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Don't you just dread the idea of going to a dealership to buy a new car? Fast talking salesman throwing numbers at you and that feeling deep in your stomach telling you that you are going to get taken?

That's exactly how I felt the first time I bought a car. I was just out of college and had started my first full-time job when I decided to trade my old clunker in for a brand new Volkswagen Jetta.

I went to three different dealers before I realized I was in over my head. The salesmen must have sensed that I was uncertain and they showed no mercy. You know what they can be like. They put pressure on you and try to get you to sign on the dotted line before you have had a chance to really think things through. Or they'll keep changing the numbers to get you confused. I'm convinced car salesmen are all former CIA interrogators trained in breaking their opponents will.

Buying a car online

I had gotten sick and tired of the hard-sell techniques most car dealerships employ when a coworker told me that he had recently purchased his car online. He had nothing but good things to say about the experience, so I decided to try it out.

Let me explain the process of buying a car online:

• First do some research to pick out the model and features you want. There are many websites that let you compare the different models and prices.
• You choose the car you want and request an offer. You'll have to fill out a contact form so nearby dealer can contact you.
• A local dealer will call you and offer you a price for the car you picked out. Since the dealer has already negotiated with the online dealer, there is no haggling.
• You go to the car dealer, take a test drive, sign the paperwork, and drive off in your new car.

Advantages and disadvantages of online car buying

The most obvious advantage to buying a car online is the convenience. You can do all of your research and comparison shopping right from the comfort of your home. You do not have to set foot at the dealership until you go to pick up the car.

Also, if you happen to run into a problem with the dealer, you have the power of CarDirect behind you. Reporting any unethical behavior will produce action since the dealership can not afford to damage its relationship with its online partner.

The only disadvantage I can think of can also be considered an advantage: The lack of haggling over price. Some people genuinely enjoy negotiating and are quite good at it. These few people may actually manage to get a better deal if they negotiate the price themselves.

But they are the exception to the rule. The majority of car-buyers (myself included) are not as adept at negotiating. After all, it is tough to compete with a car salesman at their own game. To us, the ability to buy a new car without haggling or feeling that we were cheated is a tremendous benefit.

Whether you decide to use an online car buying service or go it alone and see if you can get a better deal yourself, I strongly suggest using their site to research the different cars that you are considering and get a free price quote. You'll be under no obligation to buy the car through them, and you will know how good of a deal they can give you. Then go to the dealer yourself. If they won't beat the price, then you'll know for sure that you got the best through the online car buying site.