Is it better to buy a car from a Dealer or Private Owner?

Question

What are the pros and cons

Answer 1

Dealer pros:
Warranty, customer service
Dealer cons:
You have to deal with shifty salesmen
Private pros:
Sometimes you get a car that has been well maintained.
Private cons:
They ask top dollar (don't know who these people are that think they sell it cheaper) and don't always disclose problems.

Overall, I would say the dealer is best, but if you go with a private owner, have your own mechanic check the car before you buy it.

Answer 2

I buy my cars from the dealer, and they are war rented. the last car that I bought was brand new, I received a great price, (I checked with the Auto Club) and I received 0% financing. The money that I saved on fuel costs paid for the car. I would only buy from a private owner if I was buying a used car and then I would take it to my own mechanic before I closed the deal. Private party owners usually sell there vehicles as is. Do really want a high ticket item without an enforceable warranty?

Answer 3

A mechanic once said both are bad because the private owners want more than the dealer is willing to give them for their car because it simply isnt worth as much as they think. Dealers are ruthless and want to sell a car to make a profit and they cover up problems so they can sell it without much trouble. My mechanic friend suggested that no matter where you go there will always be some kind of issue and never purchase a car without having a mechanic check it out first.

Answer 4

Dealers and auction houses sell vehicles for what they can get for them. Most do not have any maintance records on what they are selling Could be some underlying issues that they dont know about or even know where the vehicle came from. Private parties may be honest in telling you what they have had repaired and the history of the vehicle. Auction houses clearly state at time of sale, that the sale is final and in as in condition. Dealers if selling vehicle inspected may give you 30 or day used car warranty for major repairs. It could be a gamble either way. I would lean towards a private party, but take someone with you to look it over. Someone with a little knowledge of cars,a do _it yourself kind of person if possible. I have had good experiences with dealers and private parties, but you never know. Good inspection of condition of engine compartment for being clean and no signs of leaks along with the color of the vital fluids to see what they look like. If the engine is spotless that in it's self could be a sign someone is hiding something

Answer 5

dealers have laws to follow and butts to cover. if you want a car that you know has been gone through and has no major issues, buy from a dealer.

most dealers offer some sort of warranty at no extra charge to the customer that will at least cover you for a couple months.

if you do go dealer, go to a big name dealer like chevy chrysler dodge toyota, not a little pot lot on the side of the road, they have higher standards and more assets to protect.

its also not a bad idea to take a car to your local mechanic if you are going to buy private. if a private party will not allow you to do this, then run away fast
!

Answer 6

Private owner Pros: it is usually cheaper Cons: It might not be in the best shape
Dealer Pros: Usually in great shape Cons: Will cost a more than a private owner
You will also get a warranty on a car if you get your car at a dealership and if you are goin 2 buy a private owners cars...there is no guarantee on how long the car will run

Answer 7

I think the positives of dealing with a Franchise Dealer for most people are getiing warranty protection of some kind and the fact that a lot of times the Dealer can arrange better financing terms for the customer than the customer can get themselves.

Answer 8

I'd say private owner as this will typically be a lower price but make sure you have a mechanic check it over before buying it.

Answer 9

you have a better chance of getting a good deal with a private owner. a dealer is going to have a restriciton on haggling the price based on a predefined margin. you can be assured that a dealer will cut as much cost as possible in getting the car ready for sale and then try to sell it for as high as possible of a price. the goal of any business is to minimize cost and maximize profit...often at your expense.

Answer 10

Private is usually cheaper, but some dealers give a warrantee.