Last Updated on 12 hours ago by Shraddhanvita
Can you buy a car online and have it delivered for the holidays?
Yes. You can buy a new or used car online and have it delivered to your door in time for the holidays. Order by early December so delivery lands before Christmas. Delivery usually takes 2 to 10 days after the paperwork is finished. Depending on the seller and the distance, it can be free or cost $300 to $1,800.
A car with a bow in the driveway is a classic holiday surprise, and buying online makes it easier to pull off. Online retailers, local dealerships, and private sellers all offer remote purchases now. You can find the car, finance it, sign the paperwork, and schedule delivery from your phone.
This guide answers the questions shoppers ask most about buying a car online with delivery. It covers how it works, what delivery costs, and how to time it for a holiday gift. For delivery help on any purchase, see Haulin’s service for online car buyers.
How do you buy a car online and have it delivered?
To buy a car online and have it delivered, you choose the car, check its history, and arrange financing. Then you sign the paperwork digitally and book delivery, either through the seller or your own carrier. The whole process usually takes 1 to 3 weeks.
- Shop and shortlist. Compare listings from online retailers, dealer websites, and auction or marketplace sites. If you’re buying from an auction, our roundup of the best car auction sites can help you decide where to look.
- Check the car’s history. Run the VIN through a history report. Check the NHTSA recall lookup for open safety recalls. Our VIN lookup checklist walks through each check.
- Arrange financing. Get pre-approved by your bank or credit union, or apply through the seller. Many online dealers let you finance a car online and have it delivered without visiting a branch.
- Sign the paperwork digitally. This includes the purchase agreement, title transfer, and usually a temporary registration. If you’re giving the car as a gift, decide now whose name goes on the title.
- Schedule delivery. Use the seller’s delivery service or hire your own carrier. Book early during the holiday season.
- Inspect at handoff. Walk around the car with the driver and note any damage on the delivery paperwork before you sign.
For platform-by-platform steps, read how to ship a car after buying online from Carvana, CarMax, Autotrader and more.
Do car dealerships deliver cars, and which ones ship nationwide?
Yes, many dealerships deliver. Most local dealers offer free home delivery within about 50 to 100 miles. National online retailers and larger dealer groups ship nationwide, sometimes for free and sometimes for a fee based on distance. If the seller won’t deliver, or charges more than market rate, you can hire your own carrier.
| Delivery option | Best for | Typical cost | Things to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local dealer home delivery | Buying within your metro area | Often free within a set radius | Easy for a holiday surprise; ask for an exact delivery time |
| National online retailer delivery | Used cars bought fully online | Free to several hundred dollars, depending on distance | Dates can slip during the holiday rush; many offer a short return window |
| Out-of-state dealer that ships | Finding a specific model or trim | Often $1 or more per mile, or a flat fee | Dealer shipping fees can be higher than market carrier rates |
| Your own auto transport carrier | Private sales, auctions, out-of-state dealers | About $500 to $1,800, depending on distance | You control timing, transport type, and door-to-door service |
Buying from an out-of-state dealer? Ask for their shipping quote in writing and compare it with an independent carrier. Our guide to dealership car shipping explains how dealer-arranged shipping works. If you bought from a private seller, read how to ship a car you bought online across states.
How much does it cost to get a car delivered?
Delivery of a car bought online usually costs $0 to $1,800. Local dealer delivery is often free. Shipping a few states away costs about $500 to $1,000, and coast-to-coast shipping costs about $1,300 to $1,800 on an open carrier. In December, expect to pay 10% to 25% more because of holiday demand.
What sets the price:
- Distance. This is the biggest factor. Longer trips cost less per mile but more in total.
- Transport type. Enclosed delivery costs 40% to 60% more. Many buyers choose it for a new luxury car or EV so it arrives clean. Read about shipping an electric vehicle safely.
- Deadline. A guaranteed delivery date before December 25 costs extra. Haulin’s express auto transport is built for tight holiday deadlines.
- Pickup location. Auction yards and rural dealers can cost more to reach than city dealerships.
Is “free car delivery” really free? Sometimes. Many dealers build delivery into the car’s price or limit it to a set distance. Ask for an itemized buyer’s order that shows any delivery, documentation, or destination fees. The FTC’s guide to buying a used car from a dealer explains which fees and disclosures to look for.
When should you order a car online to get it delivered by Christmas?
To get a car delivered by Christmas, finish the purchase by about December 5 if it’s coming from out of state. If it’s coming from a local dealer, finish by about December 15. Then allow a buffer of 3 to 5 days for weather or paperwork delays.
| Purchase type | Finish the purchase by | Typical delivery time |
|---|---|---|
| Local dealer, same metro area | December 15 | 1 – 3 days |
| Online retailer, regional | December 8 | 3 – 7 days |
| Out-of-state dealer or private seller, 1,000+ miles | December 5 | 5 – 10 days |
| Auction purchase, any distance | December 1 | 7 – 14 days, including yard release |
Running late? Last-minute shipping is still possible, but it costs more and has fewer guarantees. See how fast you can move a vehicle on short notice and our auto transport delivery timeline.
How do you surprise someone with a car delivered for the holidays?
To surprise someone with a delivered car, have it delivered a day or two early to a place you control. That might be a neighbor’s driveway, your workplace lot, or a storage spot. On the day itself, move it into place and add the bow.
- Have the carrier call your phone, not the recipient’s.
- Ask for a delivery window at a time when the recipient will be away.
- Inspect the car yourself at drop-off so any damage is recorded before the reveal.
- Make sure insurance is in place before anyone drives it.
What should you check when an online car purchase is delivered?
When the car arrives, check that the VIN matches your paperwork. Check that the mileage matches the listing, and inspect every panel, wheel, and the glass before you sign the delivery receipt. Write any damage on the bill of lading at that moment. Damage that isn’t recorded at delivery is very hard to claim later.
- Match the VIN on the dashboard and door jamb to your purchase documents.
- Photograph the car from all sides, plus the odometer.
- Test the lights, warning lights, keys, and key fobs.
- Confirm the title or temporary registration is on its way.
If something is wrong, follow our steps on what to do if your car is damaged during transport. If you hired the carrier yourself, check its USDOT number on the FMCSA SAFER Company Snapshot before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a car fully online without visiting a dealer?
Yes. Many retailers and dealers handle financing, trade-in, signing, and delivery entirely online.
Can I buy a used car online and have it delivered?
Yes. Used cars are the most common online purchase. Our list of the most reliable used cars is a good place to start.
Can I buy a truck online and have it delivered?
Yes. Trucks cost about $100 to $300 more to ship than sedans because they are larger and heavier.
Can I return a car I bought online?
It depends on the seller. Many online retailers offer a short return window, and many private sales are final. Read the return policy before you pay.
Why is online car buying growing so fast?
Remote buying keeps growing, and so does demand for delivery. We cover this trend in our post on remote car buying and auto transport demand.
Found the perfect holiday gift? Get an instant Haulin delivery quote and lock in your date before the December rush.
**About the Author — Shraddhanvita Tiwari**
Shraddhanvita Tiwari is an auto transport industry expert specializing in vehicle shipping, auto transport logistics, carrier networks, and the U.S. car shipping market. Her experience in the industry gives her a practical perspective on the factors that influence auto transport pricing, carrier selection, shipping timelines, and the overall vehicle shipping experience. At Haulin.ai, she contributes industry-focused insights designed to make car shipping easier to understand for consumers and businesses.
