Benefits of Buying a Car Online vs. Off the Lot

If you have started looking for a new car, you’ve probably seen plenty of half-empty lots. That’s due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic and the shortage of chips. The stalled market gives Monticello vehicle shoppers fewer options when searching for a new car. One way to have flexibility in the car buying process is to learn how to order a new car online. Here we are exploring the benefits of buying a car online vs. off the lot, and addressing questions like how long does it take to order a new car, can you order a new car in a custom color, what is price protection and car price guarantees? Learn more with Cornerstone Ford, today!

Benefits of Buying a Car Online 

Can you order a new car in a custom color? What are the benefits of buying a car online? Learning how to buy a new car online can make your car hunt a lot easier. The benefits of buying a car online include:

1. Eliminating the stress of driving to various dealerships around Rogers and Big Lake to find the perfect car.
2. You’ll have more flexibility with your budget, by choosing the features you want and opting out of those with an additional cost. 
3. Can you order a new car in a custom color? Ordering a car online gives you the freedom to design a vehicle that matches your style. Choose your favorite features, interior appointments, colors, and exterior colors.

What happens if you don’t order a car online? Well, you are choosing to decline the benefits of buying a car online like customization and savings. You’ll also be limited by the current market. If you want something specific, you’ll be waiting around for inventory to get back up and prices to stabilize. With all of the benefits, learning how to order a new car online may just be the better choice for you. Learn more below.

How to Order a New Car Online

The steps for how to order a new car online are simpler than you’d think. Many manufacturers are streamlining this process so it takes place on the OEM site. All you need to do is:

1. Go to the OEM site, 
2. Choose the vehicle you want, whether it’s a Bronco or a Mustang Mach-E, and then choose the build option. 
3. Then you can choose your trim level, engine, interior and exterior colors and appointments, and any other additional features.
4.  After you have finished designing your vehicle, the site will use your zip code to find a dealership near Big Lake. 
5. Provide personal information so that our finance department can get in contact with you

So, How Long Does it Take to Order a New Car?

How long does it take to order a new car? While the online process we described above is really simple, the wait for a new car is a bit longer. Due to the truck driver shortage and chip shortage, what once took just a few weeks, now takes months. Be sure to discuss with our team to get an idea of the waiting period for your specific vehicle. 

What happens if you place your order and prices suddenly drop? Or prices go up after you order your vehicle, but you haven’t yet paid? Well, you’re in luck. You’ll have price protection or a car price guarantee. Monticello shoppers can feel secure knowing that you will benefit from the price and incentives that were in place at the time of ordering. If the prices suddenly drop, however, you’ll still be in a good position with price protection or incentive protection, meaning that if a new price or incentive comes up at the time of payment you’ll be able to receive a refund or the cost will be adjusted to the lower price. 

Benefits of Buying off the Lot Near Rogers

If you choose to buy a car off the lot, all you need to do is search our new vehicle inventory, then visit us in Elk River to go for a test drive and see your options. You also won’t have to wait as long for your car and can take advantage of our new vehicle specials. A disadvantage of buying off the lot is that other drivers may be interested in the same vehicle as you, and could leave you without the model you prefer.

Order Online or Purchase Your Next Vehicle with Cornerstone Ford!

Our team at Cornerstone Ford has your back. Contact us today if you still have questions about our car price guarantees or can you order a new car in a custom color. Our team is happy to help you with any questions you have.