Can anyone explain to a foreigner why is it such a pain to buy a car in the US?
I live in Eastern Europe, bought a car last year and it was simple and actually fun. First I researched the car online, then I went to a number of dealers to see the cars live, test drive them, and ask questions about things like maintenance costs, software updates or performance of the lane keeping system on local roads. I really enjoyed, as a shopper, those two weekends spent doing test drives.
I eventually selected a model, went to the manufacturer web site and configured it to my liking. Ended up with a one-off vehicle configuration - blue compact minivan body with Android Auto, raised suspension and a sunroof. I emailed the spec sheet to a couple of dealers in the area, picked the one with the largest discount, paid them a visit to sign a contract; then made an advance payment by Internet banking. Two months later I had my built-to-order car waiting in the dealer showroom. I transferred the rest of the money and picked it up.
Buying a car in Germany was a similar experience.
I can't really think of a much better way. OK, the Amazon allows you to skip that one trip to the dealer where you sign the contract. But that wasn't that much of a problem in the first place.
Don't forget that it's Amazon Italia doing this; not amazon.com .
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Can anyone explain to a foreigner why is it such a pain to buy a car in the US?
I live in Eastern Europe, bought a car last year and it was simple and actually fun. First I researched the car online, then I went to a number of dealers to see the cars live, test drive them, and ask questions about things like maintenance costs, software updates or performance of the lane keeping system on local roads. I really enjoyed, as a shopper, those two weekends spent doing test drives.
I eventually selected a model, went to the manufacturer web site and configured it to my liking. Ended up with a one-off vehicle configuration - blue compact minivan body with Android Auto, raised suspension and a sunroof. I emailed the spec sheet to a couple of dealers in the area, picked the one with the largest discount, paid them a visit to sign a contract; then made an advance payment by Internet banking. Two months later I had my built-to-order car waiting in the dealer showroom. I transferred the rest of the money and picked it up.
Buying a car in Germany was a similar experience.
I can't really think of a much better way. OK, the Amazon allows you to skip that one trip to the dealer where you sign the contract. But that wasn't that much of a problem in the first place.
Don't forget that it's Amazon Italia doing this; not amazon.com .