Used Cars: For Sale By Owner vs. Used Car Dealers

You're looking for a used car, and you know thatOn the downside, a dealer, because of their higher
you have two main ways of finding one. You can gooverhead, will charge you more than a owner selling
to your local used car dealer, or you can look throughthe car himself would. This is something to consider
listings to find cars for sale by owner. Which way isbefore heading over to your local used car dealer.
best? Why choose one over the other? Read on toAnd speaking of for sale by owner, what are the
learn more.advantages there? Well, I already mentioned the big
Basically, the main advantage of buying through aone: lower prices. Since car owners can't offer you
used car dealer is that they generally can offer youthe same guarantees as a dealer can, they offer you
some sort of guarantee or warranty, though howmuch better deals.
much greatly depends on the dealer. Of course, suchUsed car owners can also tell you a lot more detail
promises are only as good as those who make them,about the history of the car than the dealer can,
so be sure to read and ask around to find outthough this is also subject to the trustworthiness of
whether or not the dealer has a good reputation.individual you're working with. Overall, though, if
Dealers are also able to arrange finance agreements,you're looking to save on a used car, going with a for
if you need them. Be warned, though, many dealerssale by owner listing can be a great way to go.
do not offer very friendly finance terms, so be waryOf course, an owner won't be able to finance the car
of taking anything you're offered.for you, so you'll need to arrange that separately if
A dealer should also be able to look over the car andneeded.
verify its mechanical functionality, though again thisSo, if you're still on the fence about which way to
type of service is only as good as the reputation ofgo, why not just try both? Visit some dealers, and
the dealer.talk to some individual sellers, and see which ones
A dealer also offers a wide selection in one location,make you feel the most comfortable. The more
making it easy to see and compare multiple cars inplaces you go, the more likely you are to run into
one outing. This is very convenient, especially ifthat used car of your dreams.
you're not sure exactly what you want.