Car buying parameters
Below is a detailed explanation of some of the crucial parameters of the new car purchase.
Pricing
Online car buying platforms such as ACKO Drive offer you better deals on new cars.
Apart from the standard manufacturer discount, ACKO Drive also provides you with additional discounts.
If you buy a car from an offline dealership, you need to bargain to get a good discount, which is not the case if you opt for an online car purchase.
Turnaround time
When you buy a car online through ACKO Drive, you get faster delivery on priority.
The overall processing time is also less when you opt for an online mode of purchase.
Offline dealership purchases may be time-consuming due to excessive physical paperwork and other processes.
You may also need to wait for a long time to get your hands on the car when you buy a vehicle through an offline car showroom. However, the timeframe may vary depending on the make and model.
Financing
Once you book the car online, ACKO Drive will assist you with the car loan process.
The documents required for the loan approval can be collected from your doorstep.
Also, online car buying gives you the flexibility to choose the financial institution for a car loan.
In the case of a dealership, you may have to stick to the financing options provided by the dealer.
It may also involve cumbersome physical paperwork, and the loan approval process may take too long.
Pros and cons of buying a car online vs dealership
You know the significant differences between buying a car online and offline. This section throws light on the pros and cons of buying a car online vs a dealership.
Benefits of buying a car online
Below are the advantages of online car buying.
One of the significant advantages of online car buying is that it saves you a lot of time.
Online platforms such as ACKO Drive have multiple car brands under one roof. Hence, you can find a vast number of options in one place.
You need not rely on your bargaining skills to get a good deal.
You also get additional discounts on new cars.
You need not visit multiple car dealerships before booking the car.
Faster new car delivery.
No hidden or additional charges.
Your car will be delivered to your doorstep.
Also, read: Car buying guide - Tips for buying a car the smart way
Disadvantages of online car purchase
Below are the demerits of buying a car online.
You cannot physically look, feel and inspect the car before booking.
There is no option to test drive the car before proceeding with the buying process.
Lack of a salesperson to explain to you the key details and features of the car.
Online car buying services may not be available in all the cities in the country.
Benefits of buying a car from a dealership
Here are the advantages of buying a car from an offline dealership.
You get a first-hand experience of the car when you visit a dealership.
You can instantly test drive the car and then make your purchase decision.
There is a lot of scope for bargaining on the price, car accessories and other services.
Disadvantages of offline dealership car purchase
Below are the demerits of buying a car through a dealership.
You may have to visit several car dealerships to zero in on a car.
The booking and the overall buying process is slower than online car purchase.
You may need to follow up with the dealership for timely car delivery.
You may not get a good deal on your new car without good bargaining skills.
The discount offers may be limited.
Depending on the make and model, the new car delivery timeline may be too long.
You have to go through the tiring process of physical paperwork.
The dealership/salesperson may be biased and may not provide honest feedback about a particular car to push the sale.
When should you buy a car online?
Online car buying is a perfect option if you have a fair knowledge of cars. If you can perform thorough research on the cars you wish to buy and make a sensible decision, an online car purchase is for you. Once you zero in on a vehicle, the rest of the job is very straightforward when you opt for buying a car online. The hard part of the process is shortlisting the potential options, research and deciding on a car.
So, if you are well-versed with the Indian car market, can research the potential options and make a sensible decision, you can easily go for the online option. Buying a car online is super-convenient as you need not visit multiple dealerships, fill out forms and bargain to get the best deal. Moreover, you also get the doorstep delivery of your new car.
When to buy a car from a dealership?
If you are a purist and not comfortable with buying something as expensive as a car online, you can walk into a dealership and proceed with the purchase. Doing so will also allow you to see the vehicle in person and also get a feel for the vehicle. You also have the option for a quick test ride to make further inroads into your car purchasing journey.
Buying a car from a dealership is also helpful if you need assistance choosing the right car for your needs. Also, if you are not well-versed with terms associated with the cars, you can save the effort of extensive research and visit the dealership to select the right vehicle for you. Speaking to a salesperson at the dealership may help you make the right decision.
Online car financing vs dealership financing
Typically, a car dealership will have a partner bank to provide you with financing options. You may have to rely on that sole option for financing if you are buying a car through a dealership. Hence, you may not have the flexibility to explore multiple car loan options.
However, at ACO Drive, you are free to sort out your financing options. If you need any assistance, we can also help you provide financing options. ACKO Drive will also assist you with documentation (doorstep document collection) and faster loan approval. Overall, you have the flexibility to explore multiple options for a car loan when you opt for buying a car online.
Dealer fees to watch out for when buying a car
If you decide to buy your next car via an offline dealership, you need to be aware of some of the additional fees that a dealer could levy on top of the vehicle's price. One of the standard types of fee is the handling or logistic charge.
As per law, a dealer is not supposed to add such charges because the vehicle's ex-showroom price already covers those expenses. Also, look out for any other fee for documentation, polishing, etc. Read the quotation carefully before agreeing to the final price of the vehicle. The dealer may also push for optional accessories which you may not need. So, you have to be vigilant while purchasing a car through an offline dealer.
Also, read: How to not get ripped off by a car dealer?
Can you save more by buying a car online or at the dealership?
You should be able to answer this question as you have gone through the above sections that explain the key difference between online and offline car purchases. You save money and time by buying a car online (ACKO Drive). Since you need not visit the dealerships, you will save on the travel expenses. Plus, you get good deals and discounts on new cars online. Hence, you maximise the savings with the online car purchase.
But with the offline purchase, you need more time and money. From travelling to different dealerships to cumbersome processes, you can end up spending more than what you had planned. Moreover, with the current pandemic scenario, you may have to follow the social distancing rules, making offline shopping more difficult. So, online car buying is always a better option, provided it is available in your location.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Buying car online vs dealership
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