Amazon gives automobile sales its own unique touch – without having to go to the dealer and even take a test drive.
The retail giant announced on Tuesday that shoppers could buy their next automobile through Amazon in the event that they live in one in every of 48 major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, Miami, New York and Portland through “Amazon cars” on Amazon.com.
Amazon is initially partnering with Hyundai and plans so as to add more manufacturers and cities in the approaching 12 months, the corporate said. The cars are all latest and begin at $22,500. These include models resembling the Hyundai Kona, Sonata Hybrid and Elantra.
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By turning to online automobile sales, Amazon is joining an already crowded marketplace other online automobile dealers like Edmunds, Carvana, Shift and Vroom, but these web sites also offer used cars on the market; Amazon currently only offers latest cars.
What would occur if I attempted to purchase a automobile on Amazon? Here are the professionals and cons that emerged once I tried out the brand new feature.
Pro: Transparency
Amazon says Amazon Cars shoppers can see transparent pricing up front, and I wasn’t disillusioned. When I clicked right into a automobile, a brand new 2025 Hyundai Elantra SE, I used to be in a position to see an in depth price breakdown, right all the way down to the carpeted floor mats ($210) and the way much the dealer was charging in comparison with the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).
Prices via Amazon Cars.
I used to be also in a position to estimate the monthly payment based on the down payment and loan term.
The condition of the vehicle, the mileage and the conditions of the manufacturer’s warranty were also transparently presented on the product page.
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Disadvantage: selection
Currently, Amazon only sells Hyundai vehicles, so cars from other automakers are nowhere to be found.
This drawback could soon disappear: Amazon wants so as to add cars from other manufacturers in 2025.
However, the choice can be limited by way of price: the most cost effective automobile sells for $22,510 excluding fees, taxes and dealer fees. There aren’t any used cars on the market on the time of writing.
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Pro: Familiar interface
Buying a automobile through Amazon Autos felt like shopping on Amazon, so I felt like I used to be at home. On the left were categories resembling price, model 12 months, and trim color, and in the center were products in a listing sorted by price.
Even though the Car product category is latest to Amazon, the familiar interface made the method easy to navigate.
This is what Amazon Cars looks like.
Disadvantage: No bargaining power
Amazon says its pricing is transparent and “eliminates the need for negotiation.” I can purchase a automobile and complete my entire order, including securing financing, without talking to a human in regards to the price and attempting to negotiate it down.
While it could be less stressful to handle all the process online, additionally it is less personal. And I’m wondering if I can get one of the best deal online or if it will be higher to go to in person.
This and the limited selection ultimately stopped me from buying a automobile on Amazon – for now.
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