When you’re looking at a new or used car, there are a number of things you need to ask yourself. Particularly when looking at previously-owned vehicle, the question of buying from a dealership or from a private seller often comes up. There can be a number of reasons to go either way – but is there a clear winner in the discussion of a private sale versus buying from a dealer? Let’s look at the advantages of buying a car from a dealership instead of a private seller.

Dealerships will always have a better selection than a private seller. When you go the private route, you’ve got to find the private seller with a vehicle you want, and hope they are telling the truth about it. A dealership will have a vast inventory on hand that you can look through, and potentially see different trims and model years of the same vehicle. This often includes certified pre-owned vehicles, vehicles that have been thoroughly evaluated by qualified mechanics! 

Used car warranties are desirable, to cover the first few months of ownership at least. The last thing you want is a vehicle with issues you need to cope with right after purchase! Dealerships can often offer short-term warranties backed by the dealership and/or the car manufacturer they represent, as well as provide access to third party warranty offers or extended warranties. Private sellers can’t offer anything beyond the warranties that came with the vehicle from the start, providing they are transferable.

Buying from a private seller means having to figure out payment options – and transferring that payment – on your own. This involves working with a bank or credit union that might not have the faith in private parties – MarketWatch notes that private party loans typically come with higher interest rates than dealer loans! At the same time, using cash or a private check from your own account might throw up some safety or bank roadblocks as well.

Every vehicle sale comes with a mountain of paperwork that someone has to do. Dealerships are equipped for this, and generally have someone in-house that will make sure everything is squared away. They will take care of after-sale documentation like registration and title transfer, as well as helping you out with those financing forms mentioned above. If you are going through a private buyer, you’ll have to take care of all the paperwork with your DMV, any state sales forms, and other miscellaneous paperwork. You’ll have to travel to notaries, banks, and more. Dealerships are a one-stop-shop.

Dealerships have reputations to uphold. They know how word-of-mouth can tilt the view of customers. They will be invested in making sure everything goes smoothly, is represented properly, and that they provide the best bang for the buck. A private seller isn’t worried about this – they’re simply trying to offload the car, truck, or SUV they no longer need. We’re not saying a private seller will be intentionally deceptive or try to cheat you out of things. But they don’t have to follow the regulations that dealerships need to follow. They also don’t have to provide the ironclad Buyers Guide that a dealership must provide.

Private sellers can offer some great deals, but for many used-car hunters, visiting a dealership is the better option. They are just an all-around easier car buying experience! Visit us at Mechanicsville Toyota to learn more!