How to buy a car online

Buying a car online is the big topic of conversation at the moment. But how long does it take, and what do you actually have to do to get the keys when you’re behind a keyboard?
There are only a few simple steps, and, with Auto Trader, you can complete your purchase entirely online or pop on and off as you go – it’s up to you. Clear it in a weekend, save time by browsing online then nip to the dealership to test drive and sign, or flit back and forth while you make your mind up. You’re in control more than ever before.

First step is to look at your budget. Decide how you’ll pay, either outright or in instalments.
If you’re buying on finance, consider getting pre-approved, and make sure you can afford all the repayments (factoring any income changes in). You can use our free car finance calculator to start. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of servicing, repairs, fuel and general maintenance. Get an insurance quote too. If you create an account with us, we’ll automatically show you the cheapest car insurance quotes while you browse, so you can do two jobs in one go.

There are plenty of options when it comes to buying your next car, so don’t be quick to shut the door on any of them when you’re researching.
A brand-new electric car might seem out of budget to buy, but the monthly repayments could be within your budget. Or you might see a car you love with a few miles already on the clock. Just be open to what’s on the market, you might be pleasantly surprised with what you find!

Do your research online and shortlist the type of car you want – narrow it down to a couple of makes and models (you can create a shortlist on Auto Trader).
Make a list of what you’ll need and what’s nice to have in a car, and what fits your budget. Take a look at engine size, trim level, and any extras or details like your preferred colour. Not sure how they stack up? Our expert reviews target every key area from performance to safety and comfort. Find the make model you’re thinking about and see what we had to say in our expert reviews.

If you’re buying outright, simply filter according to price and compare offers from dealerships (ask about home delivery if a great deal is a few miles away).
If you’re buying used, check our price indicator to compare prices on today’s market. If you’re buying on finance you’ve a couple of steps here. 1. Pick the finance plan that works for you: PCP, Hire Purchase, Conditional Sale or leasing. Not sure what they mean? Start here. 2. Find who’s offering the best monthly price. We display monthly prices (based on representative APR), and you can use filters to fit your budget. There’s a lot to say on car finance, so check out our guides. Always check the fine print of the contract before you sign, and make sure you can afford the monthly payments.

Seen a couple of cars? You can arrange a live video viewing with the dealership.
They’ll give you a guided tour of the car and answer any questions you have over the phone, then you can dial off, stick the kettle on and think about it. You can line a couple of video viewings up in a morning and you’re all done – much quicker than spending a weekend trawling showrooms.

If you actually like a good showroom (and who can blame you) and still want to kick the tyres before you buy, you can arrange that too. Just call, email, or live chat with dealerships using the contact details on an Auto Trader ad to arrange a time. Here’s what to do during a test drive.
Know your rights: if you take a test drive, the Consumer Contract Regulations 2013 won’t apply. You can still return the car under other laws though. Read more on your rights.

If you haven’t already, now’s time to work out how you’ll get rid of your old car.
You could sell your car or trade it in against your new car using part exchange. Whatever you choose, try lining up the sale of your old car with the purchase of your new one.

You’ll need insurance in place from collection day, so now’s time to choose your policy. If you created an account earlier, we’ll already have all your details. If you’re changing policy, remember to cancel the old one.

Now you simply pay up, get your receipt and grab your new car keys! This’ll depend on how you’re buying your car:
• Sign the finance contract and pay your deposit • Pay the private seller or dealership (here are some tips on making safe payments) • Pay for your new car online • Sort your bank loan or credit card payment (here’s how to buy a car with a credit card) Again, just check the small print of your contract for any guarantees, returns policies, and to make sure you know exactly what you’re signing up for – from the payments you’ll make to any opt out clauses. Visit Auto Trader's safety and security centre.

You’ll arrange the delivery or collection details with the dealership, so ask what’s available and think about what works for you. Do you want the car dropping off at your door? Do you want to drive it off the forecourt yourself?
Remember to keep all the paperwork for future reference – including any contracts, warranties and insurance docs.

You’ll need to register and tax your car – but both of these can be done online too:
• Start here to register your car • Start here to tax your car You can learn more about DVLA's online services here. Set reminders for your tax, MOT, service and warranty dates using My Car. You can add insurance renewal dates too and look for cheaper quotes in advance.

Want to buy your next car online? With more choice than anywhere else, finding your next car is easy on AutoTrader. Skip the showrooms and get a car delivered straight to your doorstep.
Buy a car online.