Why Americans Still Prefer Buying Cars in Person Over Online Options

New York: Many people in the US think buying cars online is cool. But surveys show that most still want to visit a dealership. Erin Lomax from Cox Automotive says buyers want to see and touch the cars first. It’s a big decision, like buying a house.

Cox’s data shows that while 28 percent of buyers consider buying their car online, only 7 percent actually do it. Most buyers prefer to go through the process in person. Another survey found that over half of car buyers wanted to sign important papers in person. A whopping 86 percent said they wanted to see a car before buying it.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, there have been many changes to promote online car buying. Some companies like Tesla and Carvana have led the way. This summer, Hertz introduced a fully online buying platform where customers can get loans and choose warranties from home.

However, buying a car online is tricky. Many people enjoy the convenience of researching online but still want to visit a dealership for financing. They feel anxious about money and contracts. Cox’s research shows buyers like the first parts of the process online, but they prefer to meet face-to-face for the final steps.

Big companies see this as an opportunity. Amazon launched its Autos division in 2024, letting customers research and finance cars online before visiting local dealerships. Ford is also joining this trend, allowing buyers in some cities to purchase cars on Amazon’s platform.

This shows that while the online experience is growing, many Americans still value the in-person experience when it comes to buying cars.