Buying from a Dealer vs. Private Seller

Is buying a used car from a private seller better than buying from a Wheeling dealer? There are a lot of factors to consider, like ease of financing, trading in your current car, and safety. We’ve put together a detailed comparison of buying from a dealer vs. private seller below.

Buying from a Dealer vs. Private Seller – Getting a Loan

If you buy from a private seller, and need financing, you’ll have to find a lender. But, instead of shopping around to every bank and lender in Washington, PA, you could just buy from us. We work with multiple lenders to find you the best rate.

Buying from a Dealer vs. Private Seller – Safety Concerns

If you know the private seller, safety may not be much of an issue. But in many cases, the seller and buyer in a private transaction are complete strangers. How can you be sure you can trust the person? Are you familiar with the neighborhood where you will be meeting? Is it a safe one? And that’s not to mention the inconvenience of trying to work out a time that works for both of you. It’s so much safer and eminently more convention to come to our dealership at a time that is good for you.

Buying from a Dealer vs. Private Seller – A Selection of Cars

A seller generally has one car available. Hopefully, when you get there, the car is in the condition it was advertised. This isn’t always the case. And what if you decide you don’t like the car? You’ll have to find another seller and start the whole process over again. But we have a wide selection of cars, so it should be easy to find one that’s right for you. And, if you don’t see the one you want in our inventory, we can likely get it for you.

Buying from a Dealer vs. Private Seller – Warranties

Most cars bought from private sellers are as-is. If it breaks down on you on the way home, you have no recourse. Certified pre-owned cars, however, have to pass a strict inspection and are covered by warranty. You’ll only find these vehicles at a dealership, not with a private seller. On top of that, we have a 3-Day Love Your Car Guarantee.

Buying from a Dealer vs. Private Seller – Trading in Your Car

What are you going to do with your current car if you buy your next one from a private seller? Now you have to find a buyer in the Steubenville, OH area, which is an entirely separate transaction. It’s simpler at our dealership. Just trade in your existing car towards your next one. But, if you buy from a private seller, you’ll have to sell your current vehicle in a separate transaction with yet another party.

Buying from a Dealer vs. Private Seller – Paperwork

Do you know how to do all of the registration and tax paperwork involved in buying a car? We do. And we’ll take care of all of it for you. But if you buy from a private seller, you will need to go to the DMV and take care of all of that yourself.

Check Out the Wide Selection of Cars at Elm Grove Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

We make it easy to buy a car at Elm Grove Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Why not come down today and take one for a test drive? And, if you’d like some more buying tips, check out our post on the difference between used and certified pre-owned vehicles. We’re just down the road from Martins Ferry, OH. So, drop by or contact us today!