Buying from a ​​Car Dealer vs. Private Seller

When it’s time buy a vehicle in Bedford or Willoughby, there are many decision to be made. One question we hear often is “What’s the difference between buying from a car dealer vs. private seller?” While some drivers try the private market in hopes of getting a hidden gem, most find that it’s hard to beat the convenience of a good dealership. Go through the pros and cons of the car dealer vs. private seller, and learn more car buying tips in the process.

Buying from a Private Seller: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Owner’s Perspective: When you buy directly from the owner, you can get the most in-depth information about the car. If the seller is honest, they can tell you everything about the maintenance and service – including any major or minor repairs.
• Niche Market: If you want a rare or “historic” vehicle, it’s easier to search through other enthusiasts than visit a more general dealership.

Cons:

• No Protection: When you buy from a private seller, you’re on your own. The car could break down the moment you drive home to Chardon, and you’d be solely responsible for the repair bill.
• Unreliable History: Some sellers are honest, but some aren’t. If you don’t have a record of the car’s service history, there’s no telling what issues are under the hood.

Buying from a Dealership: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Wide Selection: Dealerships buy large amounts of used vehicles according to market values, so there’s greater room for negotiation than a private seller. Plus, some models even offer warranty coverage.
• Service & Parts Centers: Whether you want to schedule an inspection or pick up a new accessory to make your car your own, a dealership has all the resources that you need on site.
• Certified Pre-Owned Inventory: Certified Pre-Owned models are only found at qualified dealerships. If you want a like-new car at a pre-owned price with perks like warranty coverage and roadside assistance, the dealership is the clear choice.
• Trade-Ins: If you have a vehicle that you’d like to upgrade, you can take care of the trade in process at the dealership. You can even get a free value estimate online.

Cons:

• Financing: Some drivers prefer the ease of paying in cash to a private seller, but most drivers need financing to make the purchase much more affordable on a monthly basis. The good news is that if you’re not a fan of financing, you have the option to pay either way at Classic Volkswagen.

Shop Used Cars for Sale at Classic Volkswagen!

Now you know the pros and cons of the car dealer vs. private seller, so why not give Classic Volkswagen a visit? We’re here to make the car shopping process easy and fun, so contact us with your questions or check out our pre-owned vehicle specials while you’re here!