Buying a Used Car – Dealers vs. the Private Sale

Many people may dread the process of purchasing a used car. Even the thought of dealing with a used car salesman gives them a headache. On the other hand, the unknown factor of buying from a private individual can also be nerve wrecking. What is a person in need of a good used car to do? Here are some pros and cons of purchasing your next used car from a dealer.

While bargain hunters often prefer buying from a private individual, because the price tends to be lower, used cars that are purchased from a dealer have a reputation of being more reliable. There are a number of pros in purchasing a used car from a dealer.

– Dealerships offer a wide selection of cars. The buyer can compare one to another and sometimes find a different car that he likes better than what he was originally looking for.
– The buyer can sometimes get a written guarantee that is in effect for a specified period of time. Warranties are not always a good idea, but one can usually be purchased through the dealership where the car is bought.
– Buying from a dealer can save a lot of time. You may only need to go to one used car lot. You can test drive as many vehicles as you want while you are there.
– The dealer will complete all the paperwork. This saves the buyer a trip to the DMV.

While there are numerous pros in buying a used car from a dealer, there can be some considerations that could impact your decision.

– Private sales can be cheaper than those through a dealer. The costs associated with selling privately, especially online, are much lower as there aren’t the same overheads as those of a car dealer, Sydney can be a particularly expensive city to operate a dealership.

– Private sellers are often highly motivated to sell. They frequently lower their price when the buyer has cash money in hand.

– Some individuals may feel intimated when visiting a dealer as they may feel they are less informed about the market. Just what is a fair price for that 2 year old Commodore you’ve been eyeing? Doing your research before you walk into a Holden dealer on what you want and what the current market rates are can help a buyer feel more prepared to negotiate.

If you are in the market for a used car – Good Luck!

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