Advantages of Buying a Used Car from a Dealership

When searching for the perfect used car, budget is usually at the forefront of a buyer's mind. There is a common conception that buying privately is cheaper, which is seen as a major advantage, but that is not necessarily the case. Here we look at the advantages of buying from a used car dealership, and the harsh reality of the cost of private sales which go wrong.

Used Car Dealer Reputation

A used car dealership thrives or fails on its reputation. A private seller has no such issues to worry about, and little is required in the way of verification.

Confidence in your seller from verified reviews

When looking to buy from a used car dealer, search engines, the dealership's own site, and various trusted review websites give you the opportunity to read reviews and testimonials of previous customers before you step foot in the dealership or view their stock online. Buying from a private seller usually means working on trust alone.

Used Car Finance

Choose from a range of financing options to open up your used car options and get the right car at the right price.

Access to Used Car Finance Options

When buying from a private seller you will usually need to pay cash on the day, limiting your buying options and potentially requiring you to buy an older or lower-spec vehicle.

Almost all used car dealerships will offer a range of vehicle financing options which can help you buy the used car you want and making monthly repayments in a way that suits you. This opens up a much wider range of used cars at affordable prices.

Part Exchange Your Used Car

Most people buying a new car or used car have a car they wish to sell or get rid of. A private seller willing to take a part exchange is a very rare thing, but this practice is commonplace when buying a car from a dealer.

Use the value of your existing vehicle towards your new used car

When buying used cars from private sellers you will need to make alternative arrangements for your existing vehicle. This may mean becoming a private seller yourself, using a car buying service, or scrapping your car completely. Each of these comes with its own set of inconveniences and can be time consuming and frustrating.

Part exchanging your current vehicle is one of the quickest and easiest ways to dispose of it when buying a used car. Used car dealers will resell higher quality cars they receive as part exchange, sending lower quality and older cars to dealers selling cheaper cars, car auction, scrap, or to be used for parts.

Convenience of a Used Car Dealership

Most private sellers will have just one or a small number of cars available for sale at one time. Each time you find a car you may be interested in you will need to travel to see it. Car dealers eliminate this issue by holding a large stick of used cars under one roof.

Wide Range of Used Cars Available in One Place

When buying a used car from a private seller you may have to travel many miles to view just one vehicle. If you decide to buy it, great, now you just need to arrange selling your existing vehicle. If you decide the new used car is not the one for you, you have had a wasted trip.

When considering a used vehicle from a dealership, you can view as many cars as you like from that dealership, providing a larger range of options and expert advice to help you choose the right car for you.

Used Car Purchase Risk Reduction

When you buy a car privately there is always the risk of something being not quite right, wither beknown or unbeknownst to the seller. The car may not be mechanically sound, it could be stolen, have outstanding finance, or even be a hire car. The law is not especially clear around much of these issues and compensation to the buyer from private sales is rare should something be found to be amiss.

Eliminate Many of the Risks Associated with the Private Used Car Marketplace

Buying used vehicles from a used car dealership means your next car will have undergone a thorough technical inspection from a qualified person with mechanical expertise. The dealership is legally bound to provide you with a safe and reliable car. They will also have reviewed any other potential issues such as the vehicle having outstanding finance or having been stolen.

Used Car Warranty

When a private owner sells you their car, the offer no guarantee, no warranty, and no breakdown cover. If the car is under three years old you should receive the balance of the manufacturer warranty, but after that you are on your own. Most privately sold vehicles are 'sold as seen', meaning you have no comeback should something go wrong.

Peace of mind through warranties and breakdown cover

Buying a used car directly from a dealership offers greater buyer protection than a private purchase, and peace of mind that should something go wrong, you will have full support and service from the dealership to get the issue resolved as soon as possible.

Most used cars come with a used car warranty as standard, and some with the option to upgrade to a lifetime used car warranty.

A high quality used car dealership should offer quality assurance on all vehicles, ensuring you find the perfect vehicle and delivering peace of mind on your purchase.

At DCC we have a wide range of used cars, all of which come with extensive AA Dealer Promise quality assurance, and minimum six month warranty and one year AA roadside assistance as standard. Visit our used car dealerships in Southampton and Portsmouth today to find your next car.