When it comes to weighing the pros and cons of buying a used car, truck, or SUV from a dealership vs private seller, there are advantages to both. Any buyer will want to make an informed decision that suits their needs as to where to buy from. When you’re shopping for your next vehicle in Halifax, Truro, or Lower Sackville, our dealership at Race Auto Group can help you find what you’re looking for and with guarantees a private seller cannot provide.
Pros of Buying a Used Car with a Dealership
There are many reasons to buy from a dealership and not a private seller. First and foremost, dealerships offer competitive pricing and terms. The upfront cost is often slightly higher than a private seller, however, you receive warranties, safety inspections, repairs, and other benefits included in the price that no private seller will offer.
A used car dealership in Nova Scotia, such as the team at Race Auto Group, conducts a multi-point inspection, repairs safety issues, and reconditions the vehicle before putting it up for sale. This ensures you’re buying a high standard of vehicle and with no surprises the day after, week after, or month after you drive it off the lot.
The dealership advantage in the dealership vs private seller debate also extends to financing. Many dealerships offer car financing options that allow a buyer to spread out payments over time. In some cases, this can help build your credit score as well, if you maintain on-time payments.
Cons of Buying a Used Vehicle with a Dealership
Most dealerships selling used vehicles are less willing to negotiate on price. They typically aren’t looking for a quick sale. That said, some may offer trade-in deals, extended warranties, maintenance services, or other perks that can be brought up in the negotiation towards a final sale.
Pros of Buying a Used Vehicle with a Private Seller
Private sellers can sometimes offer lower upfront prices than dealerships as they aren’t paying for any overhead costs. This may seem like a better deal on paper, however, it could cost you more in the long run if you run into repairs that a dealership would have caught. A private seller passes off a car as-is with no guarantees. That’s a risk.
You may be more comfortable going through a private seller and feel less pressure to buy the vehicle. In some cases, private sellers are more personable and may be willing to sell you a vehicle for less than what a dealership would, based on a dealership’s additional costs of operation.
Cons of Buying a Used Car with a Private Seller
Private sellers have no reason to be fully transparent about potential repairs or issues. You may not know that there are major or minor repairs needed until weeks or months later. Buying a used vehicle from a trustworthy dealership is a lot more predictable as you do have a guarantee of repairs and that issues have been addressed.
A private seller does not offer financing options and requires full payment upfront. You are also required to handle all the paperwork, with no guarantee that there isn’t an undisclosed lien or improper title transfer in a vehicle’s past. You don’t benefit from the consumer protections and regulations that car dealerships are under either.
Private sellers do not offer warranties or ongoing support after you have purchased the vehicle. Any repairs will fall on you, even if they occur the day after you buy the vehicle from a private seller. Once you sign, the responsibility for the vehicle is all yours. By comparison, dealerships sometimes offer service contracts that can cover a certain amount of maintenance.
Buy Your Next Used Car, Truck, or SUV From Race Auto Group
Dealership vs private seller is a debate that can go either way depending on how one prioritizes this set of pros and cons.
Race Auto Group is a trustworthy, reliable auto dealership in Nova Scotia that prides itself on offering flexible financing options, well-maintained and repaired vehicles, and quality in service. If you decide to buy a used car from a dealership, please reach out to our team at Race Auto Group for further assistance or drop in!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about dealership vs private seller and which is the better option for you.
How can I trust a private seller when buying a used vehicle?
When buying from a private seller, you have to trust what they’re saying is accurate and that they aren’t hiding anything as it relates to repairs or damage. There is no way to know with certainty that they are being honest and transparent.
How do I find out more about a used car before buying
Ask for a vehicle history report to find out more about any used car you are interested in purchasing. Many car dealerships will offer them for free.
How do I know if I am buying a quality used car?
If you buy a used car from a dealership, it is far more likely that you are driving off with a vehicle that’s going to last. It’s been safety-tested, repaired, cleaned, and is ready for the road with guarantees that it works. A private seller offers nothing of the sort and is not required to.
