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Where is the best place to buy used cars? 

 

Buying a used car can be a great cost saving approach to upgrading your vehicle, or finding your very first vehicle. New cars can be very expensive and are simply not an affordable option for most. Depreciation on new cars is very high, so by buying a used car you can avoid such a steep decline in the cash value over time. 

 

There are many places you can purchase new cars from, these fall into a few different categories that we are going to take a look at to weigh up the benefits and drawbacks of buying from each of these types of used car sellers. 

 

Private used car sellers 

These are individuals who are privately selling their used car, they may advertise on websites such as Auto Trader, eBay and Facebook marketplace amongst others. The website they are advertising their vehicle on doesn’t particularly matter as in many cases the transaction is done in person, we advise never to buy a used car from a private seller without viewing it in person first as pictures and descriptions can be deceiving. The difference with these sellers is they aren’t professionals and have no business association. They are often people who have a used car that they want to get rid of quickly.  

 

Benefits 

Buying a used car from a private seller has some benefits. 

  • You can often secure a cheaper price as sellers have no overheads 

  • The sale can be very quick - you can buy and drive away the same day in many instances 

 

Drawbacks 

Buying a used car from a private seller does have some drawbacks. 

  • No guarantees or warranties 

  • No professional check to make sure the car is working  

  • You have to arrange all of the paperwork and documentation yourself without help 

 

Privately owned dealerships 

Privately owned dealerships are another option where you can purchase used cars. These dealers source cars and sell them on. They often have connections or employ professionals to fix and improve the vehicles before they are sold on to the consumer. These dealers are not backed by the car manufacturers. Privately owned dealerships vary significantly, some will also advertise on places such as Auto Trader, Facebook Marketplace and their own website.  

 

Benefits 

Buying a used car from a privately owned dealership has some benefits. 

  • Lots of choice and many offer a return service for immediate issues 

  • Buying through a business offers some protection  

  • Many provide part-exchange services  

 

 

Drawbacks

Buying a used car from a privately owned dealership does have some drawbacks. 

  • Won’t necessarily have all of the cars history 

  • Not backed by the dealer  

  • Often don't go through rigorous checks 

  • Warranties and extras can be additional or provided by a third party. 

 

Approved used retailers 

Approved used retailers provide a service that is backed by the vehicle manufacturer. Each used car goes through testing to check its quality and make sure they fit the minimum standards. This includes the age of the vehicle, the vehicle condition and the number of miles. There are specific checks that vehicles go through from paintwork to mechanical components, if any issues are found these are fixed before the vehicle is sold on. Approved used retailers offer manufacturer backed warranties and conduct detailed history checks as part of the approval process. If you’re looking for a top quality car then buying from an approved used retailer is best. Approved used retailers also advertise online through websites like Auto Trader and their own websites. 

 

Benefits 

  • Approved by the manufacturer 

  • Go through checks and any issues fixed 

  • Lower mileage and newer vehicles 

  • Manufacturer backed warranty programme 

  • Often part exchange options 

  • Often finance offers available 

 

Drawbacks 

  • Can be slightly more expensive as you are buying a top quality vehicle 

  • Can take longer to process and get your vehicle 

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