As more and more consumers turn to online car buying for its convenience and expanded vehicle selection, it's important to know how to vet an online car retailer to ensure you're working with a reputable business. While there are many online-only car retailers out there, not all provide the same level of trust and customer support that you would expect from a traditional dealership. Here are some things to look for when evaluating an online car dealer, and reasons you should buy a vehicle from CloudLot.

Extension of an Established Local Dealership

One of the best ways to build trust when buying a car online is to choose a retailer that is affiliated with well-established, reputable local dealerships. CloudLot, for example, is the online car buying service of Van Horn Automotive Group, a trusted dealership network located in Wisconsin. Rather than being a startup or online-only business, CloudLot allows you to learn more about their service and its roots as part of Van Horn's decades of outstanding sales and service.

If you're located in the Midwest, choosing CloudLot means you can easily visit a physical Van Horn dealership location to test drive before you buy or get your vehicle serviced down the road. Customers living in Illinois will find it's just a short drive to experience Van Horn's exceptional service firsthand.

Customer-Friendly Policies

The best online car retailers put customer satisfaction first. Look for online dealers that offer added peace of mind with friendly return policies and warranties. CloudLot, for instance, allows 3-day returns in case you change your mind, along with a 3-month/3,000-mile warranty on all used vehicles. Policies like these demonstrate that the company stands behind the quality of the cars they sell online.

It's also a good sign when an online car dealer offers new vehicles in addition to used. Since CloudLot is an authorized new car retailer for brands like Chevrolet, Kia, Hyundai, and Nissan as well, it shows that they're a reputable, when-established business that has earned the trust of major automakers.

Outstanding Reviews & Reputation

Finally, take the time to read verified customer reviews and thoroughly research any online car dealer you're considering. Reviews will give you a clear sense of how the business treats its customers. Detailed, positive reviews that mention things like an easy online buying process, helpful customer service, and high-quality vehicles are all great clues to look for when vetting a car retailer.

Choosing an online car buying service you can trust doesn't have to be difficult when you buy a car from CloudLot. As the digital arm of Van Horn Automotive Group, CloudLot combines the best of online shopping with generations of stellar sales and service. With customer-friendly policies and an outstanding reputation, CloudLot delivers an online car buying experience grounded in trust.