What if All of the Dealerships Went Away? Is there a Better Option?

Horseeee! :)

That's like saying what if all the "bricks and mortar" stores, banks et cetera went away. It's not going to happen.

Consumers need to see what they are buying in the flesh, they also need to test drive these cars. Buying direct from the factory doesn't let you do this. Dealers often times sell less than the MSRP advertised on the automakers website. The dealership often times looks after the financing part of it - instead of Joe Consumer going to the bank.

You have to have a network of dealerships. For demonstration, advertising, servicing and financing. Besides, who knows more about the "home crowd" besides a dealership made up of those same people.

I'm sure right around the corner that car in front of Costco will be for sale at the check stand. Chrysler is so desperate i think they will make the first move. I can see it now> PT Cruiser GT was $25,999 now on sale for $9,999 but hurry seasonal item?

Part of the fun of buying a car or a new car is going to the dealership to test drive the cars.

The current system is antiquated, but what is the alternative? The importance of the test drive is a valid argument. And what about your trade-in if you order a car on line. Saturn is really the only company that has come up with a more effective system, yet their cars are crap.