Would you buy a car online? We look at the pros and cons

It’s the latest way to find that secondhand car of your dreams, and thanks to TV ads, more of us are doing it

Most of us think nothing of doing our supermarket shopping online, but it’s quite a different prospect popping a car that costs thousands into your online shopping basket. ‘It’s understandable that people feel daunted, especially as we’re used to buying through dealerships and showrooms,’ says Stuart Masson, editor of carexpert.com. ‘But as long as you do your research first, it’s the most practical way to buy a car these days.’

WHICH SITE SHOULD I USE?

Cazoo opened in 2019. There’s also Cinch, AA Cars, ebay Motors and Sytner, among others. Sites are easy to use. Type in the car you’re after, price and age range, and you’ll be offered a selection with details of wear and tear and any accident history. Most sites allow you to return cars within seven to 14 days if you’re not happy.

WHAT IF I DON’T LIKE THE COLOUR?

This can be trickier. ‘The sparkling Saharan Sandstorm you’ve been imagining on the basis of an online photo might turn out to be a muddy beige in the flesh,’ says Stuart. ‘You may be safer sticking to black, white and grey, but don’t forget you have the cooling off period to send the car back if you really don’t like the colour.’

WILL THERE BE A BIG ENOUGH CHOICE?

A recent survey by carcondor.co.uk revealed car dealers Arnold Clark had three times as many used cars in stock in January compared to its nearest rival. Evans Halshaw was in second place, with Sytner-owned Carshop in third. Cazoo was 12th with 4,572 cars in stock in January*.