How To Buy A Car During The COVID-19 Pandemic

Perhaps, the crises that pioneers all is none other than buying a car during this pandemic. How to buy a car when you can't inspect it yourself? How to figure your best possible options without surveying showrooms and dealer's help?

Well, that's surely a question: a troubling one. So, listed below, you will find some tips for people willing to purchase cars during COVID-19.

COVID 19’s Impact on Automotive Industry

The virus's arrival brought a halt to the everyday lives and restricted travel. Thus, reducing the need for cars. Plus, it seized all functions and processes of the car manufacturing and shipping companies as well as car dealers.

Reduced production of cars coupled with a reduced number of buyers brought a threatening decline to the economic stability of several businesses in the automotive industry. Hence, the global pandemic accelerated the existing downshift in the automotive industry.

Although the short-term impact is tragic, the potential long-term impact must not get ignored. Here are a few of the long-term consequences of the pandemic on the automotive sector:

• Global recession and a loss of consumer confidence

• Car shipping companies and other auto entities may have to divert the capital for a continued operation that will starve the funds for further developments.

• A restructuring of the industry might become inevitable that can cause large-scale disruption of the current system.

Regardless, the automotive industry has taken measures to analyze the impact and derive methods to recover from the damage. Currently, a majority of reputable automotive-related organizations are conducting research.

Top 5 Tips on Buying a Car during Pandemic

There are 3-types of people looking for cars these days:

• Those who used to depend on public transport.

• Those who need to replace their old, worn-out, possibly malfunctioning vehicle.

• Those who want to take advantage of the low prices nowadays and make an investment that they can cherish later.

Regardless of the category, you belong to, here are the best tips for purchasing a vehicle during this pandemic!

1. Operate Online

First things first: it’s pointless to risk your health and visit showrooms now. With reduced sales, staff, and cars to showcase, dealers have now shifted online.

They are providing better catalog and shopping options on online platforms. Moreover, you can now get all the paperwork done from naming to payment virtually. So, value your well-being and others, and operate online.

2. Inquire for Contactless Test Drive or Evaluation

If you are purchasing a car through online methods, does this mean you cannot have a test drive? Certainly not!

Although you might have to conduct communication online, you can always inquire whether the seller can provide a test drive. It is highly recommendable to consider options that allow a test drive before making huge financial commitments. You will be using the car after the purchase. Thus, finding out about the comfort level and feel is an absolute must!

However, considering the current pandemic situation, ensure that the seller offers a contactless test drive. A majority of car shipping companies have taken the initiative of bringing the car to the local buyer’s provided address for a test drive. The car goes through a sanitization protocol, but you must take care of the safety rules.

3. Prioritize Vehicles with Flexible Guarantees

Several automakers like Ford have introduced relief payment policies to assist purchases of those who have been impacted by the COVID crisis. Many people have no jobs now, and many are avoiding huge expenditures. Some buyers are apprehensive due to virtual operations.

Hence, several individual dealers, as well as manufacturing companies themselves, are offering low or no-interest rate payment policies. Plus, some are also offering completely flexible money-back or exchange guarantees. In this way, nervous buyers are encouraged as they can always reverse their decision.

So, make sure you avail of the best of this leniency! Expand your options, and prioritize a vehicle with most of your preferred features along with a safe and convenient financial plan.

4. Consider Both New & Used Cars

The lower production of cars has drastically increased the prices too. However, the used car sector has been relatively remained unaffected. So, when purchasing cars, do not immediately cross out the used options. Instead, consider them and compare against the new ones to get the best deal possible.

5. Negotiate!

Lastly, feel empowered to negotiate in all your terms. Car shipping companies, car manufacturers, open car transport, and car dealers are facing losses as low as -50% in their business.

And hence, they are willing to sell out whatever they possibly can. Hence, the automotive market is golden for buyers right now. Negotiate and put up your terms – if one dealer refuses, another will gladly agree. Or better, you'll soon be receiving a positive call from the same dealer!

Just make sure the negotiation doesn't reach the exploitation level. Happy buying!