Cars Online!
Jan 18 '00
We already know what a great research tool the Internet can be, but it seems as though now the web is changing how people go about acquiring wheels.
Manufacturer sites can save you the trouble of collecting product literature. Online buying services like Autobytel, AutoVantage, Autoweb, and CarPoint currently let you research and configure a new vehicle via cyberspace.
Priceline.com,better known for selling airplane tickets, now offers cars online in a deal with AutoNation,America's largest auto retailer(which happens to have been the place I purchased one of my vehicles.) At AutoNation, you state what you're willing to spend for a particular vehicle and if there's a nearby dealer willing to accept your bid, you have a deal.
AutoNationDirect- an offshoot of AutoNation- is testing a service in Florida that will let you choose the vehicle you want, put a value on your trade-in, and even arrange financing. Yet another service, CarsDirect.com, provides a guaranteed price before putting you in touch with a dealer, and has begun vehicle delivery in California.
General Motors recently took e-commerce a step further with e-GM. The company hopes to create one-step electronic malls that combine all its products and services. Ford has partnered with Microsoft to allow customers to configure vehicles online via Microsoft's CarPoint and Ford sites and a Korean service called Daewoo allows you to actually buy online in states where it's legal.
Most online buying services still won't let you complete the purchase online, however. They're essentially referral services for dealers, hooking you up with the closest one in their network. You'll still have to visit the dealer to finalize the price, handle all the paperwork, and in most cases, take delivery. You'll also pay a $200 cancellation fee if you renege on the deal with Priceline.com - and you'll have to put up a $250 (refundable) deposit for CarsDirect to hold a car for you. I also found that with CarsDirect, while I got a great price online, there were some fumbles and unanswered questions in the process.
Bottom line is that getting the best price involves placing online purchase "requests" with more than one service. I've also found that it also involves calling or visiting several dealers. So, if you don't have a lot of time to "dealer shop" this might be a helpful tool in atleast narrowing your choices.
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Epinions.com ID:
SEHarrington
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Member: Susan
Location: San Diego, California
Reviews written: 25
Trusted by: 35 members
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