“Should I buy a car from a dealer or a private seller?” Good question. It depends on your unique needs. They both have their own sets of pros and cons. Read ahead to find out which option is best for you.
1. Dealers offer warranties and guarantees.
If you want to feel secure about your purchase, you can’t beat a new or certified pre-owned car. These offers are guaranteed up to a certain point. If desired, you can invest in an extended warranty for additional peace of mind.
2. Sellers might let you drive off in a clunker.
If you choose to buy from a private seller, you have to be careful about who you trust. It’s easy to get stuck with a poorly maintained vehicle that needs a lot of work. Your best bet? Ask for a test-drive and get a second opinion from a mechanic before you buy it.
3. Dealers can be aggressive and manipulative.
If you hate shady sales tactics, some dealers might make you want to pull your hair out. Wanna save some trouble? Read about customer experiences online before you go shopping. We offer something similar at Women Auto Know. Check out our trusted auto shop directory (it’s free and always will be!).
4. Sellers don’t play mind games most of the time.
If you want to get straight to the point, you might be happier buying from an individual. Most private sellers aren’t trained in sales like the people who sell used cars for a living. That makes a big difference in how they interact.
5. Dealers offer options for colors and accessories.
If you’re set on having a certain color or accessory, you’ll probably have to stick with dealers. If you’re really picky, you might have to buy a new car that can be accessorized as you please. Please be aware that you have to pay a premium for the right to customize.
6. Sellers typically have one (and only one) option.
If you’re particular about style and features, you might be frustrated with the lack of options available in private seller listings. Expect a random assortment of stuff. Unless you spend a lot of time searching for used cars, it might be tough to find the exact make and model you want.
7. Dealers surprise you with fees you didn’t know about.
If you don’t like surprises, you’ll hate the finance person at your car dealership. The price you were quoted? Wrong. Lots of car purchase costs don’t get mentioned until after the fact. Most shoppers don’t resist because they’ve already devoted so much time to the car search. Wanna prevent this situation? Skip in-person negotiations. Do it all online.
8. Sellers stick with the price you were quoted at the start.
If #7 sounds like a nightmare, you’ll be happy to know private sellers are upfront about pricing. You won’t pay a penny more than advertised. That’s great, but there is a down-side. You’ll have to handle things like licensing and registration all by yourself. Dealers charge more fees, but they also take care of that stuff for you. Would you rather save time or money?
Do you have a friend or family member who is debating the question, “Should I buy a car from a dealer or a private seller?” If so, give them a gentle shove in the right direction by sharing this blog on Facebook. Thanks! 🙂
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