Why You Should Always Buy Used Cars Directly from a Dealership
Some people prefer to buy used cars rather than brand-new cars. While there are arguments both for and against this practice, at the end of the day some consumers will always look to purchase used cars. To be sure, there can be some very good upsides to purchasing a used car. While it may require a significant amount of checking around, you can often find very good deals on a used car. Depending on factors such as who the prior owner was, how frequently he or she had the car serviced, and what type of driving the car was primarily used for, it is sometimes possible to get a car that is nearly as good as new for a significant amount less than you would otherwise pay.
That being said, many people are faced with the question of who should they buy a used car from. Whether purchasing from a private individual, an online clearance site, or some other entity, the question of where you purchase your used car is one that should be approached with caution. The fact of the matter is, there are significant risks involved in purchasing a used car from anywhere besides a dealership. Here are a few things to consider when you are buying a used car, and a few reasons why you should only buy your used car from a reputable used car dealership.
Dealerships Have a Reputation to Uphold
Perhaps one of the biggest things you should consider when you are buying a used car is what may happen in the event that the car proves to have some problems. While many used cars are in perfectly fine shape, there are also many that have hidden issues. These issues can show up shortly after the sale, or father down the road, and could cost you serious cash. if you cannot get help from the party that sold you the vehicle.
If you purchased your used vehicle from a private party, you may find that he or she is unwilling to help you out, as most used cars are considered to be sold “as is,” unless stipulated otherwise in writing. Even if a mechanic’s inspection shows no apparent problems, repair issues can develop anytime. On the other hand, dealerships are not as quick to spurn the requests of their customers. For one thing, they have a reputation to uphold. They are aware that people talk to each other, and that a disgruntled customer will spread word of his or her experience around. As such, they are usually much more willing to assist customers with repairs for conditions that existed when the vehicle was sold. In addition, most reputable used car dealership will provide their customers with a warranty covering some, or all, of the vehicle’s components for a specified number of months or miles. And many dealers offer their customers the option to purchase extended warranties.
Dealerships Have Experience in Maintaining and Evaluating Cars
Another thing to keep in mind is the difficulty in evaluating a car. Many private party sellers may have no intention of selling you a used car that they know is on the verge of breaking down, but they may simply be unaware of hidden issues. On the other hand, dealerships know how to examine the car and determine whether something may be about to cause problems. They will carefully inspect the car they are selling and make sure that any obvious defects have been repaired before they sell it to you. Remember, they want to establish a strong relationship with you, and they want to earn your future business, so they’re going to do everything they can to be sure that the used vehicle they sell you is mechanically sound.
You Always Know Where to Find Your Dealership
If you purchase a car from a private party, and the car turns out to be a lemon, you may find that the seller is gone when you go back to ask him or her for help. This is especially true in the case of someone who is selling their possessions in anticipation of a move, or a private party in the military who is getting ready to switch duty stations. Whatever the story, you may find that the private party seller is nowhere to be found just when you need him or her. In contrast, dealerships are staples of the communities in which they are located. Many of them have been in operation for decades, and they are not likely to vanish anytime soon. So, if you have any issues, you know just where to go to find them.
Dealerships Can Help with Financing and Reduce the Hassle of Selling Your Old Vehicle
Finally, when you purchase a used car there is a good chance you will need to take out a loan to do so. Very few private sellers are going to be willing or able to finance your purchase. On the other hand, dealerships frequently have the ability to help you drive away in the used car of your choice, even if you don’t have the cash on hand.
Finally, if you buy your car from a private party, that means you’ll still have to figure out a way to sell your current vehicle. Running an ad, fielding calls, and haggling over the price can be a real headache. On the other hand, if you purchase from a dealership, chances are very good that you’ll be able to trade in your old set of wheels, meaning one less issue for you to deal with. Buying a used car fro a private party might cost a little less than from a dealer, but buying from an established dealership will give you peace of mind and confidence in your new vehicle.
Fairless Motors has been family owned and operated for over 30 years, and we’re here to help you find a reliable, affordable used car or truck for all your driving needs. When you shop for a vehicle at Fairless Motors, you’ll be greeted by an amazing sales team that provides a no-pressure buying experience. Every vehicle in our inventory has received a complete inspection, professional detail, paint-less dent repair, if needed, and has been serviced and test-driven to ensure quality and capability. You’ll receive a Carfax or AutoCheck vehicle history report with any vehicle, so you can always shop and drive with confidence.
Financing options are available for all types of credit, with APR rates starting as low as 1.9%. When you come to Fairless Motors for a used car or truck, you’re buying a quality vehicle that you know is worth the price on the sticker. We offer a fast-track to credit approval with our simple and secure online finance application; simply fill out the online form and you’ll receive a personalized auto loan quote in minutes. We’ll accept your trade-in vehicle as well, and you can use our Value Your Trade tool to see how much you could get for your old car, and how much you could offset the cost of your next vehicle. Whether you have good credit or poor credit, Fairless Motors’ financial team will help you create the financing options that work best for you.