If buying from reputable sources and from websites that are secure and legitimate, then buying a car online is perfectly safe. In fact, buying online has become a super popular way to acquire a vehicle, especially as cinch and Cazoo lead the market share of the industry in the UK.  When buying online, the only thing you need to be conscious of is if the quality of the car advertised online matches what it looks like when you pick it up. Cazoo and cinch offer precise details about any blemishes or issues and give you ample opportunity to view and inspect the car, so you can be sure that you're getting a quality and safe car.  If you have a funny feeling about a car you're buying online, be sure to search its registration plate on a Vehicle Tax Checker to ensure that the DVLA records match the car's details.