CarsDirect

Full review
This was a little over three years ago. I was moving from NYC to southern California. While still in NYC, on a Monday I selected the car I wanted and submitted an order through carsdirect.com. I was contacted immediately, arranged payment, obtained the VIN of the new vehicle from the carsdirect rep so that I could purchase insurance (having car insurance was a requirement and since I had no vehicle I didn't have insurance. With the VIN I was able to purchase insurance and provide the required proof of coverage). Proof of coverage and a copy of the cashier's check I obtained for payment were faxed to the carsdirect rep on Tues (I was still in NYC). On Wed, the day I arrived in California, my car was delivered to my hotel. My flight was late and my car almost got to my hotel before I did! I signed several documents and provided the delivery person the cashier's check, and he turned over the keys. I don't think my carsdirect rep even knew I wasn't in CA when I started the process :-)

I HATE buying cars and this was the most hassle-free car buying experience ever! I will never go through a dealer again. I purchased a 2005 Honda Civic EX and got the color and options I requested.

I did not test drive the car before buying, though when the car was delivered I had the option to test drive it, inspect it, and I was told by the carsdirect rep, I could refuse delivery for any reason (though unless the car was damaged I don't know that I would have had the nerve to do that!). Another option would be to schedule a test drive with a dealer to make sure you like the car, and then purchasing through carsdirect. I was fine with buying online sight unseen; I shop on the internet for almost everything else so why not cars too?

I didn't have a trade-in and didn't require financing, so I do think that largely contributed to the speed of the transaction. I'm in the market for a new car again, and will use carsdirect again, but this time will have a trade in. I'll see how things go.