current inventory on the dealer's lot. If you have very specific criteria for the vehicle you want it may be harder to find an exact match locally compared to searching online.

Choose CloudLot Next Time You Buy

For Wisconsin shoppers looking for their next car, consider CloudLot by Van Horn. At CloudLot we are dedicated to providing the CloudLot Experience, which includes transparency, quality, and service. We deliver your vehicle to your doorstep. Every pre-owned vehicle comes with a three-month, 3,000-mile warranty at no extra charge for added protection. Plus, if you're not fully satisfied with your purchase, you can return the car within three days for your money back. Some conditions apply, but it's a great safety net to have. Start browsing online, today.

Still Have Questions About Buying a Vehicle Online? We Have Answers!

Buying your next vehicle online may feel like a very new process compared to visiting a dealership, but the team at CloudLot is here to make that as easy as possible. Feel free to contact us with any questions, or check out these additional resources to learn more about our online-buying process and how it differs from a traditional dealership experience:

 

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