One of the more dubious elements of shopping for autos online happens to be the narrow prospective available of your potential purchase. There are pictures provided, to be sure, along with the usual specifications (engine type, mileage, interior color, shininess of hubcaps). But, without the real-life inspection and detailed examination my father would religiously conduct despite my pleas for swift and reckless purchase, I find it hard to commit myself to a vehicle. So, how does one safely incorporate the Internet into a search for quality autos?
Working as a sort of enormous and well-organized classified section, the Internet affords consumers shoals of search options. My suggestion is: That, when using the Internet to locate autos, confine your search to vehicles within your general area—that way, if something catches your eye, you can meander out to give it the once-over.
People less conservative then myself might balk at this suggestion, citing the obvious fact that most dealers and persons selling autos do not intentionally prevaricate or lie about the pertinent information of a car. Or, a second objection might be voiced, concerning the ability of prospective buyers to apply and view an online report of a specific vehicle’s history, including the possibility of odometer rollback or an unreported accident (visit www.carfax.com for more information on an online VIN or car history report). Still, despite these objections, I remain unwavering in my insistence that potential buyers inspect and investigate their purchase before signing the check—in person. Better safe than sorry, as they say.
Why use the Internet at all in the search for autos? Simple; as stated before, Internet search engines (or more specifically automobile search sites) allow consumers the option of narrowing their criteria. In other words, if you are solely looking for a certain make or model, a certain color, or a certain anything, the Internet helps you confine your search to those specific terms. The Internet also lets you price-check quickly and efficiently, establishing a reasonable price bracket for a desired auto (you can additionally check out the official Kelley Blue Book site at www.kbb.com for more information in this general vein). Also, the Internet provides a veritable boon of advice and forewarnings about autos. If you’re ready to trade money for deed, conduct a quick, cursory search of your potential buy’s make and model. A wealth of articles on the subject should be readily available, as well as common problems or disturbing patterns.
When it comes down to brass tacks, the Internet provides shoals of relevant information on autos; I just wouldn’t necessarily trust buying one before actually examining or even test-driving it in person. All manner of examinations should be conducted before the well-informed consumer decides upon a purchase—simply put, these cannot be readily completed via a cable modem. My advice is to stay on the informational side of the Internet’s resources, not the purchasing side. But, sometimes, consumers unearth a tremendous looking buy; and an inner-voice encourages them to throw caution to the wind and purchase it online. Don’t listen to that, it’s just the kid in all of us.
By Jean-Pierre Lacrampe