Would you buy a pre-owned car from an online dealership?

Would you buy a car online? Does it feel like too big a purchase, or a scam waiting to happen? In fact like pretty much everything else you can buy, Aussies are increasingly embracing online vs IRL purchases for their vehicles. In fact, globally speaking we’re one of the countries most likely to buy a car online, with around a quarter of us willing to consider online retailers for our next vehicle purchase.

It’s fairly easy to see why we’re buying more and more online.

• First, the range. It’s so much simpler to compare what’s available when you can see it all on one screen, with a much wider choice than in a bricks-and-mortar store.
• Second, the prices. More competition and lower overheads for businesses can lead to some amazing deals online.
• Third, the convenience. Why pick up your new purchase when you can buy it in your PJs and have it delivered to your door shortly after?

Aussies love online shopping

According to Australia Post’s 2024 eCommerce Industry Report, around one in seven Aussie households are making weekly online purchases. Gen Y and Gen X shoppers are mostly buying home and garden items online, with Gen Y (that’s Millennials) also favour food and liquor. Meanwhile, Gen Z mostly used ecommerce to buy fashion. Variety stores accounted for a large chunk of online sales for all three demographics. So from furniture to household bits and bobs, it’s become incredibly normal to shop online.

How we buy online can depend on our age

Have you ever made a big purchase on your phone? If not, you could be a Millennial or older. Millennials recently united online over the shared belief that while it’s fine to make small purchases on a phone, large purchases are worthy of bringing out the laptop. The consensus seems to be that a bigger screen just feels “right” for bigger-ticket items. This highlights an interesting divide, with Gen Y largely unbothered about making significant purchases on their phone.

Whatever the screen size, a whole lot of us are buying beauty goods, handcrafted gifts, furniture and holidays online. Heck – for someone lucky enough to buy a house these days, even that search tends to start online! So it seems like a natural next step to consider buying our next car online too.

How does an online car dealership work?

Buying a car through an online dealership typically works as follows:

• You can see and compare the entire range online, with individual listings for each car.
• The pricing is often upfront, and some providers can arrange for financing options.
• You can complete most paperwork and make the purchase online.
• You can typically either pick up the car or have it delivered.
• Some online dealerships will include a return window and/or warranty period for the vehicle.

As a pre-owned car dealership, we go a little further in many ways, which is why we've been making waves in Sydney. Here are some of the key differences:

• Our team of experts picks out only quality cars and tests each car according to a detailed checklist. This includes identifying and resolving any issues to ensure it meets all criteria across safety, technology, mechanical soundness and more.
• In lieu of a test drive, you get to really experience the car you buy in your own life, and return it within 7 days if you don’t absolutely love it. That means you could take it to a mechanic every day that week to get checked over if you like – and still return it within the return window for a refund!
• You can get fast quotes from our trusted lending partners, or use your own lender for financing.
• You can pick your new purchase up in Alexandria, Sydney or get free delivery to your door.
• There’s a 3-month warranty included for each and every car, as well as the option to add extended coverage for an additional 3 year's mechanical protection and premium roadside assist.
• Our dedicated customer service team in Australia is available via phone, chat or email, if you have any questions or feedback.

Perhaps most importantly – whether you’re browsing on your phone (or your laptop), you get a well-lit, 360° view of each car and a complete service history so you can really see what you’re getting. In many ways, it’s a far more enjoyable experience than any offline car yard.

So – would you buy a second-hand car online?

If you’re wondering how to buy a good used car in 2024 and beyond, looking online might just be the way to go. Of course, it’s important to do your homework, check reviews and choose a reputable dealership to avoid online scams. But for the digital-savvy set, online car shopping can have a whole bunch of benefits. Why not search for your next car and give it a go?