Searching for a new car?
Cars are in greater demand now than they were at the start of COVID.
But should you buy from a dealer vs. private seller? Buying from a dealer vs. private seller offers several benefits. However, buying a car from a dealer vs. private seller has drawbacks, too, like the dealer price vs. private seller price.
Let's examine what's involved in buying from a dealer vs. private seller, why you may want to choose a car dealer vs. private seller, and what to watch out for when working with a car dealership vs. private owner.
Buying from a Dealer vs. Private Seller
If you're interested in buying a new car this spring, you have a choice between a dealer vs. private seller car. The option you choose will depend on your expertise with vehicles and personal taste. It will also depend on your finances.
Let's examine the pros and cons of using a dealer vs. a private party selling a car in 2023.
Buying Car From Dealer vs. Private Seller Pros
An advantage of buying a car from a dealer vs. a private seller car is that new vehicle dealers often offer certified cars. This specifies that the used cars they're selling have been evaluated by qualified mechanics, so you can purchase from them confidently.
In addition, new vehicle dealerships have a wide variety of vehicles. A disadvantage of buying a used car from a private owner is that you may struggle to find the color, model, make, and options you're looking for in a car.
Buying from a Dealer vs. Private Seller Cons
Are you wondering about the disadvantages of buying from a dealer? Consider a private sale vs. a dealership sale if you feel intimidated by going to a dealership.
A private seller vs. car dealer may be less likely to use questionable sales tactics, which car dealers have earned a reputation for using. That's because many car salesmen are paid a commission, so their main goal is to sell you any car and earn as much profit as possible.
Dealer Price vs. Private Seller Price
The price difference between a dealer and a private seller is also an important factor to consider when shopping around for a car.
The dealer price vs. private seller price will likely be higher. So, if you're looking for a deal, buying from a private-party sale may be your best option.
This is because dealers have to make profits on every vehicle they sell. Private-party sellers are generally more focused on selling their cars quickly, so they may be open to negotiating with you.
More Car Dealer vs. Private Seller Factors
If you're considering buying a used car from a dealer vs. a private seller, you can request a detailed history of the car.
If you're buying a car from an owner vs. a dealer, a dependable private seller can also tell you their car's history, including its past accidents and mechanical problems.
Also, let's say you want to buy the car from a state hundreds of miles away. You can use a cross-country car shipping service to transport your new car to you.
A car shipping calculator can help you determine how much your shipment will cost.
Trusting Car Dealership vs. Private Owner
When buying a used car from a dealer vs. a private seller, you might be wondering how you can tell if a dealer is trustworthy.
A trustworthy dealership will answer all your questions honestly and clearly. They will also be members of a dealers association called the NIADA.
Also, how do you avoid getting scammed when buying a car online?
Online car buyers should choose only reputable websites when looking for private sellers. For instance, the best websites to sell a car online include Cars.com and Autotrader. The best websites to buy used cars also include TrueCar and CarGurus.
When considering a car presented in an online ad, you may want to search for the phone number listed with an ad to see if it's associated with other car sales ads. If so, the ad may be a scam.
Likewise, you may want to call the phone number listed in the ad. If the person who answers the phone asks you which vehicle you're inquiring about, this means several cars are connected to their number. This is another sign of a scam.
Many car owners who ask "How do I sell my car online vs. sell my car to a dealer" also use auctions to unload their vehicles. An auto auction can be an excellent way to get quality cars for less. You may even find a great deal on a certain car make and model you're looking for.
For instance, many shoppers visit online car auctions if they're looking for a famous or unique vehicle.
How We Can Help with Auto Transport
Should you buy from a car dealer vs. a private seller? Buying from a dealer vs. a private seller provides multiple advantages. However, buying a car from a dealer vs. a private seller also has cons, including the dealer price vs. the private seller price.
At Nexus Auto Transport, we can help you ship a car to another state whether you're buying from a dealer vs. a private seller. We've helped many customers who've bought from a car dealer vs. a private seller, and we can tell you what to watch out for when working with a car dealership vs. a private owner. Schedule a shipment now!
