From Showroom to Screen: Navigating the Three paths to Buy Today

Everything else is changing, the car buying process has also changed.

Car buying is no longer a one-size-fits-all experience. Before COVID, most consumers visited a dealership, braced for haggling, and drove home after hours of paperwork. Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape has transformed. From showroom floors to online screens, buyers now have three paths to buy their next vehicle.

But with more options comes more confusion, and that’s where The Car Mentor makes the difference.

Three Paths to Buy Today

1. Haggle-Free Buying

Fixed-price and no-haggle stores promise transparency and speed. Consumers avoid the stress of negotiation, but often sacrifice flexibility in pricing or dealer incentives.

2. Traditional Dealerships

Despite the rise of online shopping, the dealership is still king. In fact, 75% of car buyers in 2023 purchased in person, valuing test drives and personal interaction. The downside? Negotiation stress and time-consuming processes.

3. Online & Hybrid Buying

COVID accelerated the shift to digital. Surveys show 78% of consumers prefer some or all of their next purchase to happen online. From browsing inventory to securing financing, the convenience is clear. Yet for many, it still feels overwhelming to go it alone.

What the Numbers Show

• Pre-COVID (2019): Over 80% of buyers completed the purchase in person at dealerships.

• Post-COVID (2023–2025): Online preference has grown, but dealerships remain dominant.

• CarMax & other no-haggle players: Hold 3–4% of the used car market and are growing.

• Industry-wide: Used car dealers continue steady growth with a 2.9% CAGR ( Compound Annual Growth Rate) since 2020.

📊 Key Insight: Consumers are split between convenience and confidence. They want both.

The Tariff Effect on Car Buying

Global policies also play a big role in the car market. Recent tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts have already started to impact pricing. When tariffs rise, new vehicle prices climb, forcing buyers to either stretch their budgets or consider the used car market instead. For dealerships, this creates tighter margins and tougher competition with no-haggle and online platforms.

Where The Car Mentor Fits In

• For Consumers: We cut through the noise. Whether you prefer haggle-free, online, or traditional dealerships, The Car Mentor advocates for your best deal—protecting your time, money, and peace of mind.

• For Dealerships: We reroute traffic back your way. Instead of losing buyers to no-haggle competitors, you gain serious, pre-qualified customers ready to buy with confidence.

Conclusion

From showroom to screen, car buying has transformed—but the stress, confusion, and mistrust still remain. The Car Mentor is the missing piece that ensures everyone wins: consumers drive away confident, and dealerships grow in a changing market. Watch our latest YouTube feature showcasing a real client’s journey and see how The Car Mentor Experience turns uncertainty into empowerment. Don’t buy alone. Don’t sell alone. Let The Car Mentor empower your automotive journey—start to finish

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