The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to hit the global economy, especially the auto industry. Like car dealerships in Albuquerque, NM, most businesses still implement heavy restrictions on how they deal with the buying public. Still, the demand for cars remains, mostly out of necessity due to social distancing and the lack of public transportation.
Since the pandemic has strictly limited in-person sales in New Mexico, online sales have become the trend. Several dealerships offer online services to make it easier to purchase a car from the comfort and safety of your home.
Begin Your Online Research
The best way to start your purchase is to research the type of car for your current or future needs. Browse through online sites or read car reviews and learn more about the pros and cons of a specific model. Afterward, you can visit the websites of car dealerships in Albuquerque, NM to check their inventory and see if your chosen vehicle is available.
Schedule a Test Drive At Home
Once you find the right model, you can contact the car dealer and arrange for them to bring it to your home for a test drive. On their end, the dealers will heavily sanitize the vehicle before it even comes onto your driveway. While contactless or virtual test driving is an option, nothing beats the guarantee of an actual test drive. You’ll feel the engine rumble, get a sense of its speed, know how the suspension is like before you finally decide on the car.
If the test drive turns up okay, you can begin filling out the paperwork, which can also be done online, and schedule its delivery.
However, some transactions may still require face-to-face interaction. If you want to trade-in your car, for instance, dealers may ask you to come in person since this entails physical inspection and evaluation of the vehicle.
Be fast and flexible
If you want to get a good car deal during this trying time, now is a good time. Yet, according to Kia dealers in Albuquerque, NM, car buyers will have to be patient and flexible in buying either a new or used vehicle amid the pandemic.
During this time, the demand is greater than supply, so it’s not surprising if all the good deals are gone before you make a final decision. Forget shopping around: act fast when you see a good deal. Dilly dallying might cost you, as the “better deal” may never come.
Also, it would help if you were more flexible in your choice. Keep in mind that the color or trim you have in mind may not be available because of manufacturing problems due to the pandemic, or the dealer might not be too keen on giving a lower price on your chosen car. If the vehicle you had in mind is suddenly out of your budget, consider other affordable options in the same line.
Need more advice on purchasing a car during the pandemic? Check out Fiesta Kia for more helpful tips.
