| In an effort to save money, many people avoid buying | | | | through various laws. These laws require the dealer to |
| used cars from dealers and opt to shop private sales | | | | check the vehicle for liens and ensure it isn't stolen. |
| instead. At times, this could save thousands of dollars, | | | | Because dealers are part of a business, they are able |
| but are you really getting the same quality product? | | | | to offer consumers more amenities than private sellers |
| Just because the asking price is lower, it doesn't | | | | as well. Warranties and after-sales services are a |
| necessarily mean it is the better deal. | | | | huge part of the agreement if and when the vehicle |
| Used Cars Purchased Privately | | | | breaks down. Buyers may also have access to |
| When you choose to purchase a used car through a | | | | financing plans. Finally, dealers will offer you a trade in |
| classified ad, poster, or any other method used by | | | | on your original vehicle, which helps to offset the cost |
| private sellers, you are buying that vehicle 'as is.' If you | | | | and eliminate the hassle of trying to sell it on your own. |
| purchase it only to have it fall apart in the driveway as | | | | Finally, reputable dealers will check over the used cars |
| soon as you bring it home, it's your loss. Purchasing a | | | | they have for sale and make any necessary repairs |
| stolen vehicle is also a possibility. In this instance, you | | | | before offering it up for sale. |
| lose the car and have to recuperate your loses | | | | Used car dealers are not without their downsides. |
| through the courts -- if at all. In some cases, you might | | | | Salesmen work on commission and will often try to sell |
| even be charged with possession of stolen property. | | | | you a car that you may not be able to afford. Before |
| Private sellers will rarely check for liens on their | | | | going out to buy, make sure you know what you are |
| vehicles. If it does have a lien of some kind, you likely | | | | looking for and how much it should cost you. You also |
| won't find out about it until you go to register it, and will | | | | want to be sure you go through a reputable business. |
| have difficulty recouping your loses if the seller | | | | Because we view dealerships as business |
| disappears. | | | | professionals, catching a scammer before it's too late |
| On the positive side, there really are some terrific deals | | | | can be more difficult. |
| out there. You just want to be sure you ask the right | | | | Before heading out to buy used cars -- either privately |
| questions and check everything over carefully before | | | | or through a dealer -- make sure you do your |
| making a deal. Many buyers also like the personal | | | | homework first. In addition, know the value of the used |
| connection that a business may not be able to provide. | | | | cars you are shopping for and understand how private |
| Buying Used Cars Through Dealers | | | | sellers and professionals work. These skills are the |
| Dealers have one main advantage over private sales | | | | only things that determine whether or not what you |
| that lead the way for many other advantages. They | | | | get is really as good deal as you were hoping for. |
| are regulated, and therefore, consumers are protected | | | | |