Shipping Cars Bought Online: A Comprehensive Guide To Your Transport Needs

When you buy a car online, chances are your next step is going to be researching car shipping services. First, we’d like to congratulate you on your new vehicle. There really is not feeling better than selecting and finally, buying a new car, whether that be online or in person. Many people are opting to buy cars online because it allows them to shop at their convenience and take advantage of car prices in other areas.

So, we’ll start by walking you through the essentials of shipping cars bought online, including selecting reliable transport services, understanding different shipping methods, and the preparations needed for your vehicle’s journey and the car shipping process. Let’s demystify the steps and make sure your car arrives safely at its destination.

Request an instant quote today and learn about ShipYourCarNow’s seamless car transport process!

Key Takeaways

The success of online car buying and shipping hinges on careful planning and selecting a reputable auto transport company that offers various shipping options and transparent pricing.
Understanding different shipping methods, such as door-to-door car shipping and terminal-to-terminal, and preparing the vehicle for transport are key steps in the process. For budget-conscious consumers, this can lead to additional savings.
Vehicle safety and investment during shipping are paramount, requiring thorough scrutiny of the auto transport company’s insurance policy and credentials. The car must also be inspected upon arrival to ensure it is delivered in the expected condition.

Navigating the Online Car Buying and Shipping Process

Ok, buying things online has become a pretty common experience. I mean, billions of people use Amazon and other online ordering platforms every day. It’s just become a lot safer, more convenient, and price-effective to shop for things online.

But how about shopping for a car online?

If this is your first time buying a car online, it’s okay to feel a little apprehensive. This is a big purchase, for something that will have a direct effect on your daily life for the foreseeable future, and it’s not going to be cheap.

So, how do you get started?

Set a Budget
Get Preapproved for a Loan
Search the Inventory at Multiple Dealers
Get the Car Delivered

ShipYourCarNow provide extensive delivery services poised to connect you with your latest acquisition, regardless of its origin—be it directly from a dealer or via platforms like eBay or AutoTrader Classics.

1. Setting a Budget

Setting a budget to buy a car online is step number 1. So we have to start there. Quick pro tip, once you’ve set your budget, determine 65% of the total, 85% of the total, and 95% of the total. You can use those as stepping stones to negotiate. Start at your 65% and work up.

1. Determine Your Maximum Budget

Assess Your Finances: Start by evaluating your current financial situation. Look at your income, savings, and monthly expenses to determine how much you can afford to spend on a car.
Consider Additional Costs: Factor in taxes, registration, insurance, and maintenance. These costs can add up, so include them in your overall budget. You’ll want to see what the “out-the-door” price is. Typically, the car will look a few thousand cheaper until it’s time to buy and then the fees and taxes come into play. Ask for the “out-the-door” price.
Down Payment: Decide how much you can put down as an initial payment. A larger down payment will reduce the loan amount and interest paid over time.

2. Decide on Financing

Cash Purchase: If you’re buying outright, your budget is the amount you have saved. Easy peasy.
Loan: If financing, determine how much you can afford in monthly payments. Use an online loan calculator to estimate how different loan amounts, interest rates, and loan terms will affect your monthly payments. Try this loan calculator!
Pre-Approval: Get pre-approved for a loan to know exactly how much you can borrow. This will help you stick to your budget. Don’t forget you can get a loan anywhere, including at your local bank. Keep your options open.

3. Stick to Your Budget

Avoid Impulse Buys: Stick to your pre-determined budget. Don’t be swayed by add-ons or more expensive models. Never buy the first car you see. Give it a few weeks.
Negotiate: Even online, there’s often room for negotiation. Use this to stay within or even below your budget. If you are paying cash, you may be able to negotiate for a lower total. And remember to do your negotiating at the end of the month, that’s when salesmen have their quote and they are more likely to take a lower deal to hit their quota.

4. Consider Additional Costs

Inspection and Transport: If buying online from out of state, include the cost of an inspection and shipping the car to your location.
Extended Warranty: Decide if an extended warranty is necessary and include it in your budget if you opt for one.

By following these steps, you can set a realistic budget that covers all aspects of buying a car online.

2. Get Preapproved for a Loan

Check Your Credit Score
- Understand Your Credit: Your credit score plays a major role in the interest rate you’ll receive. Check your credit report for any errors and correct them before applying.
- Improve Your Credit (if needed): If your score is lower than you’d like, take steps to improve it before applying, such as paying down debt or making on-time payments.
Determine Your Budget
- Calculate Affordability: Decide how much you can afford in monthly payments. Consider your income, expenses, and any trade-in value from your current vehicle.
- Down Payment: Determine how much you can put down upfront. A larger down payment can help you get better loan terms.
Shop Around for LendersCheck Multiple Lenders: Don’t settle for the first offer. Compare rates from different lenders to find the best deal. Look for competitive interest rates, flexible loan terms, and favorable conditions. Be cautious of hidden fees or penalties.
- Banks
  - Local or National Banks: Many banks offer auto loans with competitive rates, especially for customers with existing relationships. Examples include Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase.
  - Online Banks: Online banks like Capital One or Ally Bank often offer quick approval processes and competitive rates.
- Credit Unions
  - Member-Owned Institutions: Credit unions often offer lower interest rates and more personalized service than traditional banks. You’ll need to be a member to apply, but joining is often easy.
  - Examples: Navy Federal Credit Union, Alliant Credit Union, and local credit unions.
- Online Lenders
  - Convenient and Fast: Online lenders specialize in auto loans and can provide fast approvals with competitive rates. They often allow you to compare multiple offers at once.
  - Examples: LightStream, Carvana, and Auto Credit Express.
- Dealership Financing
  - In-House Financing: Many dealerships offer financing options through partnerships with banks and other lenders. While convenient, these loans may come with higher interest rates unless there are promotional offers.
  - Manufacturer Financing: Some car manufacturers offer special financing deals for new cars, including low or zero-interest loans.
- Loan Marketplaces
  - Compare Offers: Websites like LendingTree or AutoLoan.com allow you to compare loan offers from multiple lenders, making it easier to find the best deal.

Tips for Pre-Approval

Multiple Applications: Applying to multiple lenders within a short period (typically 14 days) won’t negatively impact your credit score.
Read the Fine Print: Understand the terms and conditions of the loan, including any fees or penalties.
Use Pre-Approval as a Negotiation Tool: Knowing your pre-approved amount and interest rate can give you leverage when negotiating the price of the car. Remember to calculate 65%, 85%, and 95% of your total budget and stick to those negotiation steps!

3. Look Around

1. Use Online Car Shopping Platforms

Cars.com: Allows you to search for new and used cars at multiple dealerships. You can filter results by location, price, make, model, and more.
Autotrader: Offers a wide selection of vehicles from various dealers. You can save searches, compare prices, and view detailed vehicle information.
Edmunds: Provides tools to search for cars at multiple dealerships, along with expert reviews and price comparisons.
CarGurus: Helps you find the best deals by showing you the market value of cars and whether the listed price is above or below average.

2. Visit Dealer Websites Directly

Local Dealership Websites: Most dealerships have their own websites where you can browse their inventory. Look for “New Inventory” or “Used Inventory” sections.
Manufacturer Websites: If you have a specific brand in mind, visit the manufacturer’s website. Many offer a “Find a Dealer” or “Search Inventory” tool that lets you see cars available at multiple dealerships.

3. Use Car Buying Services

TrueCar: A service that partners with dealerships to offer transparent pricing. You can search inventory, see what others paid for similar vehicles, and get upfront pricing.
Costco Auto Program: If you’re a Costco member, you can use their auto program to search inventory and get prearranged prices at participating dealerships.

4. Check Inventory Aggregators

Kelley Blue Book (KBB): Not only provides vehicle values but also allows you to search inventory at multiple dealerships.
Vroom: An online platform that lets you search for and buy cars directly online, with inventory from multiple locations.

5. Leverage Social Media and Online Forums

Facebook Marketplace: Search for cars being sold by dealerships or private sellers in your area.
Reddit and Automotive Forums: Communities like r/askcarsales can provide insights and direct you to dealerships with the inventory you’re looking for.

4. Get the Car Delivered

If you prefer to have the car delivered to your home, here’s how to arrange it:

Confirm Delivery Details

Delivery Service: Many online dealerships like Carvana, Vroom, or even traditional dealerships offer home delivery options.
Schedule Delivery: Once the purchase is finalized, coordinate a delivery date and time that works for you. Make sure to get confirmation in writing.

Prepare for Delivery

Be Available: Ensure you or someone you trust is available to receive the vehicle at the scheduled time.
Payment & Paperwork: Some dealers require payment and paperwork to be completed before delivery, while others handle it upon delivery. Be clear on the process and have any necessary documents ready.

Inspect the Car Upon Arrival

Thorough Inspection: Just like at the dealership, inspect the car for any damage or discrepancies from what you agreed upon. Check the exterior, interior, and under the hood.
Test Drive: Take the car for a short drive to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Complete the Delivery Process

Sign Off: If everything is in order, you’ll sign the delivery paperwork. If there are issues, note them on the delivery documents and contact the dealer immediately.
Receive Documents: Make sure you get all the necessary documents, including the title, registration, and any warranty information.

Choosing the Right Auto Transport Company

Choosing a dependable auto transport company that aligns with your shipping needs is essential in the vehicle transport process. You must select a trustworthy carrier offering suitable options, from securing an enclosed transporter for a prized classic car to utilizing open transport services for regular vehicles. Exceptional customer service, characterized by continuous updates and the ability to track your automobile’s location, ensures you are always informed during transit.

Clear and upfront pricing from the company protects against unexpected costs later on. Whether it’s advice from your dealer or through personal investigation, employing these strategies will help you find the perfect transport partner for safely moving your vehicle.

Understanding Car Shipping Options

Understanding your options for car shipping is crucial, as it empowers you to make the best decision based on your vehicle’s needs. Auto transport typically comes in two forms: open and enclosed, both offering unique benefits tailored to your car’s specific requirements.

Open auto transport showcases a fleet of vehicles being moved together, providing a cost-effective and readily available service. On the flip side, enclosed auto transport acts like an exclusive club for cars during transit, offering superior safeguarding against environmental conditions and ensuring privacy from curious onlookers.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Transport

Before your vehicle sets out on its voyage, there are several preparatory steps to be taken. You’re allowed the perk of stowing away a single piece of luggage, up to 100 pounds in weight, within the trunk or cargo compartment while still on solid ground—a modest allowance for essential items. When it comes time for oceanic travel, your car must jettison all personal belongings except items installed at the factory.

Tightening any unsecured objects and confirming that your automobile is primed for transportation can lay the groundwork for an undisturbed shipping process.

The Perks of Door-to-Door Shipping

Saving Money with Terminal-to-Terminal Transport

If you’re looking to save money while still ensuring your car is transported reliably, consider using terminal-to-terminal vehicle shipping. This service tends to be more cost-effective, especially when transporting from or into major cities.

It’s important not to overlook any extra expenses, like storage fees at terminals, which might undo your efforts to save money on car transportation. Always factor in these additional charges so that your budget strategy for car shipping costs is not surprising.

Comparing Prices and Services of Different Shipping Companies

When looking for a shipping company, it’s just as important to shop around as when you’re purchasing the actual car. Services such as Shiply provide an array of estimates from different auto transport companies that can match your financial needs. Typically, insurance for auto transport falls between 1.5% and 2.5% of the car’s value, which is a reasonable fee to secure protection over various distances with differing coverage options.

Scheduling Pick-Up and Delivery Dates

Coordinating pick-up and delivery times is a critical aspect of the auto transport process, akin to performing a precise ballet. Utilizing tools such as Live Chat allows for seamless tracking of your vehicle during shipment and facilitates communication about scheduling specifics so that the car arrives according to plan.

Fine-tuning these schedules with your chosen auto transport company is essential. Selecting dates that harmonize with your personal schedule and the car’s preparedness for shipping ensures a smooth transition from point A to B.

ShipYourCarNow: Streamlined Auto Transport Solutions Tailored for You

At ShipYourCarNow, we stand out in the crowded field of auto transport companies by offering tailored services that cater to both car manufacturers and individual vehicle owners like me.

You can rely on ShipYourCarNow for prompt and reliable shipping options that prioritize your satisfaction as a customer.

It’s not just transportation; it’s peace of mind. ShipYourCarNow ensures the secure and timely delivery of my valuable vehicle every time.

Whether you need enclosed transportation for maximum protection or open shipping to meet specific requirements, ShipYourCarNow has a diverse range of transport solutions to suit your needs.

Our door-to-door delivery service is a game-changer, offering benefits such as:

Customization: ShipYourCarNow works around my schedule to ensure my car arrives in pristine condition at my convenience.
Instant quotes: I can get a competitive quote instantly by entering my car details and desired shipping locations on their website.
Straightforward reservation process: Booking my auto transport online is a breeze with ShipYourCarNow. A few clicks are all it takes to select my preferences and schedule without any hassle.

From collection to final handover, ShipYourCarNow makes logistics effortless. Our expert carriers are dedicated to ensuring the safe transport of my automobile until it reaches its destination.

We Can Help!

At ShipYourCarNow we provide car shipping service in excellence with easy door-to-door car shipping – contact us today for an instant quote!

Be sure to visit some of our popular state car shipping pages to learn more about auto transport prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the best auto transport company for my needs?

Select an auto transport company providing the necessary shipping options for your vehicle, which may include open or enclosed transport. Look for a business that maintains clear pricing structures and delivers robust customer service features, such as the ability to track your vehicle and receive consistent updates.

Conduct comprehensive research to verify the trustworthiness of the transport company you choose to ensure safe and reliable shipping.

What are the main types of car shipping options available?

There are various options for car shipping to cater to different requirements, including open auto transport and more secure enclosed auto transport. For added convenience, there’s door-to-door shipping, as well as specialized services for transporting non-operational vehicles should your car be inoperable. Each of these shipping methods is designed to address particular vehicle transport needs [1].

What should I do to prepare my vehicle for transport?

Ensure that personal belongings are removed, particularly for international transport, and fasten any items that could shift while being shipped.

On domestic transport, you’re allowed to put a single piece of luggage in the vehicle’s trunk.

How can I ensure that my vehicle is properly insured during transport?

Review the carrier’s insurance policy and consider purchasing additional insurance if needed to ensure your vehicle is properly insured during transport.

Also, confirm the carrier’s insurance legitimacy and check their DOT and FMCSA registrations for added assurance [2].

What steps should I take when my car arrives after shipping?

Upon the arrival of your car following its shipment, it is crucial to conduct a detailed examination for any fresh damages. Assess every function and take it for a drive to confirm that everything is working properly. Should you discover any damage, promptly submit a claim to the shipping company responsible for transport.

What are the most popular car shipping routes in the US?

The most popular car shipping routes in the US typically include the Florida to California and California to Florida routes, which are the busiest due to the high demand for vehicle transport between these populous states. The California to Texas and Texas to California routes are also highly frequented, reflecting the strong connection between these states in terms of vehicle relocation. Additionally, the New York to Florida route is popular, especially during the winter months, likely due to seasonal migration patterns. These routes are a testament to the trends in vehicle shipping, influenced by factors like job relocations and the buying and selling of vehicles across different states [3].