As more restrictions have been imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus, it has limited the options available to consumers looking to buy a car.
But throughout 2020 many manufacturers have been introducing new online buying services to their websites to allow you to purchase a car from your own home in just a few clicks – and often it can be delivered to you as well.
But what cars can you buy online? Let’s take a look.
BMW
BMW kicks off the list of brands offering online buying. It allows you to browse both new and used vehicles that are in stock at dealerships across the country, while also showing the models that are closest to you. It gives access to the brand’s full line-up, with thousands of models and specifications to choose from, with a £500 fee reserving any model.
Enquire on a new BMWCitroen
French brand Citroen ramped up its online presence this year with a new ‘store’ being launched. It provides access to the full range, from the C1 city car to the C5 Aircross SUV, with both cash prices and finance offers being displayed. You can also part-exchange your current car through the site, while exclusive offers are available that you won’t even get in showrooms.
Enquire on a new CitroenDacia
Budget brand Dacia aims to simplify things and that’s exactly what it does with its ‘buy online’ store, which has been up and running for some time, even before coronavirus restrictions kicked in. It allows you to customise finance and payment options, configure cars and also see how soon you can get behind the wheel of a new model – some are available almost immediately.
Enquire on a new DaciaFord
While not offering a full online buying functionality, through the Ford configurator you’re able to find available models already at showrooms, and then fill in your details, which will be then sent to the dealership. They will then look after your request and support you in the next steps to get behind the wheel, whether you’re looking for a Fiesta supermini or Galaxy MPV.
Enquire on a new FordHyundai
Hyundai was another early adopter to introduce an online buying process with its ‘click to buy’ website, and it’s one of the best to use if you’re looking to buy online. With models ranging from its i10 city car through to its large seven-seat Santa Fe SUV, the Hyundai range has plenty to offer, while the buying journey is an easy process that is handled by your local dealer, though you can choose to have the car delivered to you further down the
Enquire on a new HyundaiJaguar
If you’re looking for convenience when it comes to buying a car, there are few better options available than Jaguar. You can either choose from a model in stock or can configure a car as well. The site allows you to buy the full range, including the E-Pace crossover through to the F-Type sports car.
Enquire on a new JaguarLand Rover
Just like sister brand Jaguar, Land Rover’s buy online functionality works in much the same way, with a message of ‘browse anywhere, order anywhere’. A refundable deposit of £249 secures a car, while contactless collection and delivery options are available in line with Covid-19 guidelines.
Enquire on a new Land RoverMercedes
Premium brand Mercedes has a similar buy online website to BMW, mirroring the ability to browse models already available at dealers which are ready to buy today. The full Mercedes range is on offer - and it’s one of the most extensive around - while both home delivery and click and collect options are on offer.
Enquire on a new MercedesMini
With Mini being twinned with BMW, its buy online service works in much the same way, allowing you to look at the cars the British brand already has in stock, though also giving you the option to configure your own. Given Mini’s extensive personalisation programme, you might want to do the latter.
Enquire on a new MINIMitsubishi
While Mitsubishi might have recently announced that it’s withdrawing from Europe, the brand is set to continue selling models until 2022, with a range on offer that includes everything from city cars through to pick-ups. Its buy online website is also one of the best around, while free home delivery and click and collect are also both available.
Enquire on a new MitsubishiPeugeot
Peugeot was another early adopter of the buy online platform and this continues to go from strength-to-strength, with all processes in place so that you don’t even need to leave your home to buy one of the brand’s models. The Peugeot range is now better than ever, with some fantastic SUVs alongside the new 208 supermini and 2008 crossover.
Enquire on a new PeugeotPolestar
Tesla-rivalling Polestar joined the scene in 2020 with its new electrified range, comprising the flagship ‘1’ GT model and the electric ‘2’ saloon-crossover. And from the off, it aims to do things differently, having no ‘dealerships’ as such, and instead delivering cars to your home with a dedicated ‘Handover Specialist’.
Enquire on a new PolestarRenault
Tesla
While Tesla has set up a number of ‘dealers’, this was a brand founded on its convenience, with online buying instrumental for this American EV brand from the start. And you can easily configure the brand’s Model 3, Model S and Model Y models – or choose from models already in stock through the brand’s site.
Enquire on a new TeslaToyota
Toyota was another brand to introduce an online buying platform to its site in 2020, with the brand allowing customers to choose both used and new models to purchase through its website. Its full range is available to buy online and pick up from your chosen dealer, including its range of hybrid models, such as the popular Prius and UK-built Corolla models.
Enquire on a new ToyotaVauxhall
Joining PSA Group brands Citroen and Peugeot, Vauxhall also introduced a new online buying tool through its new ‘store’. To add to the appeal, the firm is offering a range of incentives to customers – including a free year of insurance, three years’ free servicing and two years of roadside assistance.
Enquire on a new VauxhallVolvo
Volvo has one of the best range of models of any manufacturer – including excellent SUVs, saloons and estates – and to add to the appeal you’re also able to order its cars online. Volvo introduced a home delivery option in 2020, in order to make sure it could still safely sell cars during the pandemic.
Enquire on a new Volvo
