Not many new car buyers look forward to the car shopping experience. The internet has made it easier for consumers to research vehicles, but eventually you will have to face the dealership sales staff. Or do you? A new trend in auto shopping is seeing more and more people buying online without even taking the vehicle for a test drive. According to LeaseTrader.com, the first company to provide consumers Authorized Lease Transfers, the amount of people leasing vehicles online without a test drive has more than doubled since 2007.

Shopping without a test drive is not for everyone. Most of these people know exactly what they want, whether it be the particular brand they are loyal to, a certain styling to fit their needs, or those who don't care what they drive as long as they are getting the best deal. With unlimited information on new models and the overall quality of vehicles improving, it is rare for someone to get stuck with a lemon. Because most of these vehicles are being leased, the customer always has the option to exchange the vehicle if they don't like it. For those who are buying with the intentions of keeping it for a long time, a test drive would probably be a good idea.