As all of us know that the used car market is achieving new heights but people are still confused about many aspects. In this article, we cover the most commonly asked question. Used car dealership vs private seller. Which one should you choose and why? Read on to find out a detailed comparison on how your buying experience will be different when you buy from a dealer and from an owner. Before starting, we would like to tell you that all the information you see here has been sourced from general buyer and seller trends and is not meant to defame any means of buying or selling. So, let’s get started and make you more aware of the current scene in the used car market!
Used Car Dealerships
Buying a used car from a dealership is just like buying a new car from the respective brand’s retail showroom. A used car dealership is basically a toned-down version of the new car showroom. Seeing the market surge in recent days, brands have started investing in the used car dealerships very much. We have seen popular brands emerge in the market. Not only these big brands, but the used car market has got some small dealerships too which operate on individual capacities.
Buying from a brand may let you trust it easily but is it the same case with small-level dealerships? Let’s have a look at all the pros and cons of buying a used car from a dealership.
Why Buy from Dealership?
Warranty
When you buy from a dealership, most of them readily offer you a warranty on the car although the warranty can range from a 30-day period to over a year. Most of them do offer a warranty which makes the people prefer dealerships for the used car buying experience. It might not be a full warranty but can be beneficial to the customer in many ways.
Warranty on used car
Trust & Accountability
Be it a small dealership or a brand, the shop has been there physically for years. People know about the exact location and trust it. If you buy a car from the dealership, most of them already carry out the repair work before-hand and if you still feel like something’s wrong, you can go back to them and ask them to help you to with the vehicle!
Wide Variety with Reliability
Whichever dealership you might choose to complete your purchase, they will offer you a wide variety to choose from. In the discussion of used car dealership vs seller, variety often gives an edge to the dealerships. You can choose from a large number of options for the same model. Also, they have built a reputation and will obviously like to maintain it so are less likely to sell a car which will cause you problems later on.
Used Car Dealership Variety
Ease of Paperwork
Usually, the dealership does all the paperwork for you. By this, we mean that they take all the hassle of the ownership transfer, finance and all the other legal formalities. You just have to go and collect your vehicle just like you would go to a new car showroom and sign the stuff!
Why not buy from the dealership?
High Prices
Honda CRV
While the dealerships offer you a wide variety of cars, their prices are often higher as compared to the private sellers. It is quite obvious. They have to pay the dealership maintenance costs as well so they charge it from the customers only. Nothing comes for free. Even the paperwork they do is charged extra. The only difference is some of them are transparent about it while some of them are not.
It’s business for them
Used Car Dealers
Buying a car is an emotion for many of us. The dealerships might try to hide some faulty parts or details behind that flashy car that might look good from outside. Dealerships are often blamed for reversing odometers and changing certain parts with lower quality replacements. Their only target is to sell the vehicle anyhow so they may not always be honest with you regarding the vehicle.
Confusion
Used-Cars-for-Sale
With huge variety comes great confusion! A used car dealer might show you 3-4 different variations of the same spec car and believe me it would be really difficult to judge each and every car on each and every aspect. All of them have their own pros and cons!
Private Used Car Sellers
Used car Seller
Another way how you can own a used car is by purchasing it directly from its owner. You may search for such cars on online portals or can simply spread the word in your circle and you might find a buyer/seller. While the pandemic is still on, you may need to follow certain protective measures if you are going to buy a used car directly from the owner. Let’s get started with the pros and cons of buying a used car directly from the owner.
Why buy directly from car owners?
Lesser Prices
Buying used car from owner
If you buy a used car directly from the owner, you will get a cheaper price than the dealership. Obviously, they have no extra expense to pay. You can check this yourself. Just head to an online portal and search for a particular car. If you ask a dealership for the same spec vehicle, you will realise the price difference! This is a major aspect that gives the private owners an edge over the dealers in the used car dealership vs seller battle!
Emotional Connects
Used Car Private Seller
Emotional Connect
While its pure business for the dealerships, a car forms an integral part of the family of the owner and therefore, there is a very less chance that that will hamper it before selling. We are not saying that you won’t find genuine pieces at the dealerships, but the higher probability of finding good, well-maintained cars still lies with the private sellers rather than small dealerships. I can still recall an instance where the owner got emotional while transferring the ownership as it was his first car! How can someone replace parts or tamper the do in such cases? Come on!
Simple judgements and quick decisions
Buying from a private seller
Unlike visiting dealerships, you don’t get confused when you go to a private seller. This is because you go to see and judge a particular vehicle and the decision could be a quick yes or no. Also, you will be able to judge the vehicle properly as there will be no other similar models distracting you! The only downside here is that if you don’t like it in the first go, you will have to visit someone else and it is not a good decision for sure considering the COVID outbreak!
Why NOT buy from private sellers?
No Accountability
No accountability Private Sellers
We know we said that most owners maintain their cars well but what if some major part fails after you buy it? It may not be noticed by the seller or even you can miss out certain aspects when you buy the car. Who’s responsible after the deal is made? It’s you only! The previous owner won’t hold himself responsible for anything once the deal is made. They can easily ignore your calls or even you. Just be aware that they are not answerable to you once the deal is done.
Paperwork Hassle
Car Paperwork
Paperwork
In case you are buying a car from a private seller, you will have to do all the paperwork by yourself. Unlike the dealerships, no one will help you out in this one. You will have to be at the relevant agencies and get the transfer done by yourself. For this, you need a lot of time and patience considering the country we all live in!
Conclusion
The used car dealership vs private seller comparison is the most talked about thing in the used car market. However, as a customer, you need to be aware of both of them. You never know who might cheat you! Don’t go for the flashy clean look that the cars at the dealerships boast. At the same time, do not go for the family atmosphere that the private seller might provide you. Just do your research properly. Measure all the parameters properly and judge if paying extra money to the dealership is worth it in your case. Above all have your auto mechanic to guide you. After all, you are the best judge and get to decide yourself!
Source: Vishal Khanna(Gomechanic)
