Pre-owned vehicles are available everywhere: online, in your community, with a family friend, and at used car dealerships. Shoppers who are looking for a great deal might not know how these shopping options differ and which one is best for them.
While you might feel like going through a private sale is the best way to get a great deal, it’s not always what it’s cracked up to be. For example, private car sales are “as is,” which means you get the car exactly as it is. If a critical element of the car fails a minute after the car changes hands, you have no recourse. You also have to go through extra steps, like hiring an independent mechanic, to ensure the car is as the owner says it is.
Even if you prefer private sales, it’s always worth exploring your local used car dealership. In fact, you’ll find that buying from a licensed dealership offers a plethora of benefits you won’t find shopping anywhere else.
Pricing Advantages
Most people imagine that buying directly from another person will result in a better overall price. You might be able to get a lower “sticker price” from a private sale, but there is more to consider than just the price.
Private sellers aren’t able to offer financing, which means you have to pay cash. You might be limited on what kind of car you can purchase if you have to handle the total cost upfront. A used car dealership is also going to be more flexible in regard to negotiations. You can trade-in your old car, for example, to help offset the cost.
Ready For The Road
When you shop with a used car dealership, you can usually count on a little extra confidence in your purchase. Private sellers aren’t held to laws that protect buyers. You have to do extra research to ensure that you’re getting a safe and reliable car.
Dealerships often have in-house service teams that can complete repairs and upgrades at a lower cost than your mechanic. That means they can make sure a car is up and running without passing on huge costs to you.
A used car dealership can also sell certified pre-owned vehicles. These options go through extra inspections and testing to ensure they meet a certain level of quality. They also come with additional warranties and perks you can’t get from a private seller.
Enjoy The Convenience
Dealerships offer tons of convenient features to help you find the right-fit car for your needs. For example, a private seller isn’t going to have a collection of used vehicles like your find with a dealer. That means you have options on makes, models, years, and features. More importantly, you can shop when it works for you by visiting the dealership’s website.
A pre-owned dealer can also supply things like vehicle history reports, repair reports, special incentives, and more. These extra perks help ensure you get the right car at the right price.
The Choice Is Yours
At the end of the day, you need to make the decision that is going to be best for you. With that in mind, you definitely don’t want to hold yourself to just one method. Make sure you explore all of your options before you make any decisions. You’ll find that your local used car dealership offers more perks and options than any private seller ever could, so it’s definitely worth your time to take a look.
This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning a commission is given should you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no cost to you. All products shown are researched and tested to give an accurate review for you.