401 Auto Financing Review
If you are anything like me the prospect of spending all day in a car dealership isn’t appealing, and here I was in need of a new vehicle. I spent a couple days looking online at the inventory of the local dealerships and nothing really caught my eye. That’s when I stumbled onto 401 Auto Financing and the fact that I can buy a car online. Perfect I thought, I don’t have to go into a dealership! Here I’ll tell you about my online car buying experience with 401Auto.
The next morning, I parked myself in front of my computer with a pot of coffee and began to fill out the form on 401 Autos website. To my surprise I was finished before my second sip of coffee. It was that easy. A few clicks and it was over. I clicked the send button and all the information I needed to send the car salesman was off. They now knew I was looking for a car and the basic idea of what I wanted. All I had to do now was wait, and put my coffee pot back in the kitchen.
A few hours later I received an email from the 401 Auto car salesman. He found a car I may be interested in and needed a few things. Drivers license, things like that. All it took was a few pictures and he had everything.
As I was waiting for Christian to do his magic, I pulled up Google maps. This car was 1881km away. Fantastic, I found the problem with buying a car online. Seeing as I live in the middle of no where it’s going to cost me a fortune to get the thing.
Soon after, 401 Auto called. He explained to me how the paperwork process works and that’s when I hit him with the 1881km delivery. To my surprise, they deliver for free! Sure, it’s worked into the price of the car somewhere. But the price he quoted me was it. No extra for delivery. I couldn’t believe it.
I can buy this car for a price comparable to the listings on Auto Trader and have it delivered to my front door. The actual front door. They take a picture of you standing in front of your house with it to show that it was delivered.
At this point he had sent me pictures of the car and I asked for more. From specific angles and things like the engine. Everything looked good to me and he assured me everything was running great.
Sign me up!
The Paperwork
Now he put all the papers together and had the manager call me. You know, like when you’re in the car dealership for your 5th hour and you finally sit down to sign the papers. The manager went over all the paperwork with me just like they do in the office of a car dealership. We just did it over the phone and computer. Worked slick.
So now, I had just signed a contract to buy a car I had never physically touched. Never took for a test drive. I had just seen pictures and was trusting the word of a car salesman, who I had only just started talking to hours before. Scary, I know. Buying a car online will not be for everyone because of this fact.
Delivery
All I had to do was wait. We discussed delivery of the car and I understood it would not be delivered for about a week. 401 Auto doesn’t send the delivery guys out of town for long trips unless they can leave on a Monday. Sounds like a great company to work for!
A few days later they called and scheduled the actual delivery date, I mentioned the gas station in town had been closed so they would need to get gas before coming this far. Seemed like that was appreciated. I picked up a 5 gallon can just in case.
The day before my car was scheduled to be delivered the delivery driver called to setup a good time to come. He was close! Soon I get to see if buying a car online was a mistake.
Delivery day has come, my new to me car is about to be delivered and I cant wait. As I was lighting the stove on fire to warm up the garage, I noticed some movement outside. Sure enough, the car trailer is here. 10 minutes early too! I like that.
I go out and meet the driver and he’s already unstrapping the car. Friendly fellow. After the car is off the trailer we have to do a little more paperwork and take some pictures of the car at my house. Makes sense to me, they want to have proof the car was delivered to the right person. This whole process took maybe 10 minutes. Delivery guy hits the road back east and I have a new car to admire.
My new car
To my surprise, 401 Auto threw a set of summer tires and wheels in the trunk! Now I am most happy. I has just spent the last few days researching summer tires and wheels, now I don’t need to spend the money! Not to mention, the tires that are in my trunk are the tires I was looking at online. It can’t get any better.
If you are in the market for a new car, I highly recommend 401Auto. They have dealerships all over eastern Ontario. But, if your like me and live really far away. Consider buying online. I loved the whole process and will definitely 100% be buying another vehicle from them.
Happy car shopping!
Recent Posts
Why Vitamin D Deficiency is a Problem in Northwestern Ontario – And What You Can Do About ItDecember 8, 2024Vitamin D deficiency is a significant issue in northwestern Ontario, but it’s not insurmountable. By understanding the unique challenges of our region and taking proactive steps to boost your levels, you can maintain your health and well-being year-round. […]
Homesteading Mistakes I’ve Learned From (So You Don’t Have To)December 4, 2024Homesteading is a journey filled with ups and downs, but every mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow. Looking back, I wouldn’t trade a single mishap because they’ve shaped the homesteader I am today. If you’re just starting out, I hope my experiences help you avoid some of the common pitfalls and make your own journey a little smoother. […]
Why Homesteaders Are Returning to Traditional SkillsNovember 29, 2024Returning to traditional skills isn’t just a trend—it’s a way of life that offers countless benefits. It fosters self-reliance, saves money, reduces waste, and connects us to our heritage. For homesteaders, these skills are invaluable tools that enrich our lives and help us thrive, no matter what challenges come our way. […]
Is Apartment Homesteading the Future?November 21, 2024Whether it’s planting herbs on a windowsill, preserving jam from foraged berries, or creating a community composting initiative, every small step contributes to a larger movement. With creativity, determination, and growing support from government policies, apartment homesteading isn’t just a trend—it’s shaping the future of sustainable living. […]
Homestead Preparedness: Ensuring Food Security Year-RoundNovember 5, 2024In pursuing food security, we’re not only ensuring that our families have what they need to thrive but also fostering a deeper connection to the cycles of nature and the rewards of sustainable living. Through a blend of traditional knowledge and modern innovation, we become more than just consumers; we become active participants in our own survival and wellbeing. […]
The Benefits of Incorporating Omega-3 in Your Winter DietIn CookingOctober 28, 2024Omega-3 fatty acids are a simple yet powerful addition to your winter diet. They provide numerous benefits that support the body and mind through the colder months, helping to boost immunity, improve mood, reduce joint pain, support heart health, and keep skin hydrated—all essential during winter. […]
Ruffed Grouse Hunting Tips: A Fall Favorite in Northwestern OntarioOctober 22, 2024Grouse hunting is one of the great joys of fall in northwestern Ontario. It’s not just about the hunt—it’s about the time spent in the woods, the challenge of spotting these elusive birds, and the satisfaction of bringing home a wild game dinner. Whether you’re hunting for the first time or have been doing this for years, following these tips will improve your chances of success and make your time in the field more enjoyable. […]
Foraging Safety: What You Need to Know Before Heading OutOctober 15, 2024Foraging is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy wild foods, but it’s essential to do so safely and responsibly. By learning to identify plants accurately, foraging in clean and legal areas, and practicing sustainable harvesting, you can enjoy the rewards of foraging without putting yourself or the environment at risk. […]
Planning Your Spring Garden Now: What to Do Before the Snow FallsOctober 9, 2024As homesteaders, we depend on our gardens not just for food, but also for the satisfaction that comes with growing our own sustenance. And in regions like northwestern Ontario, where the growing season can be unpredictable and short, every bit of preparation counts. The more you do now, the less you’ll have to worry about in the spring, allowing you to focus on planting, growing, and enjoying the fruits (and vegetables!) of your labor. […]
Creative Ways to Use Fall Forage in Your Holiday CookingOctober 7, 2024Incorporating these foraged items into your holiday cooking is not only a creative way to celebrate the season, but it’s also sustainable, cost-effective, and a great conversation starter when you’re serving family and friends. […]