Who should you buy a used car from: a dealership or a private seller? While dealerships may provide a greater level of trust, you may get better bargains purchasing through a private seller. In this post, we’ll weigh up the two options to help you decide what is best for your wallet and peace of mind.
Why buy from a dealership?
Shopping at a dealership is typically more convenient than using private sellers. You can inspect multiple vehicles in person in one location. Dealerships may also be able to arrange finance for you there and then so that you don’t have to shop separately for a loan.
There’s also a greater chance that cars sold through a dealership are reliable. Yes, there are still crooked dealerships out there, but you can often avoid these by checking out online reviews and looking for certification (if a dealership is certified, it typically means that vehicles have to pass rigorous inspections to be sold there). Many dealerships such as this VW approved used dealership also offer extras like warranties and roadside assistance, providing a level of cover if vehicle issues occur.
The downside of buying from a dealership? Vehicles will typically be priced higher to cover markups and fees. Those on a very tight budget or those that want to avoid finance may not be able to afford to buy a car from a dealership – or, at least, not a reputable one. However, this could be a worthy trade-off for the greater level of trust.
Why buy from a private seller?
The biggest advantage of buying from a private seller is that you often get access to much cheaper prices. A private seller doesn’t have the overhead costs that a dealership does, and can therefore charge less. You may also find some sellers advertising cars for much less than they are worth, simply because they don’t know the true value of the car – a mistake that a professional car dealer is unlikely to make.
Buying from a private seller also typically involves buying from the owner themselves. This allows you to potentially ask more questions about the vehicle’s history, as well as finding out why they are selling the vehicle. When you buy from a dealership, you may only be able to find out limited information about the previous owner, giving you less of an idea as to how the car has been previously used.
It is of course much riskier buying from a private seller, because you don’t have protections like a warranty. It’s recommended that you ask a professional mechanic to come with you to inspect the vehicle so that you are certain there are no hidden faults. You will need to arrange a loan in advance and will need to arrange a time that suits you both to inspect and pick up the vehicle. Online used car marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and Autotrader can be used to find private sellers.
Dealership or private seller?
Choosing between a dealership or a private seller all comes down to your priorities. In most cases, it’s best to choose dealerships for security and ease, and private sellers for savings and adventure. Do your homework in either case so that you don’t get ripped off.
Article Provided
