INDIANAPOLIS — One of my co-workers has made a sport out of finding his ideal vehicle, usually located hundreds of miles from home. He researches exactly what he wants, searches every dealer within several hours’ radius of Indianapolis online, then hunts down his prey. He’s not alone. During COVID, auto buyers are driving far and wide for their perfect ride.
“New car inventory was already tight due to coronavirus-related factory shutdowns from last year, and the current global chipset shortage has exacerbated the situation,” said Jessica Caldwell, executive director of insights for Edmunds. “But car shoppers aren’t being dissuaded by the lack of inventory. They’re demonstrating that they’re ready to literally go the distance to get their hearts’ desire, even in the midst of a pandemic.”
Research from Edmunds found shoppers, on average, drive the furthest for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class (363 miles), followed by the Toyota Supra (167), Kia Stinger (166), and GMC Sierra 3500HD (161). The Lexus LX570 (135), Ford F-350 Super Duty (122), Chevrolet Corvette (99), and Genesis G80 (97) also encourage long drives.
There are some obvious trends. Drivers with more eclectic tastes are traveling farthest to find exactly the vehicle they want. That explains the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Toyota Supra, and Chevrolet Corvette, the latter of which had production interrupted during debut of the new mid-engine model. Customers are accustomed to getting what they want and are unwilling to compromise.
Heavy duty pickups from General Motors and Ford occupy three of the top ten spots. Truck owners also tend to be a determined lot. These trucks have lofty price tags and last a very long time, so the effort is worth it. Vehicles that were more surprising were the Lexus LX570, and Kia Stinger. Both are relatively low production and tight in supply during normal times, but further constricted during COVID.
Bringing It Home To Indiana
None of this would deter my co-worker, Matt Steinbaker, of Brownsburg as he and his family have bought three vehicles remotely since 2018. He poached a new 2017 Ford F-150 in Olive Branch, Mississippi during January 2018 and a slightly used 2020 Mazda CX-9 crossover from Cincinnati, Ohio last December. Matt’s brother, Kyle, found his 2019 Ford Mustang GT in Fargo, North Dakota in December 2019. It’s definitely a family affair.
“I was looking for a Mustang GT Premium with one owner, low miles, and good tires,” said Kyle Steinbaker. “I wanted it all stock, not hot rodded. After searching a 500-mile radius, I found one with the performance package and black multi-spoke wheels in Fargo, North Dakota. After negotiating, I had it shipped to me in Brownsburg.”
Kyle could have just ordered a new Mustang GT with the options he wanted, but because he was buying a sports car off-season from a dealer in snow country, it was easier to negotiate a better deal. The dealer wanted the car gone.
“If you’re willing to drive, your preferred trim level, color, and options likely exist out there without ordering,” Matt said. “Get a purchase agreement before you go that includes a ballpark estimate for your trade and negotiated price. With remote buying, negotiating can be finished before the face-to-face visit.”
Use sites like cars.com, Autotrader, TrueCar, and Edmunds. All offer filters that allow you to search your vehicle by type or brand, then to further select options and trim packages. From there, you can determine your search radius and let the algorithms go to work to conjure the vehicle of your dreams.
“We started looking at 2017 and 2018 models, but when we selected middle-row captain’s chairs, searches started pulling 2020 models,” Matt said. “We figured out Mazda introduced the second row captain’s chairs in 2020 – wouldn’t have known that without research as part of the process.”
By now, you’re thinking this all sounds good, but you may still be hesitant about buying a vehicle without touching, feeling, and driving it. Matt notes you can learn a lot during a phone call with the sales rep. Ask detailed questions about the vehicle you’re considering and you can usually get a sense if they are reputable. If you don’t have a good feeling, end the discussion and don’t make the trip. Don’t just take what the dealer gives you.
“Always get additional photos and videos beyond what’s on the website,” Matt said. “Dealers know they are competing with the internet and don’t want bad reviews, so they are usually good with full disclosure. CARFAX is usually included, but if not, ask for it. It will note the types of owners. I stay away from rental vehicles.”
When you feel good about the vehicle, remember you’re the one making the trip. The dealer is not. Make sure you have an agreement before you go. When you get there, do a thorough walk-around of the vehicle, examine the interior for condition and options, then go for a drive to make sure you’re still happy.
There’s one more advantage to buying a car remotely: The drive home.
“What better way to get used to a new vehicle than a short road trip,” Matt said. “Always try to plan a fun food stop – see a local restaurant you would not have a chance without the trip.”
Helpful Tips
If your heart has you searching hundreds of miles from home for your ideal ride, consider these steps recommended by Edmunds and the Steinbakers:
- Filters are your friends. Use them on popular websites like cars.com, Edmunds, and Autotrader to find the vehicle you want and compare it to competitive models.
- Be careful with private sellers. Stick to dealers who will be concerned about their reputations.
- Request additional photos to get a full picture of the vehicle.
- If not offered, request a CARFAX.
- Get a purchase agreement before you go. Arrange financing too.
- Once you arrive, do a thorough walk-around and take a drive. If all checks out, finish the deal.
- Whether you end up with a vehicle or not, enjoy your trip – see sights you wouldn’t have otherwise.
Casey Williams is former auto correspondent for WFYI and the Indianapolis Star plus a contributor to the Chicago Tribune’s Sunday Auto Page. He has reviewed vehicles and covered the auto industry for over 25 years. He lives with his family in Broad Ripple. E-mail him at AutoCasey@aol.com; check his reviews on YouTube at AutoCasey.
