Where Is the Best Place to Buy a Used Car?

When it comes time to explore used cars for sale near you, you have a couple of options. Of
course, not all of these choices are equal. From searching Google for “used cars – dealerships
near me” to investigating ads online, here is what you need to know about the best place to
buy a used car.

Private Sales

A private sale is when you purchase a car from another person without the involvement of a
used car dealership. You might find the car for sale online, in an auto trader/sale magazine, or
through your network (i.e., a friend of a friend). The plus side of a private sale is that you might
find a better price than you would at the dealership. If the sale is from a friend or family
member, you might also enjoy a seamless transaction.

While private sales can sometimes be the right move, there are plenty of risks involved. For
example, private sales are sold “as is.” That means you have no recourse if the engine blows up
during your first week of ownership. Sure, an individual cannot hide major flaws from you in the
sale; it’s not easy to prove that they knew of an issue before they sold it to you.

Private sales can also be competitive. If the car is a good deal, everyone will want it. On the
same note, private sellers often don’t know the true value of the car and may try to sell it for
more than it’s worth, not to mention the hassle of setting up a showing, dealing with getting
the money, etc.

At Auction

Auto auctions are popular ways for people to find used cars. In fact, those dealers who come up
in your search for “used cars – dealerships near me” probably get a significant portion of their
inventory from auctions. While you might be able to find a good deal on a pre-owned car,
you’re also competing against dealerships with deep pockets, on-site service teams, and deep
knowledge of the market.

The hardest part of an auction is that it’s easy to get emotionally attached to a vehicle, which
results in paying way more than it should just to get the winning bid. These automobiles are
also sold “as is.”

Used Car Dealership

There’s a reason people search for “used cars. – dealerships near me” over and over online.
Dealerships provide less risk than auctions or private sales. Dealerships are regulated and have
to follow more regulations than other options. If something happens with your car, you can
explore some kind of recourse.

Another benefit of a used car lot is that they provide financing. You can obtain financing for
private sales, but it’s a much more complicated process. Dealerships can approve financing on-
site and get you into your dream car the same day.

The “best” option for your next used car depends on your needs, situation, and budget. Many
shoppers explore all of their options at the same time in hopes of finding something that works.
Others save their time and find a reputable option from their search for “used cars –
dealerships near me.” The choice is up to you.