Nowadays, consumers can order almost anything online, pay for it electronically, and have it delivered right to their homes — even a car, truck, or SUV.

Though online shopping is nothing new, the idea that you can conduct an entire vehicle transaction online safely and confidently has only become a reality in recent years. You can even easily shop for auto financing online. For example, you can get pre-qualified with Credit Acceptance by filling out a simple web form.

While estimates vary regarding the percentage of U.S. car sales conducted online, many experts agree that the share will grow in coming years. This means you should understand it if you are buying a car soon.

Here are some things you should know:

Getting detailed information

Start with resources like the Kelley Blue Book website, where you can look up the cars you’re interested in. Sites like this are always the best place to start online car shopping. You’ll be able to get everything you need, from prices to payment calculators.

You can then go a step further with databases that give you detailed information on specific cars you like. Carfax, for example, reports up-to-date information on any vehicle for sale, including detailed accident reports (including point of impact), maintenance (down to each oil change), repairs, and recall history. It will tell you if the car was leased, bought, or rented, and whether it was used in a fleet or by a business.

While car manufacturer websites feature gorgeous, romantic photos of what their cars look like, online marketplaces will give you real photos of the very car you’re considering. They are a great place to begin.

The ‘personal shopper’

Online car shopping platforms offer powerful search and sorting tools that help buyers find vehicles with specific features while providing insights into market rates and mileage. Based on real-time market comparisons, these tools allow you to determine whether a deal is fair, good, or great.

While not all online marketplaces allow car purchases, many streamline the process. You only need to visit the dealership once you've selected a vehicle and are ready to finalize the transaction. Some platforms even facilitate the entire car-buying experience from start to finish, including home delivery, eliminating the need for in-person visits.

A growing number of nationwide car-buying services offer the convenience of browsing extensive inventories across multiple states. These platforms provide detailed vehicle listings and reasonable delivery options, making it easier to find the exact make, model, and features you're looking for, even if the car is several states away.

The car vending machine

Yes, there is such a thing. Carvana is the service that lets you shop, pay for, and pick up a vehicle without ever having to meet a human.

They have about 30 towering car vending machines all over America. When you buy your car online, there is no haggling, and the price is set. You get a token you insert into the vending machine, watch as the vehicles rotate, and yours is spit out like a can of soda (albeit more gently).

Once you pick it up, you have seven days to return it — the ultimate test drive. And each car comes with a 100-day warranty, too. If you don’t live near one of their vending machines, they’ll deliver the vehicle to your door.

Own a rental

The big car rental companies all offer their fleets for sale online. While buying a rental vehicle may sound like a bad idea, it has many advantages.

Rental fleets rotate every few years, so you never get a car that’s too out-of-date. Rental companies are also required to maintain cars religiously, so you know it’s been taken care of by professionals.

Rental cars are often priced at deep discounts because they’r incentivized to move them. They are also often baseline models, so you’re not paying for a lot of bells and whistles. Companies like Avis let you browse their inventory and make a purchase entirely online.

If you are ready to get started, here’s an easy way to wade in: get pre-qualified for auto financing online. Credit Acceptance can give you a great deal of financial information that you can then use to set a budget and begin your process. All you have to do is fill out the online form.