So, are internet sales dept.'s a thing of the past?

Slimm

I bought a vehicle in 2017 and did all my business online. I got out-the-door prices from several dealers. A couple were fakers, who just wanted to get me in to talk with a salesman, but most were legit.

Now I called a dozen dealers (four manufacturers) and only got one that seemed like a legitimate internet sales dept. Others were like "Er, um, yeah. We have internet sales. Would you like to make an appointment to meet with a salesperson?". Some said they had no idea what I was talking about, and by the way they said it, I actually believe them. Others told me straight-out that I would have to do the final deal on the floor.

I thought I was going crazy, but now that I've found this forum, I see that I'm not alone. I see posts from 2018 onward that say they can't find dealers who do internet sales. So I guess my question is - has anyone recently had any luck finding a legitimate internet-sales dept.? If not, were there any who would make their in-person pitch to you but let you do the rest online?

stickguy

They exist. Go through something like true car and you will have the numbers up front if you want.

I was just looking at a CPO listing at a local dealer (Acura) and they are attempting an online buying experience. Can order the car (at listed price), select financing terms, and even get a trade offer right on the listing. Brings you to a “checkout” option if you want to do the deal. Showed price of the car, trade value, fees and taxes, net to finance (with finance slider options for terms). So I assume could click ok and they would get it all. Not sure what happens next, most likely they contact you to set up time to go in and finalize.

I did ask for a price at a different dealer. Was contacted immediately Via call, text and email by the internet person but did not want to talk to them just yet. But I could have worked out any details via any of those channels.

If you want totally electronic, can just buy used through a Carvana! Point click ship right to your door.

texases

Slimm said:

I bought a vehicle in 2017 and did all my business online. I got out-the-door prices from several dealers. A couple were fakers, who just wanted to get me in to talk with a salesman, but most were legit.

Now I called a dozen dealers (four manufacturers) and only got one that seemed like a legitimate internet sales dept. Others were like "Er, um, yeah. We have internet sales. Would you like to make an appointment to meet with a salesperson?". Some said they had no idea what I was talking about, and by the way they said it, I actually believe them. Others told me straight-out that I would have to do the final deal on the floor.

I thought I was going crazy, but now that I've found this forum, I see that I'm not alone. I see posts from 2018 onward that say they can't find dealers who do internet sales. So I guess my question is - has anyone recently had any luck finding a legitimate internet-sales dept.? If not, were there any who would make their in-person pitch to you but let you do the rest online?

Did you try going just through the web sites? I wouldn't call.

Slimm

texases said:

Slimm said:

Did you try going just through the web sites? I wouldn't call.

I'll try that. I just really wanted to talk to someone in internet sales to confirm that I could eventually finalize without the face-to-face. I can try that via email.

Slimm

stickguy said:

They exist. Go through something like true car and you will have the numbers up front if you want.

I was just looking at a CPO listing at a local dealer (Acura) and they are attempting an online buying experience. Can order the car (at listed price), select financing terms, and even get a trade offer right on the listing. Brings you to a “checkout” option if you want to do the deal. Showed price of the car, trade value, fees and taxes, net to finance (with finance slider options for terms). So I assume could click ok and they would get it all. Not sure what happens next, most likely they contact you to set up time to go in and finalize.

I did ask for a price at a different dealer. Was contacted immediately Via call, text and email by the internet person but did not want to talk to them just yet. But I could have worked out any details via any of those channels.

If you want totally electronic, can just buy used through a Carvana! Point click ship right to your door.

That sounds promising. I will check more dealer websites. Thank you.