(NC) With public transportation and ridesharing now seen as less appealing than before the pandemic, owning a car has become increasingly more desirable. If that sounds like you and you’re in the market for a new vehicle, Jodi Lai, editor-in-chief at autotrader.ca outlines some things to consider:

Process
Every dealership has their own system in place, whether it’s a preference for appointments or walk-ins. If you’re not sure, check online or call in advance before your visit, so you know what to expect.   

Virtual assistance
Social distancing norms have had an impact on the traditional car buying process. Today, two in three consumers are interested in conducting more of the process online, according to a recent survey by autotrader.ca. Some dealerships have started to incorporate more online services and dialed up their virtual assistance with calls, chats, emails and video-conferencing features to help their customers. If you prefer to spend more time online, ask your local dealership which digital features they offer.

Test drives
There is often greater flexibility for private test drives, with some dealerships also offering at-home services, delivering the vehicle to your place for you to take a test run.

So, if you’re shopping for a new car, make sure you do your research beforehand, to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.