How to Design a Car Virtually

Designing a car virtually can be almost as fun as going to a dealership to find the vehicle of your dreams. Virtual car design allows you to customize your future vehicle to your exact specifications. Most car manufacturers offer online, "Build your own" options that give you, the potential customer, the opportunity to design a car just the way you like it. If you want to see what your car would look like with a sporty rear spoiler, simply click on available exterior accessories. If you want to include leather seats or wood-grain accents, search through interior options. The manufacturer websites tally up the expected cost of your car and displays a summary when your virtual car design is complete.

Things You'll Need

  • Computer
  • Internet access
  • Visit a car manufacturer's website that is specific to the car you want to purchase. For instance, if you want to purchase a Beetle, visit the Volkswagen website. If you want to purchase an Explorer, visit the Ford website. Navigate through the website's homepage and search for a "Build Your Own" option. Once you find this link, click on it to reveal available package options for your vehicle. Select packages usually range from basic to luxury. Basic packages might include cloth seating and roll-up windows whereas a luxury package might include leather seats and a top-of-the-line stereo system. Choose which package suits your needs (or wants) the best.

  • Accessorize the exterior of your virtual car. Most car manufacturing websites will allow you to choose the paint color for your vehicle along with features like tire size, rims, spoilers, chrome accents, luggage racks, bug shields and car covers. Consider larger tires and fancy rims to make your virtual vehicle look more sophisticated. Choose a rear spoiler for an edgy, sporty look and chrome accents to catch the eye of passers-by. A luggage rack or bug shield might be a good idea for the sports enthusiast who will be driving into mountainous terrain for camping, kayaking, or biking. A car cover could be useful if your car will be sitting outdoors often.

  • Design the interior of your virtual vehicle. Choose the material and color of your car's seating first. Match it to your liking with a leather-trimmed steering wheel cover, a wood-grain vehicle package with the inclusion of a voice-activated navigation system, an optimal sound system, heated seats, ambient lighting or Bluetooth technology.

  • View your virtual vehicle's summary. The last page of your vehicle creation will display a page summarizing everything that you've added to your initial vehicle package. The total expected cost for your vehicle will also be displayed. Use this information to estimate a monthly payment. Many manufacturer websites will ask you for your zip code so that they can locate matches for your specific vehicle near your location. If applicable, select the "Search For My Vehicle" option and locate dealers in your area.