You want to buy a used car, but the question is, from where? You’re likely considering vehicles from both dealers and private sellers. Although both can be safe places to purchase a car, it’s important to evaluate which place offers you the best odds of purchasing a reliable vehicle.
We’re here to give you three tips on buying a used car, both from dealers and private sellers. Keep reading to find out if you’re better off working with a well-known dealership or if you feel comfortable handling transactions with a private owner.
1. Be Honest About Your Car Knowledge
Are you someone who has worked on cars and knows what matters? Or are you a driver who just wants a nice ride to get you where you’re going?
Your knowledge of vehicles can play a big role in where you should buy a car. When dealing with a private seller or a result from searching ‘Craigslist Albuquerque, NM cars by owner,’ it’s up to you to have some background information on what you’re looking for and what the red flags are. Private sellers likely know quite a bit about their vehicle, but it’s your responsibility to spot the warning signs of a poor car owner or a vehicle that’s in bad shape.
Remember: you can’t always trust that a car owner is telling you the complete and total truth about their vehicle, so a healthy dose of skepticism is always recommended.
There is only so much you can learn about a car from a test drive and a quick walk around. The good news is some dealerships will allow you to get a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic – you might not get so lucky with a private dealer.
At the end of the day, people who are well-versed in auto mechanics can likely purchase from a private seller with few problems. However, if you’re someone who has just perused a used car magazine but doesn’t know much about mechanics, you’re probably better off going to a dealership.
2. Stick to Your Budget
Are you planning on financing your vehicle or will you be paying upfront? Dealerships are often easier to work with when it comes to auto loans – some banks won’t finance vehicles that were bought through private sellers, and even if they do, it’s often a more complicated process.
On the other hand, if you’re trying to avoid the fees and fine print that come with a dealership sale, private owners can be easier to negotiate with. It’s sometimes simpler to walk into a private sale with a number in mind and stick to that number – without being tempted by add-ons.
Whether just browsing a New Mexico car and truck magazine or you’re ready to pull the trigger, it’s essential that you know your budget – and stick to it. Both private sellers and dealers can talk you into spending more than you meant to, so come prepared with a firm number in your head.
If you’re worried about spending more than you meant to, go with a private seller, but be prepared to pay the lump sum upfront. If you want easy financing, a dealership might be a better option.
3. Know Your Needs vs Your Wants
Before you really start browsing cars for sale in Albuquerque, NM, sit down and make a list of your needs versus your wants. Then, think about which list is longer and what really matters to you.
Are you determined to find the perfect vehicle model with a sunroof, leather seats, Bluetooth connections, and a plethora of other add-ons? Then you might have a better chance of finding your dream car at a dealership with a wide array of options.
Focused more on the necessities, like mileage and safety features for a family-friendly car? Your flexibility on the specifics of the vehicle might make it easy to snag a good deal with a private seller.
There are benefits to buying from either kind of seller, but it all comes down to what you need and want. If you’re going to be picky about the small details, go with a dealership.
In Conclusion
Buying from a dealer or a private seller can have its pros and cons. The important thing to consider is what you’re comfortable with. If you have a strong knowledge of auto mechanics and can quickly identify potential problems in a vehicle, both options can be feasible. But if you’re not an expert, want to shop around for the best features, or need to finance the vehicle, a dealership is definitely the way to go.
For any questions or concerns about finding a vehicle, reliable dealerships, or anything else related to used cars, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’d be happy to point you in the right direction!