Buying or Selling a Car Online? Here’s How to Get It Transported Safely, Affordably, and Stress-free
The process of buying a car still involves a certain amount of tire kicking, but people tend to start their research online. The Cox Automotive’s 2025 Car Buyer Journey Study shows that 75% of buyers use third-party websites, and the average shopper visits 4.6 sites.
Using digital resources helps you find the right model, specification, or price, but what if the perfect purchase is several states away? How will you get the car home? In this guide, we’ll look at how buying or selling online works, getting a vehicle shipping quote, and how to arrange safe and affordable car shipping for your next purchase.
What is the process of buying or selling a car online?
The online process for buying or selling a car follows three basic steps. However, exact details vary depending on whether the deal is with a dealership, auction, online retailer, or private person.
- Find the right car: Using your favourite search engine, visit various listing sites, ask questions, check vehicle histories, and arrange an independent inspection if you can’t view the car in person. Ask for accurate photographs or a video walk-around and request precise details of any issues.
- Agree a deal: Confirm the final price you must pay, how to make payment, what paperwork is available, title transfer, and any terms relevant to the sale. It’s important that all details are in writing before you agree to the sale and money changes hands.
- Arrange the handover: If both parties are far apart, booking auto transport is more convenient than collecting the vehicle in person.
We’ve oversimplified the final step in the process. It requires more thought than choosing the cheapest option. The remainder of this guide explains what you need to do to organize transport and keep your car, the transaction, and budget protected.
1. Do your research before booking transport
Before you request your vehicle shipping quote, check the company’s USDOT registration, insurance coverage, and read some recent customer reviews. Make sure to get several quotes and compare what’s included in the price. Be wary of estimates that are unusually low.
2. Keep the purchase and transport processes separate
Before you worry about booking the auto transport, finish your vehicle checks, agree on a payment method, and complete the sale. Keep payment for your purchase and car shipping separate, and don’t be tempted to send the car purchase payment through a transporter. Separating the two transactions keeps things clear, clean, and better protected.
3. Decide who’s going to arrange shipping
The usual way is for the buyer to arrange car shipping, but the seller or dealer may offer to handle it for you. Clarify and get in writing details such as who pays, who needs to be there at the pick-up, and delivery. Whoever makes the booking will receive quotes, transport details, and shipment updates directly.
4. Open vs. enclosed shipping
Open car transport is the more affordable, widely available choice for most standard vehicles. Enclosed auto transport costs more but offers complete protection from weather, dirt, and dust because vehicles travel in an enclosed trailer. This service is preferred by owners of classic, luxury, exotic, or high-value cars.
5. What you need to provide for an accurate quote
When you’re ready to request your vehicle shipping quote, make sure you’ve got the following information ready:
- Vehicle make, model, year, and condition
- Pick-up and delivery zip code or city
- Preferred pick-up date
- Open or enclosed transport
- Any modifications, low ground clearance, or oversize features
- Whether the car runs, steers, and brakes
- Expedited or guaranteed pick-up services
6. How much does car shipping cost?
Expect to pay between $700 and $1,500 for open car shipping, while enclosed transport will cost 40% to 60% more. The price you pay depends on the distance, route, vehicle type, its condition, fuel costs, seasonal demand, and pick-up date. If you want the car collected or delivered to a remote location, are deciding at the last minute, or need a specific pick-up date, these will also increase the overall cost. Using a standard car shipping cost calculator can help you estimate your total transport costs by taking these factors into account and giving you a better idea of what you can expect to pay.
7. Coordinate pick-up with the seller, dealer, or auction
Details you need to confirm with the seller include the collection address, when they’re available, the contact person, and the requirements for the vehicle release. When the trucker arrives to collect the vehicle, there must be someone aged 18 or over to meet them, hand over the keys, and sign the inspection report. Auction houses may also require a buyer number or release form.
8. Recording the vehicle’s condition
Before the trucker arrives, ask the seller to photograph the car. You’ll need pictures of every side, the interior, wheels, odometer, and any existing marks so you can confirm its condition. The condition of the vehicle is also recorded on the Bill of Lading. The seller or a nominated person must check this carefully and then sign.
9. Prepare the vehicle for collection
Request that all personal belongings, toll tags, and loose accessories be taken out of the car. The tank should be around a quarter full, and the battery and tires in reasonable condition. If the vehicle has an alarm, it must be turned off.
10. Track the shipment and get ready for delivery
You’ll need to make sure you’re available for any updates on the car’s location and expected arrival time. You’ll need to be flexible as timing can change depending on traffic, weather, and other pick-ups the trucker must make. You or another nominated adult must be ready to meet the driver when they arrive.
11. Inspect the car when it’s delivered
Before you sign to accept delivery, compare the car’s condition with the pick-up photographs and original Bill of Lading. Check the outside, inside, and odometer. If there are any differences, note these on the delivery paperwork, take photographs, and keep copies of everything.
From online listing to your driveway
If you’re looking to buy a car online the garage you get to choose from is far greater than ever before. You don’t have to limit your search to your hometown. Instead, you get to look anywhere in the country.
You might think that getting it home will be a problem, but not with the help of a car shipping company. You follow a simple process that involves researching the company, choosing the right service, documenting the vehicle, and coordinating both ends of the journey. Before you know it, your new car will be sitting in your driveway without the worry of a long cross-country drive.
