Buying from a Dealer vs. Private Seller

If you’re in the market for a reliable used car around Costa Mesa and Tustin, then you may be stuck choosing between car dealers vs. private sellers. While there are surely different perks to each, only one can ensure you bring home the right vehicle that meets your driving standards and ensures you can stay within your budget. Learn more about the differences between car dealers vs. private sellers with the experts at Weir Canyon Acura and explore our inventory of pre-owned models for your next ride!

Buying from a Private Seller: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Owner’s Perspective: Private sellers have first-hand knowledge of a car’s smallest imperfections, so assuming they’re 100% honest with you, they can give you a good idea of what to expect from the vehicle.
• Niche Market: If you’re searching for very a specific make and model, you might have an easier time locating exactly what you’re looking for if you deal with a private seller. You typically won’t find rare or “historic” vehicles for sale at a dealership.

Cons:

• No Coverage/Protection: If you buy a vehicle from a private seller, there’s no warranty protection available should the car break down. Even if breaks down the same day, you’re 100% responsible for the repair bill. Usually, car dealerships offer some form of warranty coverage on a used car, so you’ll be covered if anything happens after you buy it.
• Iffy-at-Best Service History: Also, there may be little to no record of repairs and maintenances performed on the car, which means it could’ve been years since its last tune-up.

Buying from a Dealership: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Competitive Prices/Wide Selection: Dealerships price their used vehicles according to market values, and those prices can also be negotiated. You can also browse a wide selection of different types of used cars at a dealer like Weir Canyon Acura.
• Service & Parts Centers: At Weir Canyon Acura, you can keep your used car in great condition for years to come thanks to our cutting-edge service and parts centers.
• Certified Pre-Owned Inventory: Unlike private sellers, you can find certified pre-owned models at dealerships. Certified Pre-Owned Acura vehicles are pre-owned but offer warranty coverage, roadside assistance, special CPO financing, and more.
• Trade-Ins: Have a car you’d like to sell? When you buy from a dealership, you can get a value estimate on your current vehicle, trade it in, then put your earnings toward the price of the car you want to buy.

Cons:

• Financing: Most car shoppers who purchase cars from dealers finance their purchases, and some look at this fact as a negative aspect of buying from dealerships. While the most cost-effective way to buy a car is to pay in cash, that’s not always possible for car buyers. That’s where financing comes in.

Shop Used Cars for Sale at Weir Canyon Acura!

Now that you’ve learned more car dealers vs. private sellers, you can seal the deal on your next Tustin and Montclair ride. Shop our inventory at Weir Canyon Acura and see how you can save on your next purchase when you shop our selections of used vehicle specials or national offers and incentives. Find more helpful finance details and get started at home with out online finance application or monthly payment calculator. Contact us today for more information on car dealers vs. private sellers and to schedule a test drive at our dealership here in Anaheim!