Private Seller vs. Auto Dealer: Where to Buy

Car buying is no simple task. If it’s your first time, the entire complicated process can swallow you whole. You need to do your research so that you can make informed decisions along the way. Among the many decisions you will have to make is a choice between a private party and an auto dealer. Well, if you will ask an experienced buyer, one would most likely urge you to prefer an auto dealer, and there are a number of reasons why.

Why Not a Private Seller

If you’re buying from a private seller, don’t expect for many options. There won’t be a trade-in option because sellers want cash not another vehicle. This means financing might not be available either. Unlike in a dealership, you don’t own your time during car inspection. If you bring along a technician to check the car, you will still have to wait until the seller and the car become available.

Why a Dealership

The reasons are pretty obvious actually—more options that match your budget and driving specifications, selling process that follows strict state and federal laws, paperwork managed by the dealer and not by you, intact car warranty, and more. You even have the choice to take out financing if you don’t have enough money to pay in full. Plus, there will be trade-in options.

Of course, both options have their fair share of disadvantages. It just happens that buying from a offers more perks, especially if you are buying a car for the first time. If you are considering taking out a loan but you have a low credit rating, there are auto dealers that offer bad credit auto loan, which can definitely help. In terms of servicing, your vehicle is in good hands if you purchase it from a car dealership.