How to buy a car online

Avoiding online car-buying scams

The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau has tips to make buying a car online as seamless as possible.

We live in a world where you can do just about anything online. That includes buying a car.

Dealers are moving online, and the Wisconsin Better Business Bureau says this can benefit consumers. First, chatting with someone remotely can help you stay detached and make a level-headed purchase. You also have details in writing, which can be reviewed without a salesperson nearby.

Lisa Schiller from the Wisconsin BBB shares where to start, “You want to ensure you are prequalified for a loan. That’s very, very important. Then you know how much money you have to work with, and you can set a budget.”

“Then, you want to do some thorough research. It might be a little different online. You definitely should narrow your search. Look for ratings, and reviews, and check with the Better Business Bureau. We have hundreds of thousands for free.”

That’s when you can start shopping. Just like when you buy anything online, you have to be wary of scams. One of the key takeaways is: Make sure you know who you are doing business with. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Also see the car in person. Inspect the vehicle and take it for a test drive. Plus, pressure from the seller is never a good sign. Go with your gut if something feels wrong.

The BBB says to be cautious about wiring funds or completing bank-to-bank transactions, “Scammers love this kind of transaction because you cannot get your money back once it is completed. Instead, make legitimate purchases by check or credit card.”

You can check each dealer’s business ratings, reviews, and complaint history on BBB.org.