Private sale or dealership?

**lottaLove** · 12-07-2010, 08:15 AM

I'm saving up to buy a used car, which I'd like to pay cash for (not finance anything). I'm just confused about whether I should go via private sale or from a used car dealership.

The reason I'm confused is the huge price differences I see posted. Dealership vehicles are around 1-2 thousand more than a comparable vehicle bought directly from a seller.

Am I setting myself up for many costly repairs by buying a cheaper car from a private sale? Am I blowing my money away paying for the car from the dealership, or do they actually offer services to account for the inflated price?

I'm really new to the car buying game and want to investgate all my options before I go and make my purchase

If anyone has experience with this I would appreciate your insight.

**Russ** · 12-07-2010, 08:24 AM

As a general rule, a dealer will make more money on a used car than a new car. The finance company makes more than a dealer.

So, when you trade in your used car, they will give you as little as possible, and sell as high as they can because that's where their big profits are.

Find your car, then check kbb.com for it's value.

**Sophia** · 12-07-2010, 08:43 AM

We have bought from private sellers in the past and dealers. We have had success from both. I never I mean never buy new. 1 time buying new is all it took for dh and I to realize you save a ton buying used. Shop around a lot for what you want. don't be afraid to walk away if you can't get the price you want. there will be others. dh just bought a truck a few mths back and we shopped around a few mths. We wanted low miles and didn't care how old the truck was. we didn't want to pay over 10,000 for it and we found the truck it was an o6 with less than 40,000 miles on it. Got a good deal on it. ( I was thrilled for dh he had always wanted a truck but we had had to always get a family car.) I also about 6 years ago got a suburan that ran for around 50 to 55 thousand for 21,000. I still have it and love it. I told dh if the motor goes out we will buy a new motor. LOL. Good luck. hope all goes well for you. ck out auto trader. com
that is how we found the truck

**2ndGenGranola** · 12-07-2010, 09:29 AM

We have always had better luck with dealers. Some even offer a limited warranty on some cars.

**Contrary Housewife** · 12-07-2010, 10:05 AM

Used cars at the dealership are often 'certified' to be in good working condition and come with some kind of short warranty. You usually get a cleaner car, too, no smoke smells or ripped upholstery or body damage.

When you buy from an individual it is on you to determine what condition the mechanicals are in and you get no warranty other than your state's "lemon law" (if there is one).

We bought a used car at Carmax recently and got an 07 in pristine condition. We paid more than 'book value' but we drove off knowing the car truly was Like New and we had 30 days to return it no-questions-asked if we did not like it. I think we also have a 4 or 6 month warranty on parts and service.

**shoiji** · 12-07-2010, 06:38 PM

If you have a mechanic you can take the car to them to look over for you for before purchasing. Also make sure to check the carfax for the car.

I purchased a nissan from a private seller and it was the best car!! I purchased 1 car from a dealer and it lasted forever also. Another car I purchased from a dealer ended up being the biggest money pit ever, unfortunately it did not fall under the lemon law and I had financed a lemon!!!!