Why Buy a Used Car from a Dealership vs. Private Seller?

If you are in the market for a quality pre-owned vehicle you may ask yourself, should I buy a used car from a dealership near me or a private seller? Which is the best place to buy a used car? The truth of the matter is, there’s more than one way to buy a used car. For most car shoppers in the market for a used vehicle, the choice boils down to purchasing from a pre-owned car dealership in your neighborhood vs. from a private seller.

Buying a used car from a dealer means you can get a wider selection of vehicles to fit any budget, better financing options and all-around peace of mind. Purchasing a used car from a private seller can also be a lot riskier than purchasing from a pre-owned dealership.

Vehicle Selection

When you buy from a dealer vs. a private car seller, you’ll have a much wider selection of pre-owned vehicles from which to choose. Whether you’re in the market for an affordable family car or a heavy-duty work truck, or a sporty SUV for cruising the town, a dealership will likely carry the vehicle you want or may be able to find one for you. At buy here pay here used car dealerships such as CarHop, you can find cars from all sorts of makes and models, equipped with everything from heated seats to leather upholstery to navigation. What’s more, CarHop has locations across the country and serves the following states:

• California
• Colorado
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• Oklahoma
• South Dakota
• Washington
• Wisconsin

Financing Options

When it comes to paying for a vehicle purchased from a private seller, typically from places like classified newspaper ads, Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, many banks won’t finance these vehicles. In the eyes of banks, private sellers don’t have a reputation to uphold, and they may not be 100% accurate or truthful about the condition of their vehicles. 

Financing options are a crucial part of purchasing a used vehicle for many, and because if a buyer finances a vehicle with detrimental issues, such as a faulty engine, they can abandon the car loan — meaning the bank gets nothing but a car that can’t be driven. This is why many banks won’t finance used vehicles purchased from a private seller. 

Many used car dealerships like CarHop offer financing options such as  Buy Here, Pay Here in-house options, which gives drivers with less-than-perfect credit financial freedom and the reputation of a quality used car dealership.

Peace of Mind

Buying a private sale used car can be risky, especially if you are viewing listings online without looking over a vehicle in person before purchasing. It’s important to ask the right questions, take the car for a test drive, and make sure it has adequate service records. If you’re not careful, you could end up with a car that has serious problems, which could cost you hundreds or even thousands in repairs. 

Purchasing a used vehicle from a reputable used car dealership can give you the peace of mind you need when you are in the market for your next car, truck, SUV or van. CarHop takes pride in every car we sell on our lot. That’s why we offer a Great Limited Warranty* on each vehicle, as well as a Satisfaction Guarantee. You won’t get either of those benefits from a private seller!

Shop Quality Used Cars at CarHop!

Buying a used car from a buy here pay here dealership is an easy way to find the car you want with reasonable financing plans and a quality guarantee that is unmatched by private sellers. 

Do you have questions about our used inventory? Contact us today, or visit one of our locations near you.

*See dealer for copy of limited warranty