As we struggle to deal with the reality of Covid-19, life doesn't stop. However, we do have to adjust behaviour to suit. Activities like buying a car online must be handled carefully. Here are top tips for buying a car online during the pandemic. Read more now!

As we struggle to deal with the reality of Covid-19, life doesn't stop. However, we do have to adjust behaviour to suit. Activities like buying a car online must be handled carefully. Here are top tips for buying a car online during the pandemic. Read more now!

>>> Read also: https://naijauto.com/car-buying-and-selling/avoid-online-car-scam-nigeria-7450


Covid-19 doesn't mean we stop living, or buying cars

Below are some tips and tricks you need to know when buying a car online during the pandemic.

1. Don’t panic, not much has changed

If you’re scared about buying a car online for the first time, don’t be. Much of the outdated car buying process which includes shopping, researching, applying for loans, etc., all take place online now. So there’s no big difference, just try not to forget the basics.

2. Open your mind, even if you have already made it up

If you have already made up your mind on the car to buy, the make and the model, you might consider changing your mind about your decisions. This is because the pandemic, which resulted in a lockdown and restricted movement, has caused virtually every dealer and automaker to offer deals and spurs to improve sales as the economy falters.

Some of these automakers are offering late payments, while others are pitching financing; some others are doing both or offering other deals altogether. It is advisable that, if you have already looked, you can look and shop again.

https://file.naijauto.com/2021/02/13/1TC7vPG6/buying-a-car-online-during-the-pandemic-3-0fee.jpg
You can be both happy and safe buying a vehicle during Covid-19

3. Read the small print

When you want to purchase a car online especially during this pandemic, you will see lots of deals to choose from. You must take note that, most of these pandemic related promotions come with restrictions, exemptions, and limits.

These promotions apply mostly to qualified buyers as these deferred payments and all other similar programs sometimes require the buyer to demonstrate need.

So for some of these deals, it's as if the automakers are giving them out of pity, which is quite true for some but not all. You must know that they are in the business to make money and sell cars.

4. Get approved

Pandemic or no pandemic, these dealers make their money through the financing department. When you get a loan approved before the process begins, you arm yourself with the option of saying no to a dealer's financing.

You can also consider an auto loan of your choice. This helps you buy a car online cheap.


Make your own money arrangements so dealers don't give you bad terms 

5. Investigate

There's how to buy a car online properly. Before your online car purchase, do exactly what you would have done before the lockdown. Check the seller out.

See also expert car reviews on any model you are considering purchasing, the ratings, and their average long-term cost of maintenance.


Spend some time to really look at your options

6. Learn what people are paying

Find out what people in your area pay on average for any vehicle you are considering. This gives you an idea of what to look out for in terms of the prices of the vehicles.

7. Look for a return policy

As discussed earlier, there are a lot of exclusion and restriction policies to watch out for.  Buying a car online, best sites have a great return policy.

Ask the automakers, dealer, or site if they are offering return policies as part of their lockdown promotion gift.

8. Check out cleaning protocols

Many automakers and dealers have established strict cleaning and sanitization etiquettes for their dealerships, vehicles and employees based on CDC standards. While it's not certain whether Nigerian car dealers have followed suit, you should look out for this.

Even though you will be completing the entire contract online, other people will have handled the vehicle. It is important to make sure you work with an online-only or dealership vendor that takes safety seriously.


The cleaner the car, the healthier the choice

9. Research delivery offerings

Many dealers now home deliver to their customers. Some even offered home delivery before the pandemic started. The whole process from A-Z must happen without you leaving the comfort and safety of your home.

10. Ask about at-home test drives

If a dealer does not have this service, work with another dealer. The dealer should bring a sterile car to you for you to test drive on the road for yourself.


Have your car delivered and tested at home, that's the safest choice

To read more about the tips and tricks to buy a car online in the pandemic, read this article: https://naijauto.com/car-buying-and-selling/buying-a-car-online-during-the-pandemic-7669

To read more tips regarding the Nigerian auto market, visit https://naijauto.com/