Buying a used vehicle from a dealership or private party

Nov 18, 2020

People shaking hands over a piece of paper on a table

Should you buy a used car from a private seller?

When you’re buying a used vehicle, there are plenty of options to consider, such as whether or not you should buy a vehicle directly from a dealership, or from a private seller. A private seller is anyone selling their vehicle, whether it’s off the side of the road or from Craigslist. There are some advantages to each method, but one may be better for you.

Advantages of buying a used car from a private party

When you’re buying a used vehicle, you might be able to get a better deal, since most private sellers might not know the best price for their vehicle. They also may just want to get rid of the vehicle, which can work to your advantage when you’re negotiating the price. It might also be easier to negotiate with them, as most of the information they have is easily accessible online.

[Related: Craigslist Car Buying Tips]

Why you should buy from a dealership

When you buy from a private seller, you may get a better deal, but there are a lot of things that can go wrong. For instance, while all vehicles on a used car lot are inspected before they go up for sale, you can be sure that the vehicle you are looking at doesn’t have any underlying issues or problems. Most dealerships also provide you with a report detailing the vehicle’s history, whereas, with a private seller, you have to take them at their word. Buying from a dealership also means that you can get a warranty and that you are working with someone who knows what they are doing when it comes to paperwork and making sure that everything is in order.

For some, buying a vehicle from a private party makes the most financial sense, as most are looking for a flat, one-time payment. However, most drivers aren’t able to afford a single payment, especially if they’re looking for a nicer vehicle. Buying your used car through a dealership like OkCarz means that you have access to financial help, no matter what your credit score is.