Buying a Car on Amazon: A Comprehensive Guide

The dream of adding a car to your Amazon cart alongside everyday purchases is becoming a reality. Amazon has officially launched its car-buying program, Amazon Autos, though the experience differs significantly from ordering a household item. Here’s a detailed look at how it works, what’s available, and what potential buyers should know.

What’s Currently for Sale?

Currently, Amazon Autos primarily partners with Hyundai for new vehicle sales. Available models include the Santa Fe, Tucson, and Ioniq ¹. If you’re seeking a different brand, like Toyota or Ford, you’ll still need to rely on traditional dealerships for now.

Amazon has expanded its offerings to include used and certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles, starting in Los Angeles, with plans to expand to additional cities in the coming months ³. Dealers can now list their used vehicle inventory on Amazon, providing customers with more choices among popular cars and trucks at more price points ³.

How Does Buying a Car on Amazon Perform?

Amazon has integrated a streamlined car-buying process into its existing platform, functioning as a digital interface to connect customers with local dealer inventory.

• Search: Navigate to the Amazon Autos section and filter by model, trim, color, and zip code.
• Inventory: The listings display real cars available at local dealerships.
• Purchasing: You can view transparent pricing, apply for financing, and craft a deposit directly through Amazon.
• Handover: Once paperwork is completed, you schedule a pickup or delivery with the dealership.
• Returns: If the dealership participates in Hyundai’s “Shopper Assurance” program, you may have three days or up to 300 miles to return the vehicle ¹.

Key Benefits of Buying Through Amazon Autos

• Transparent Pricing: Amazon provides a detailed price breakdown, including fees and the difference between the dealer price and the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) ¹.
• Financing Options: Customers can explore financing options and get pre-approved directly on the Amazon platform.
• Convenience: The process eliminates the need for lengthy negotiations at a dealership.
• Expanded Selection: The addition of used and CPO vehicles broadens the available options ³.

What to Keep in Mind

Buying a car on Amazon isn’t the same as standard “Prime” delivery. You won’t receive your vehicle via an Amazon delivery van. The handover process still involves coordinating with a local dealership.

Amazon Autos has participating dealers in more than 130 U.S. Cities ³.

The Future of Amazon Autos

Amazon plans to add more manufacturers and expand the availability of Amazon Autos to more cities in the coming year ¹. The expansion into used and CPO vehicles signifies Amazon’s commitment to becoming a more comprehensive automotive marketplace ³. Fan Jin, global leader of Amazon Autos, stated the expansion is driven by strong interest from dealer partners and aims to meet customer demand for a wider selection of vehicles ³.