Buying a new car online and having it delivered works like this: you settle the numbers online, the dealership verifies your paperwork, you sign, and the car comes to you, either driven over by the dealership's own staff or shipped on a carrier. Whether a car can come to you, and what that costs, is the dealership's decision, and it varies from store to store. Here is the whole process, start to finish, and what to check before you accept the keys.
| Local delivery | Shipping | |
|---|---|---|
| Who brings it | The dealership's own staff, often on a flatbed or driven over | A car carrier the dealership arranges |
| Distance | Usually within the dealership's own area | Across a state or across the country |
| Timing | Often a set day and time window | Days to a couple of weeks, depending on distance |
| Walkthrough | Often included, with someone from the dealership | Usually none; the driver has you sign the delivery receipt |
| Cost | Set by the dealership | Set by the dealership, usually by distance |
There is no standard price. Each dealership decides whether it delivers or ships a given car, and sets its own charge for it. Some include local delivery; shipping across state lines is usually charged by distance. Ask for the charge in writing and make sure it is part of the out-the-door total before you sign.
When a dealership ships a car out of its own state, that state usually charges no sales tax, and you pay your home state's tax when you register the car. If you travel to pick the car up instead, you may pay the dealership's state tax at signing, and your home state may credit it. Each state's page explains its rules: see taxes and fees by state.
Ask about returns before you sign. Some online used-car retailers offer a return window, but many dealerships do not take a new car back once it is delivered and registered. Knowing the answer up front is part of settling the deal.
Yes, at many dealerships. You can settle the price, apply for financing, sign, and take delivery without visiting, where the dealership offers delivery and remote or at-home signing. Some steps, like verifying your license and insurance, still happen, just online.
It depends on the dealership and the distance. Each dealership sets its own delivery or shipping charge, and some include local delivery. Ask for it in writing as part of the out-the-door price.
Usually, yes. Someone has to inspect the car and sign the delivery receipt, and if you sign the contract at your door, through a mobile notary as the dealership offers, you need to be there with your ID.
The dealership usually handles the title paperwork and issues a temporary tag. A car shipped to another state is often registered at your home state's motor vehicle office, where you also pay that state's sales tax.
Only if the seller offers a return policy. Some online used-car retailers do; many dealerships do not take a new car back once it is delivered. Ask before you sign.