Knowing the Distinction, Between a Private Owner and a Used Car Dealer

Posted Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Just because you’re buying a used car doesn’t mean you should let your guard down in terms of your finances. Depending on your budget, the transaction might disrupt your budget until you’re able to pay it off.

It’s always a good idea to buy the car from a used dealership instead of going to a private owner. This is simply because used car dealerships have a lot more riding on the line than private owners. The latter may not worry about negative feedback because of a deal gone bad, but every transaction could make or break the dealer’s reputation.

Let’s take a more in-depth comparison of used car dealers with private owners.

Vehicle Selection

For obvious reasons, a private owner usually only has one car to sell, mostly because they need to liquidate the asset for a pressing need. In some cases, they may be hoping to finance the purchase of another car (usually a brand-new one) by selling the old car.

A used car dealer, on the other hand, has an extensive collection of vehicles to choose from. Whether you’re in the market for a heavy-duty work truck, something for the family, or a sporty SUV to cruise around town, a used car dealership like Advanced Auto Sales will carry the car you want.

You can find cars of various makes and models equipped with everything from high-end upholstery to heated seats and everything in between. What’s more, Advanced Auto Sales also helps you finance the car.

Financing Options

When it comes to paying for a used car from a private seller, usually from places like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, you may have to pay for the transaction with cash. Most financial institutions, including banks, may not want to finance these cars. This is because private sellers don’t usually have a reputation to uphold, and they may not have a reputation to be entirely transparent about the vehicle’s condition.

For most motorists, financing options are a vital aspect of buying a used car for many. If the used car ends up having a faulty engine or other detrimental issues, the motorist may end up abandoning the car loan. This means that the bank won’t get much out of the deal. This is why banks aren’t willing to finance used vehicles from private sellers.

On the other hand, used car dealerships like Advanced Auto Sales provide you with various financing options because of an extensive network of lenders. Even if you have a less-than-ideal credit score, you should be able to secure a loan on your terms.

The Price

Although buying used is cheaper, you may notice a difference in how private owners and used car dealers price their cars. In general, you may notice that the same vehicle may be slightly cheaper with a private seller compared to a dealer.

This is primarily because dealers have invested too much into each used car, and they are driven to make a profit from the cars they sell. Private sellers are usually more inclined to negotiate the prices in your favor to get rid of the vehicle.

At Advanced Auto Sales, you can compare the prices of various used cars. You can also choose from the vehicle’s make, model, and year to see different options. You can also learn important details such as location and mileage, as well as how much you may have to pay if you were to choose from a private seller or dealer.

Peace of Mind

A big advantage of buying used cars from dealers is the peace of mind you get. Dealers spend their resources on making sure the car is in peak condition, not just in terms of aesthetics but also mechanical integrity. They also give you a complete rundown of the car’s history, including accidents, repairs, and the number of owners they’ve had.

Purchasing from a used car dealer like Advanced Auto Sales also makes you feel secure in the transaction with the help of a warrant. You may be able to get a short-term warranty, which would give you enough confidence that you aren’t wasting your money.

A warrant also indicates that the dealer is confident their car will work as intended, unlike a private owner.

Convenience

Private owners have various obligations, including a job, that takes priority over you. On the other hand, you can visit a dealership at your convenience during their operating hours. Think of the dealership as a one-stop shop for all your purchase needs.

They offer services such as warranties, trading, and others. A used car dealership will also buy your old vehicle if you’re looking to sell it. A private party, on the other hand, simply wants to get rid of their old car as soon as possible.

The dealership also takes care of the paperwork, such as registration and transfer of the used car. They know the ins and outs of the paperwork and see exactly what needs to be done to make sure you get ownership of the car.

Pressure to Buy

Used car dealers often have monthly, quarterly, and yearly quotas to meet for sales. This often means you will feel pressured into buying a car. A private owner, on the other hand, doesn’t have to meet such quotas. As such, you will notice that the dynamics of dealing with private owners and salespersons at used car dealers are very different.

The private owner is usually less energetic compared to the overly enthusiastic salespeople. In other words, a private party places less pressure on you to buy, and the atmosphere is a little more relaxed. In most cases, many potential buyers reach out to private sellers, and as such, they’re generally fine with you if you decide to abandon the transaction.

Wrapping Up

There are many advantages of buying a vehicle from a used car dealership, including peace of mind, a professional environment and knowing that the seller has a reputation to maintain in their community. Both sides have their pros and cons. But if you were to choose an option from the perspective of longevity and quality, you may be better off choosing a used car dealer.

Ready to buy a used car? Check out our extensive collection of reliable, inspected, and quality vehicles at Advanced Auto Sales here.