Buying a Car in the Middle of the Coronavirus Outbreak? Here’s What You Need to know

Normal life is suspended indefinitely with the spread of the coronavirus after the government issued strict guidelines to “flatten the curve”. It has altered the way we normally do things, including purchasing a car.

At the present time, most car showrooms have closed their doors and reverted to online sales. This is due to the government’s plea for people to remain at home and avoid unnecessary contact.

With the current situation, car dealers are becoming more creative and tech-savvy with their approach. Car buyers no longer have to go to a showroom to see a potential purchase, and most car dealers are happy to show a virtual viewing of the car. You may also connect with them through text, email, WhatsApp, FaceTime, and other social media platforms.

Technology makes it possible for you to scout your next ride from the safety of your own home but before that, here’s what you need to know.

Is buying a car during the middle of the coronavirus crisis a good idea?

Many automakers have either reduced or shut down production to cut down inventories. However, car dealers still have a huge amount of stocks they need to sell. With the demand for cars declining due to the pandemic fallout, it’s noteworthy to know that interest rates are at a historic low.

Giant motor companies such as Hyundai, Ford, and General Motors announced plans for initial payment flexibility and payment deferral options for new-car shoppers. This is good news if you are looking to purchase a new vehicle.

Make sure to speak with a car dealer via phone or through online chat platforms to negotiate and accomplish your due diligence to get the best deals on the market.

Are retailers willing to deliver the car to me during the outbreak?

Car dealers are willing to go the extra mile to assist you with anything to close a sale. Like many other businesses, car retailers are already tightening their belts as a threat to recession looms ahead. Therefore, they are willing to put in extra effort to deliver excellent customer service.

This includes delivering cars that have been purchased. They will also process paperwork electronically and other transactions to ensure less human contact. While others advertise sanitizing the unit before test-driving or when turning over the vehicle to the customer. Simply call your preferred car dealer to make arrangements and they will be happy to help you.

With car factories closing, will I be able to get my car amid the spread of coronavirus?

Many individuals working in car factories are laid off as car factories shut down indefinitely. This is in response to mitigate the spread of the virus. This means that the waiting periods for factory order cars will be longer.

On the other hand, most motor companies hold large pools of inventories in different areas. They will be able to access their database to find out the location of the cars and directly transport them to your home. It is also a lot easier to find stocks of cars if you are buying the “most popular models”.

However, it is important to know that with the current situation, global shipping has been disrupted. The situation is fluid and there is nobody that can predict when things will get back to normal. That is why it is advisable to contact your local car retailer for faster and easier transactions.

Will there be delays for 2021 car models?

Many car events that planned to unveil the new 2021 car models have already been postponed. Delays are already expected in the launch schedules of 2021 cars as car factories shut down and global shipping disruptions cut import of car parts from across the globe.

Is purchasing a car putting me at risk of getting infected?

Covid-19 can be spread when we touch surfaces contaminated with the virus. Studies found out that coronaviruses can survive on metal, glass, and plastic surfaces for as long as nine days if not properly disinfected. The good news is, the virus can be inactivated within 60 seconds by disinfecting surfaces with bleach or alcohol.

As a precautionary measure, ask your trusted car dealer to properly disinfect all car surfaces, especially the door handles, steering wheel, gearstick, and other frequently touched areas of the car.