Buying A Car Online
In September 2022, Harwoods underwent a huge digital transformation in the form of a brand new website, complete with a new look and feel, as well as smart new features which create a more seamless car buying experience. At Harwoods, our impressive stock of luxury and family cars is only the beginning, as for the first time ever, we’ve given our customers the option to not only reserve cars online, but the option to buy cars online too - completing the whole transaction online. This gives our customers the option to browse, compare and buy from anywhere, at any time.
Unsure on how to buy a car online? We’re here to run you through our top tips, our most frequently asked questions plus how to get started on your venture for the perfect set of wheels.
Why Buy a Car Online?
In 2021, an estimated 93% of the UK’s population bought products or services online - that’s over 62 million of us. That comes as no surprise as you can buy almost anything online with just the click of a button. From cars to clothes, gadgets to holidays and even houses and private islands. There’s almost no end to the products and services you buy online - many with a very quick turnaround on delivery. The demand for same day and next day delivery, as well as click and collect services has transformed our shopping habits and the way we use online marketplaces, which have been rapidly keeping up with demand since the mid-1990s.
So, would you buy a car online? According to Accenture, 75% of automotive customers would consider purchasing a vehicle online, completing the entire translation virtually. This includes car customisation, finance and paperwork. Why? Well, there are many benefits when it comes to buying a car online. Firstly, it’s convenient, you can search from the comfort of your sofa and complete the transaction from wherever you are, not having to worry about finding the best appointments and travelling down to the dealership to complete the process. Buying a car online can also open up your range of choice. At the majority of dealerships you may only get to choose from a select number of cars, but by searching online you can browse through hundreds of vehicles at your fingertips. Plus, where there’s more choice can often mean great prices can be found, so you can find a better car to suit your budget.
Top Tips for Buying a Car Online
Like with buying any product or service online, you’ll want to make sure it’s a legitimate and credible company. You could go through large or independent dealerships, private sellers and auctions to name a few. Whichever route you choose, it’s always a good idea to do some research, read some reviews from past customers and maybe even speak to an advisor or seller first hand to find out the information you need to know. A quick search on the Internet will give you a good indicator on the credibility of a company or seller. A good vehicle advert will be thorough in its description, and give you clear information and tell you how to get in contact. Transparency is key, a trusted and reliable company will never withhold important information, and will never push you into making a decision.
14 Reasons to Buy Online with Harwoods
It’s a safe and secure process - experts on hand 24/7
It’s convenient & efficient - search from anywhere
Every car has been checked and approved by us, following a 120+ point inspection
Free warranty to provide you with added protection
Choose free home delivery or click & collect
Finance options available
Option to part exchange your current vehicle
Test drive or view cars virtually
There over 1,000 cars in stock
New fast & simple check-out process - order a car in less than 10 minutes
Personalised and tailored experience for each of our customers
We offer 14-day money back guarantee
Aftercare services available
Harwoods Group have over 90 years experience in the industry - we are true experts in our field!
Buying a Car Online - FAQs
Is Buying a Car Online Safe?
Buying a car online with a well-known and trusted company like Harwoods is always safe and secure, and a process you can rely on. Our experts are on hand 24/7 if you have any questions, queries or are looking for some recommendations. With free home delivery and click collect options available, buying a car online is not only safe, it’s simple too!
Can I Still Book a Test Drive?
You can arrange a test drive at the dealership where your vehicle of interest is located. Alternatively, we can bring the vehicle to a showroom that’s more local to you. As well as showroom appointments, we also offer virtual appointments and video calls to work around you and your lifestyle. Get in touch with one of our dealerships to arrange and book a test drive.
Can I Finance if I Buy Online?
Yes, there is the option to finance your vehicle, whether it’s new or used. At Harwoods we offer a range of personal and business finance plans to meet your individual needs. For more information on finance, explore the options we offer. Have a question on finance? Send an enquiry to our team.
Can I Still Part-Exchange My Current Car?
Yes, find out how much your vehicle is worth with our free and fast car valuation tool. Simply enter your car registration number and we’ll let you know how much we could give you for it, plus we’ll send a revised quote through for the vehicle you’re interested in purchasing. We can also offer a quote to purchase your vehicle outright, find out more.
How Do I Get The Car If I Buy it Online?
We offer a nationwide delivery service and complimentary delivery for the first 30 miles. Alternatively, you can click and collect from the dealership and drive away in your new vehicle.
What Happens If I Don’t Like The Car?
No problem, at Harwoods we offer a 14-day money back guarantee. So, if you’ve changed your mind within the first 14 days, we’ll give you a full refund with no questions asked. Find out more in our useful guide to the Harwoods Guarantee.
Do I Have to Buy Online?
No! Our buy and reserve online feature is new. However, our state-of-the-art showrooms are still open for appointments and visits. So, if you aren’t quite ready to purchase, or would prefer to buy in-store, or simply want to speak to one of our advisors you can pop into your preferred dealership. Find your nearest Harwoods dealership.
How Do I Buy Online?
Buying a car online is a simple process, all you’ll need is your driving license, your home address and roughly 10 minutes spare to complete the checkout process. If you don’t want to buy the vehicle straight away, you can simply reserve the car instead. Read the full checkout process below:
Create your account - approx 30 seconds
Add your details - approx 1 min
Part exchange option - approx 2 mins
Cash or finance choice - approx 3 mins
Delivery details - approx 2 mins
Payments - approx 2 mins
We’re here to help, advise, support, and answer your questions, whenever you need us. Our showrooms are open for appointments and test drives, and our expert advisors are on hand to assist you - looking for your next car couldn’t be easier.
Ready to find your next vehicle? Browse new and used vehicles and buy or reserve online today.