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When buying a used car, you basically have two options: buy from a private seller or buy from a used car dealership. But which is better?
In this article, we’ll go over seven reasons you may want to choose to buy from a dealership. Let’s get started!
- A reputation to protect
Most private sellers don’t sell cars for a living. That means once you buy the car, they’ll probably never see you again. As a result, they aren’t as incentivized to treat you well. They could omit information about the car or incorrectly represent it in some other way, and they’d have nothing to lose.
In contrast, dealerships have a reputation to maintain. If they want to be seen as a trusted brand in the community, they need to treat their customers well. Otherwise, word would get out and their business would suffer. Plus, they probably want you to come back as a repeat customer the next time you need a car.
According to Tiger Okeley at used car dealership Oak Motors, “Dealerships take their reputation so seriously that if an inspection tells them there is something wrong with a car, they often pass it on or sell it at auction instead.”
- Warranties
Another reason to buy from a dealer is to get a car warranty. Many dealerships offer warranties because they want you to feel as confident about the vehicle as they are. If you’re on the edge about buying a used car, this can be a great way to ease your worry.
Keep in mind that used car warranties are often limited, but they can still provide some valuable short-term protection against major issues, such as a problem with the engine. That way, you know you won’t end up with an expensive lemon.
- One-stop-shop
Instead of driving all over the place looking at different people’s cars for sale, you can visit a dealership to view a large selection of cars all in one place. This can make finding your next car easier and faster.
In fact, many used car dealerships even let you browse their catalog online these days. That means you can shop from the comfort of your home and then head over to the dealership in person when you’re ready.
And if you need help narrowing your search, there are typically car experts at the dealership to help you.
- Trade-ins
Unless you’re shopping for your first car, you probably have an old car you need to get rid of. Fortunately, many dealerships let you trade in your old one, so you don’t have to worry about selling it yourself. They then discount its value from your new car. This can make getting a new car less stressful and help offset its price.
Plus, trade-ins usually come with tax benefits. In most states, you can deduct the amount of your trade-in from the sale price of your next vehicle before tax. For example, if you bought a used car for $20,000 and the dealer offered $5,000 for your trade-in, you’d only be taxed on $15,000 instead of $20,000.
- Flexible payment options
When you buy a car from a private seller, it’s usually cash only. But when you buy from a dealership, you don’t have to have all the money upfront. Most dealers let you finance the car purchase either through a third-party lender or through them directly, aka buy here, pay here (BHPH).
Many dealerships offer flexible payment options. And because they want your business, they usually have looser loan requirements. So if you don’t qualify for a traditional auto loan, a BHPH dealership may be the way to go.
- Buyer protection
Anytime you buy a car from a private seller, you’re getting the car “as is.” That means the sale is for the vehicle in its current condition, whether you understand what that is or not.
Dealerships, however, have strict regulations about what they can and can’t sell. Most of the time, if the car is not in great condition, they either recondition it or pass it on. This means you can be confident that the used car you buy is high-quality. You can have peace of mind because you know the car has passed a thorough inspection.
- More support
Finally, car dealerships are staffed with car experts who can help you find a car that meets your budget and criteria. Even if you don’t know much about cars, they can explain the pros and cons of different models so you can make an informed decision.
Also, unlike private sellers, who usually want to sell as fast as possible, dealers are happy to give you the time you need to consider all your options. They’re not just trying to sell one car. They’re trying to sell many cars. And to do that, they must put customers first.
So if you’re on the fence about what used car to buy, check out a local used car dealership near you. They can help you get started.
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Related Categories: Cars & Vehicles, Reviews
