Buying a car is an exciting venture. It’s also a huge step in one’s life. Even though you may have owned more than one car in the past, buying a new car is still an investment that will most likely stay with you for years to come.

There’s a lot to think about when you decide to buy a new car. Will you go in-person to the dealership or will you be ordering a new car online? Are you going to stay loyal to your current brand or switch it up and try something new?

And those questions live at the very beginning of your journey to buying a new car. There are many other factors to consider such as what are the most important features to you as the driver?

Keep reading to find out exactly how to order your new vehicle straight from the manufacturer of your choice, so that you can get exactly what you want.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages?

Before we get into the steps, let’s go over a few of the pros and cons of ordering a car online.

The advantages are simple. You can get exactly what you want and the car is built just for you and only you. Another benefit is that the dealer may offer you a better price. It’s an easy sale for them because you’ve already defined exactly what you want in your car. Furthermore, it won’t cost them anything extra to keep it in their inventory.

There is one main disadvantage. And that is the potential wait time. It can take up to several months before your car is delivered so it can be tricky to figure out what to do in the meantime. If you sell your current vehicle too soon, you could be left having to pay for and deal with a rental in the meantime. But if time isn’t an issue for you and you’re willing to wait for your dream ride, then by all means, go ahead and start building a car online.

Decide What You Want

52% of car shoppers feel uncomfortable and anxious about going to the dealer. For the most part, this is probably due to the fact that most people don’t know what they’re even looking for when they go shopping for the car. Tesla has been trying to undo the dealership model for quite some time.

Having all those unknowns floating around combined with pressure from a dealer can take a toll on one’s psyche and ability to make an informed decision.

Once you’ve decided exactly what kind of car you want, down to the make and model, your fears will have one foot out the door.

Make a List of Features That Matter

Make a list of all the features that are non-negotiable to you in a car. Then make an additional list of things that you would like to have, but that aren’t necessities.

If the price isn’t an issue then you don’t have to make that second list. But if you are trying to save where you can, then you can use that second list to play around while you’re building your car and decide which details are more important to you.

This part is the most exciting so take your time! Almost every brand of car offers the ability to play around with all different colors, parts, accents, and features while building your dream car. Visit one of the biggest automotive suppliers if you want to find out more about the art of the many parts that go into making a car.

Are you looking for ideas on some awesome modifications for your car? Check out some of the best mods that are out there.

Visit the Dealership

Take a trip to the dealership that sells the make and model of car that you want. Take it for a test drive to make sure that it’s exactly what you want.

Before you go, make sure you go to a reputable dealership. Even though you’ve already built the car that you want online, you’ll still have to go through a process to place your car order at the dealership. Thus, you want to work with someone who is on your side and reliable every step of the way.

Before you go, call a few other dealerships to get quotes on what they will offer you. That way, you have some material going in that will better serve your negotiating. The price that you see online isn’t the price that you should have to pay. Be ready to negotiate just as you would if you were buying your new car from the lot.

Make Sure Your Deposit Is Refundable

Most dealers will require that you leave a deposit when ordering your car. Just make sure that your deposit is refundable in case you change your mind or find a better deal somewhere else.

Also make sure that even if your deposit is refundable, that IS NOT contingent on them re-selling the vehicle that you have ordered.

Get It in Writing

Dealers spend their days negotiating and talking about cars. That being said, if you don’t get everything in writing, it’s your word against theirs. Get everything in writing from the refundable deposit to the price and any other details you’ve agreed upon.

Have Fun Ordering a New Car

Buying and ordering a new car can be a stressful experience, but if you’re ordering your dream car, make sure you enjoy it!

It’s exciting to get to choose the car of your dreams with every feature that will make it the car you’ll love for years.

Stand your ground and don’t work with anyone who seems unprofessional or tries to convince you not to build the car of your dreams. Do you want to discover some other useful tips to use that might apply to your life? Check out our blog on all things useful.