As COVID-19 infections have surged and coronavirus has spread throughout the world, the economy has been severely disrupted. The virus is even affecting the automotive market. It is highly contagious and can survive on surfaces, leaving people leery of, for example, buying a used car. Many people are working from home, following stay-at-home orders, and practicing social distancing in accordance with NIH and CDC COVID-19 prevention guidelines.

Still, car dealers are open for business and posting sales to entice consumers. If you’re willing to chance it and meet with a salesperson (washing your hands and using hand sanitizer for protection) your local dealership may be open. Here are some questions to ask yourself when shopping for used cars now:

Is My Used Car Dealership Open? 

CarWorld is currently operating during regular business hours. However, we’re taking steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus to protect customers and ourselves. Scheduling adjustments aren’t affecting in-store operations, though we’re cleaning our facilities daily, installing sanitizing gel and foam stations on-site, and have instructed our staff in hand washing and adhering to six-foot distance guidelines. Most importantly, we’ve instructed staff members to stay at home if they feel ill.

Is Now a Good Time to Buy a Used Car?

If you take steps to protect your health, it’s a good time for used car shopping. Demand is lower. This means sellers may accept lower payments than usual. Used vehicles are also cheaper than new cars. But whether car savings will be widespread or if plant closures lead to shortages has yet to be seen.

Things to Know About Coronavirus BEFORE Getting into a Used Car

• Coronavirus spreads from person-to-person at close distances, of six feet or less.
• You can be infected by respiratory droplets from an infected person.
• COVID-19 can be spread by people who have no symptoms.
• Frequent hand washing and hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can prevent infection.
• Coronavirus can survive on surfaces such as door handles, steering wheels, radio controls, and turn signal stalks.

Should a Used Car’s Cabin Air Filter Be Changed?

Inspecting the cabin filter should be part of the purchase. But even if the dealer replaces it, you’ll get little extra protection. The material in a HEPA filter won’t capture or kill viruses.

What Steps Should I Take to Protect Myself When Shopping for a Used Car?

In the present day, your used car purchase doesn’t have to involve personal contact. Buyers can follow these car buying tips to protect themselves:

• Research Vehicles Online: Vehicle information can be found on dealers’ websites and reviews are on the Internet as well. Vehicle history reports can be obtained online if you know the vehicle identification number (VIN). Even negotiate prices via email.

 

• Have the Car Delivered: At CarWorld, we offer home delivery, with all sales documents and transaction paperwork left in the car for you to read and sign. The delivery person will ensure the vehicle is disinfected. However, if you plan on taking a test drive, you’ll have to visit the dealership.

 

• Disinfect the Touch Points of Any Car You Test Drive: If you’re shopping for cars in person, bring along disinfectant wipes. Wipe down the steering wheel first. Door handles, window and mirror switches, the shift lever, rearview mirror, and seatbelt fasteners are other areas to clean as well.

 

• Wash Your Hands and Don’t Touch Your Face: If you touch anything in the interior or even use a pen, virus particles can end up on your hand. Avoid touching your face until you wash your hands.

 

• Don’t Shake on the Deal: A handshake is the traditional way to close a deal. Instead, try a more sanitary approach such as an elbow bump with a dealership representative, and be sure to disinfect your hands before you leave.

Find Your Next Used Car at CarWorld

At CarWorld, we have adjusted our schedules and operations to follow all CDC guidelines for COVID-19. Our large inventory of used vehicles is still available. Each model has undergone a complete inspection by a certified mechanic to ensure it is road ready. Our family owned business helps with everything from choosing your vehicle to filling out the financing paperwork for our in-house financing options. To learn more and speak to our dealership personnel, contact CarWorld at 833-219-9951 and/or 310-644-9444 today!