Checklist For Purchasing or Leasing a Vehicle From Home

Ever since online shopping became a thing, we've all wanted is the ability to purchase a vehicle from home. But avoiding the potential frustrations and headaches that sometimes came from the hours spent at the dealer seemed like a pipe dream. Until now. 

It appears that someone has been listening as it has become increasingly easy to purchase or lease a vehicle online. Many auto manufacturers have started OEM-backed online buying programs to facilitate the dealers through the transition period.

We did a deep dive including online research, calling dealers, and going through the programs ourselves to get a solid understanding of what it takes to purchase or lease a car online today. 

What we were able to find is that roughly 80% of the dealers we called were able to facilitate at-home delivery. 100% of the dealers we spoke with were happy to accept an online signature or bring the paperwork directly to your house for you to sign. 

Dealers are happy to accommodate requests, especially for serious shoppers looking to purchase or lease online.

You can find local dealers willing to accommodate you here.

So how do you start the process of leasing or purchasing online?

1) Get Your Finances in Order

First and foremost, make sure that you have a solid idea of where your finances are and what you are kind of payment you are looking to get into. It sounds basic, but it's crucial to have a plan laid out before contacting the dealer. 

Start by looking at your current car payments and how those coincide with your financial situation. Note if you are able to go a little higher or need to cut the car payments back slightly. Of course, take other monthly costs into consideration as well. And don't forget to include insurance into your estimates! 

If you are purchasing and would like to apply for financing we also have a quick and easy tool to use to apply online. 

2) Get Your Car Ready to be Turned In

Use some of your free time to get your car ready to be turned in. Vacuum the cheerios off the back seat, collect the pennies from the floor, and give the car a good wash down. These simple steps can help you save on unwanted fees when turning your lease vehicle in and can help ensure you get the best trade-in value for your used car. 

3) Get Your Paper Work Ready

Next, you need to get your paperwork ready to go. Start to gather your documents, such as loan agreements, lease paperwork, or current vehicle title. 

Other important documents to have with you include your driver's license or photo ID, proof of residency (usually a bill with your name on it or something of the sort works well), and proof of income. Having your social security number handy is always a good idea. 

Most dealers are happy to take much of these documents via email or even text message, meaning you can handle most of your business without even having to go to the dealer. 

4) Touch Base With Your Dealer

The dealer will be able to walk you through setting up your online purchase. By touching base with them, via phone, text, or email, they are able to start your process and get you rolling. (Nailed the dad joke.)

Even with the large number of new programs for online purchasing and at home convenience, getting in touch with them is an important step. The dealer will be able to cue you in on any special discounts available right now, incentives you otherwise may not have known about, and can facilitate your process by either walking you through step by step, or ensuring that you have everything needed. 

To add to that point, customers that start their buying process online on average save more than those that start their process at the brick and mortar storefront. 

Rydeshopper has a nationwide network of dealers that are more than ready to help during while you're stuck at home. It is likely that your preferred store will be a part of our dealer network, but comparing other local dealers can be helpful when trying to get the best price. Contacting the dealer makes it clear who is willing to go the extra mile for you, and give you the best experience possible. 

Touch Base With Your Preferred Dealer

Closing

We have long dreamt of the future when we're able to fully buy a car online. Well, the time has finally come, and while the process is still more intensive than clicking the "Buy Now" button on Amazon and having it delivered within hours, it has been extraordinarily streamlined and is easier than ever. 

Start Here!

Considering pre-owned? Interested in financing? Carvana has options for you! With Carvana, you can finance your vehicle with competitive rates, and can even utilize a co-signer! All of Carvana’s vehicles are inspected and reconditioned by technicians and have no reported fire, frame, or flood damage according to CARFAX™ and AutoCheck®. Click Here to get pre-qualified with Carvana.