Shopping for cars online is becoming more popular and it’s a win-win situation, says Which? Car – you’re not only likely to secure a bigger discount, you’ll also have added legal protection.
Which? trawled the car market for 14 popular new cars and found 12 of them cheaper online, many of them substantially. Five models were being offered at more than £5,000 below their list price, and six were more than £1,000 cheaper online than in a showroom.
Completing a deal online also makes the sale subject to the Distance Selling Regulations. These give customers a seven-day cooling off period after delivery in which they can reject the car and be entitled to a complete refund.
Which? Car has discovered that, while only a small percentage (5%) of Which? members surveyed bought their last car online, 18% said they are likely to do so in future.
Richard Headland, editor, Which? Car, says:
“The internet is revolutionising the way people are shopping for cars and we’re all for it. Not only can buyers find bargain prices online – without haggling with a salesperson – they have better legal rights too. The web has thrown down the gauntlet to traditional bricks-and-mortar car dealerships.”
