How to buy a car online

You can buy a car online from the comfort of your couch. All you have to do is choose the perfect make and model, place an order and pick up your car or have it delivered to your door. You could say it's the new normal.

If you haven't bought a car online yet, here's our guide to help you along the way.

Finding the right vehicle for you

Before making any major purchase, you should always do your research. Buying a car online means you don't have to worry about bidding with the seller. So the first thing to ask yourself is what exactly am I looking for?

The right car for you depends on your lifestyle, needs and budget. Do you need a car for your daily commute? Do you want to buy a reliable family car? Or do you need a frisky city run?

Whether you're buying a car outright or buying it with cash, it's worth keeping the features in mind that are likely to be important to you in the long run. Satellite navigation, smartphone connectivity, parking sensors or cameras are just some of the features to consider, as is Apple CarPlay or Android Auto support. Automotive technology is much more than just “cool” – most of the technology is designed to keep you safe and enhance your driving experience.

If you need help finding the perfect car for you, check out our guide on how to choose your next car.

I found my perfect car online - now what?

When it comes to actually buying a car, there are several ways to pay for it. Depending on your circumstances, you can buy a car right away. This means you won't have to make monthly payments and you'll own the car right from the start.

Flexible financing options are also available, such as installment purchase (HP) and custom contract purchase (PCP). With an HP agreement, you can share the cost of the car by making monthly payments over the agreed period, and after the final payment, the car is yours.

A PCP agreement often means that you will make smaller monthly payments and then have options when the agreement comes to an end. You can trade your car in for another, hand it in and leave, or pay what's called a car ownership compensation.

At Cazoo, you can apply for car financing completely online and get a decision within minutes.

Another option is a car subscription. The cost of road tax, insurance, maintenance and crash coverage is included in your monthly payment and you can tailor your car subscription to suit your needs. You can also choose from the latest models or a used car. Whether you're eyeing a family hatchback or thinking about switching to an electric car, you can choose the perfect vehicle for you.

If you're new to the idea of ​​a car subscription, it's worth spending some time researching if it's right for you and your budget. You can also check out our six reasons to sign up for your next car.

Is it safe to buy a car online?

If you're not a fan of online shoppers, the prospect of buying a car online can seem a little intimidating at first. But when you compare that to the hassle of visiting a dealership and haggling for a price, it's the other way around with Cazoo.

When you browse cars online, make sure the seller has provided a detailed description of the car's features and specifications, as well as highlighting any cosmetic flaws. Depending on the used car's age and mileage, general wear and tear should be expected, but any further damage should be made clear to you before you make a purchase.

At Cazoo, all of our used vehicles undergo a rigorous 300-point inspection before they appear on our website. You can see the features of the car and any flaws - inside and out - in the photos of the car.

It is also important to read reviews from other customers before buying a car online. Searching for Trustpilot reviews is a handy way to determine if a car dealer is reputable and trustworthy.

Can I still partially exchange my car if I buy online?

Parts for your car are just as easy to exchange online. Traditionally, you may have taken your car to a dealership for a price estimate. Now you enter a few details and get a fair estimate of your current car completely online. If you are satisfied with the estimate, this amount will be deducted from the cost of the car you are buying. 

If you are thinking about partially exchanging your car for a Cazoo used car, we will have your car appraised online in no time. If you are happy with the valuation, we will deduct this amount from the value of your Cazoo car and get your old car out of our hands in one simple move.

Can I deliver my car?

As with any online purchase, you can have the car delivered to your home address or opt for pickup.

Most online car companies will be happy to deliver your car on a day that suits you. Vehicle handover can take up to one hour depending on whether you are exchanging your old vehicle. It's important to ask the person delivering your car any questions you may have before taking your car on the road, whether it's the car's mileage, safety equipment, or the condition of its tires.

Be sure to have your driver's license ready for the show, and any paperwork you'll need to sign will be clear to you before handover day.

What about taxes and insurance?

When buying a car online, you will still need to tax and insure your car before you can drive it. Make sure you have the vehicle registration number, make, model and inspection number, and V5C vehicle registration certificate (logbook).

If you subscribe to a car, your taxes and insurance will already be included in the subscription price.

What if I want to return the car?

If you change your mind for any reason, you have the right to cancel your purchase at any time within 14 days of receiving the vehicle. Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, some car companies will allow you to drive a reasonable distance during this time period and you will still receive a refund if you choose to send the car back.

Unlike a quick test drive, this is more than enough time to think things through and make sure this is the perfect car for you.

Cazoo has a variety of high quality used cars and now you can get a new or used car with a Cazoo subscription. Just use the search feature to find what you like and then buy, fund or subscribe to it online. You can order home delivery or pick up at your nearest Cazoo customer service center.

We are constantly updating and expanding our range. If you're looking to buy a used car and can't find the right one today, you can easily set up a stock alert to be the first to know when we have cars that match your needs.