Fortunately you don’t need to spend a lot of time away from home dealing with salespeople and … [+]
Though the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak finds many of us working at home during the day, and just about all of us huddling together in the evenings, it does not necessarily preclude the need to go shopping, go to the dry cleaner, pick up carry-out meals, or just get out of the house for sanity’s sake. Taking public transportation or calling a ride-hailing service is a germophobe’s nightmare in the best of times, with the only way to be both mobile and stay protected is by driving one’s own vehicle.
If you’re looking at your first car, are wanting to trade a current model for a new one, or you have a lease nearing the end of its term, this could actually be an advantageous time to go car shopping, though not without taking a few precautions. However, if you feel your job is on shaky ground, you may not want to lock yourself into a car loan or lease. At that, a number of automakers, including Ford, Nissan, and Hyundai, are giving buyers the option to defer their payments and those with existing car loans the possibility to have payments rescheduled if they are economically affected by the coronavirus.
Fortunately you don’t have to spend days out in public dealing with salespeople and “kicking the tires” to shop for a new or used vehicle. The Internet is overflowing with reviews of current and past-model vehicles that can tell you more about a given car or truck than could many showroom personnel. Automakers’ and car dealers’ websites list current inventories of new and used models, with many supplying online vehicle history reports on the latter that detail service records and other pertinent data. You can even negotiate via email or messaging and get a locked-in price without having to leave the house. Ditto with obtaining financing and leasing a new vehicle. Use online loan calculators to see how much you can afford to spend on a car based on monthly payments at a quoted interest rate.
Some new-car dealers and pre-owned vehicle services like Carvana and Vroom will even deliver a chosen vehicle to your door. It’s also possible to trade in an existing vehicle via the same vendors without having to shop it around. For most, however, test driving a given model (never buy a vehicle without first giving it a spin), dealing with a trade-in, and signing the paperwork will be done in person at a dealership.
Automotive News reports that while car showrooms are staying open, foot traffic is slow. That means you should have no trouble social distancing, though it’s probably prudent not to deal with a coughing salesperson. Likewise with a seemingly ill private seller. Use hand sanitizer before entering a dealership or meeting a seller. You should probably ask the salesperson or seller to sit in the back seat on the opposite side of the vehicle as you take a test drive, just to be cautious.
Even though the CDC says the coronavirus can’t survive on hard surfaces for long, make sure to inquire about the dealer’s policy regarding germ mitigation in their vehicles. If you’re looking at a used car being sold by a private party, expect the worst. Either way, it’s a good idea to bring along a few disinfectant wipes in a plastic bag or a travel-size container and treat all the interior touch points before settling in (if the dealer allows). Pay special attention to the steering wheel, which is where cough or sneeze particles usually land. Don’t forget the shift lever, window and mirror switches, door handles, seatbelt fasteners, and the rearview mirror surround.
You may want to ask the salesperson or private-party seller to sit in the back seat on the opposite side of the vehicle as you take a test drive, just to be cautious. Avoid touching your face after your test before you get the chance to wash or re-sanitize your hands.
With a downturn in sales expected, salespeople and private sellers should be inclined to strike favorable deals, so don’t be shy to aggressive haggling. Do your homework ahead of time via vehicle valuation websites to get an idea of just how low you could go, then go lower. And with the Federal Reserve Board again cutting interest rates, auto loans and leases should remain affordable to those with top credit ratings.
Just be sure to avoid the ceremonial handshake to seal the deal in favor of a more sanitary elbow bump. And disinfect your hands again after leaving the showroom. If you’re driving off in a new ride, give the steering wheel and switchgear another going over with a disinfectant wipe before hitting the road.
You may want to give the cabin a more thorough treatment with disinfectant cleaner containing at least 70 percent alcohol or good old soap and water after you get home, especially if it’s a pre-owned model. (Wash your hands before and after, of course.) Avoid using bleach or hydrogen peroxide that can damage some surfaces. Makeup removal wipes are said to do a good job cleaning leather–clad areas without drying them out. Be sure to wipe down surfaces completely after cleaning them to make sure there’s no residue left behind.
Welcome to the new normal, right?
