Buying from a Dealer vs. Private Seller

What’s the difference between buying from a dealer vs. private seller? Choosing between a car dealer vs. private seller can be tricky for Jacksboro drivers. Many pursue private sales in hopes of getting the deal of the century, but sometimes a car that seems “too good to be true” ends up being just that. For most drivers in the Weatherford area, a car dealership offers unparalleled convenience – and Bayer Graham is here to tell you why!

Buying from a Private Seller: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Owner’s Perspective: If you want an in-depth review of the car, an owner will have first-hand knowledge of every aspect of driving in Wichita Falls. Assuming they are honest with you, you’ll have a great idea of what to expect for the future if you purchase the vehicle.
• Niche Market: Dealerships tend to cater to a wide range of drivers, so if you’re looking for something specific, the private market is a great choice. You’ll have your choice of rare, exotic, and historic vehicles available – likely from collectors with expert understanding of the model.

Cons:

• No Coverage/Protection: A little luck is involved with buying on the private market. You might have years of fantastic adventures in the vehicle, or it might break down on the way home. But either way, you won’t have a warranty to fall back on.
• Service History Questions: If the car has documented maintenance, you’re in a good spot. If the owner doesn’t have any proof that the car was maintained, it’s difficult to accurately gauge its condition and quality.

Buying from a Dealership: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Competitive Prices/Wide Selection: Volume is the name of the game with a dealership, and because they move so many cars, you’ll enjoy two major benefits. First, you’ll have a huge selection to explore and second, you’ll get highly competitive prices.
• Service & Parts Centers: Most dealerships offer service onsite. That means you can schedule your first maintenance appointment or any repairs from the very place you purchased the car.
• Certified Pre-Owned Inventory: Not only can you find new and used models, but dealerships are the only places that offer certified pre-owned (CPO) models. CPO models offer warranty coverage, roadside assistance, special CPO financing, and more
• Trade-Ins: If you already have a car you’d like to upgrade, choosing a dealership makes a lot of sense. You can easily trade in your vehicle and then use that money toward the cost of your new car.

Cons:

• Financing: While you can pay cash at a dealership, most customers choose financing. And while financing isn’t quite as cost-effective as paying in cash, it is the most convenient option for most drivers.

Find Your Next Car at Bayer Graham!

We’ve gone over some of the pros and cons of buying from a dealer vs. private seller. If you want to discuss the benefits of buying from a dealer in person, stop by Graham. We’d love to let you know what we can offer you at Bayer Graham, and we’d be happy to get you behind the wheel of your dream car today! Got any questions in the meantime? Contact us at any time!