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BUYING ON-LINE
A number of on-line car buying facilities are available
to South Africans. These websites (see sidebar, Virtual
dealerships), are quite easy to navigate for the computer
literate. You can also get quotes on financing and
insurance. Some also offer calculators, so that you
can work out your repayments.
First thing you must know is that it is not actually
possible to “buy” a car on-line. These
websites market vehicles on behalf of dealers, and
then take a slice of the profit. The actual payment
for the vehicle, signing of documents etc, must still
happen in the traditional manner at the dealership
in question. And, ideally, you should test drive the
vehicle before you conclude the deal.
 Regard
the website as a search tool for the vehicle that
you're looking for. You specify your price range,
the makes and models you're considering, and relay
such info to the website. You will then be presented
with a selection of vehicles that meet your criteria.
Once you've made your choice and submitted your details,
an agent will usually 'phone you within 24 hours to
proceed.
The great advantage of searching for a car in this
manner is choice. According to some sources, it is
now possible to have access to 80 per cent of all
car dealers' stock if you use all the websites available.
Most of the websites are updated daily, so you can
always be sure the stock is relatively “fresh”.
Virtual dealerships
 The
major on-line motor retail websites are to be found
at:
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