Question: ONLINE CAR BUYING

With a click of the mouse, Mackenzie enters the auto "showroom." In the past few months she had realized that the repair costs for her 11-year-old car were accelerating. She thought it was time to start shopping for a new car online and decided to start her Internet search for a vehicle by looking at small and midsized SUVs. Her friends suggested that Mackenzie research more than one type of vehicle. They reminded her that comparable models were available from various auto manufacturers. In her online car-buying process, Mackenzie next did a price comparison. She obtained more than one price quote by using various online sources. She then prepared an overview of her online car-buying experiences. Mackenzie's next step was to make her final decision. After selecting what she planned to buy, she finalized the purchase online and decided to take delivery at a local dealer. In recent years, less than 5 percent of car buyers have actually purchased vehicles over the Internet. That number is increasing; however, car-buying experts strongly recommend that you make a personal examination of the vehicle before taking delivery.

1. Based on Mackenzie's experience, what benefits and drawbacks are associated with online car buying?

2. What additional actions might Mackenzie consider before buying a motor vehicle?

3. What do you consider to be the benefits and drawbacks of shopping online for motor vehicles and other items?

4. What actions might a car buyer take if a lemon is purchased?