Better to buy a vehicle from a dealer or from an owner?

AlwayzRight · Aug 10, 2010

Is it really worth buying a vehicle from a dealer for 2-3 grand more than from someone just selling thier vehicle on something like craigslist?

Thoughts???

SportSavant · Aug 10, 2010

I think its much better to buy priviate, after all, you can always make an agreement with the seller that you have the vehicle inspected at a dealer, get a 100 point inspection or something like that done, and you should be fine.

vinividivinci · Aug 10, 2010

Best way to buy a vehicle is to get a dealer to take you to an auction. Agree to pay him 300-500 to buy the car for you. You will save thousands of dollars. Can probably drive car for two years then sell it for a profit or break even.

I have been doing this for years and have always had good luck.

VVV

soonerdawg1 · Aug 10, 2010

i was thinking about this earlier.....got my vehicle paid off last month and was thinking about selling it and down grading and pocketing the extra cash....

according to the blue book, retail value is 7k but wholesale is only 4k.....figured i'd wind up screwing myself if i'm not careful

irishcapper · Aug 10, 2010

generally no recourse when buying it from an individual. individuals generally don't give any kind of warranty when a dealer may give a 50/50 warranty for a set amount of days. as a dealer it is hard for me to say. you may be able to get a good deal from an individual....pm me if you have any questions and i would be more than happy to give you guidance.

sparticus · Aug 11, 2010

Warranty from a dealer is usually charged out at FULL retail on parts & labor & then you get your used car warranty percentage off of the FULL retail price [dealers are not in business to lose money,lol]DUH! That is why they push the extended warranties for big bucks, hell some of the dealers own their own extended warranty companies,lol,gl.

hosnatcher · Aug 11, 2010

I am looking at this bad boy right now. This is my dream car.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230507557874&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Scoops · Aug 11, 2010

Thats a nice car Hosnatcher,a ho snatcher for sure.

treece · Aug 11, 2010

i like buying from a dealer. the car is always nice and clean and they usually give you some kind of warranty. you gotta know how to talk them down on the price.

Doug · Aug 11, 2010

I like private party sellers but you have to be patient and wait for the right deal. A nicely organized folder with all service records performed means a ton to me.

I could see a dealer if in a hurry.