Buying from a Dealer vs. Private Seller

If you’re shopping for a used car for sale in the Woodstock area, you have two choices: buy it privately or buy it from a dealership. While many car owners choose to buy their cars privately because they think they’ll get a better price, that’s not always the case. It’s certainly possible to find a great offer on a car being sold privately, but ultimately, buying from a dealership will save you time, hassle, and possibly, money. Read on to learn more about how buying from a dealer vs. private seller compares!

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 it breaks down 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 maintenance 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 Woodstock Chevrolet.
• Service & Parts Centers: At Woodstock Chevrolet, 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 Chevrolet 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 Woodstock Chevrolet!

At Woodstock Chevrolet, you’ll find a wide selection of reasonably priced used cars, ready for you to test drive! If you have questions about our inventory or used vehicle specials, don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at (815) 338-2780. We look forward to helping you find the ideal vehicle for your needs and lifestyle!