Yahoo Autos Discover the Best Place To Buy Used Cars
If you're looking to buy a new car but not a new-new car then it's important to learn about the best places to buy a used vehicle. While the process of buying a brand-new vehicle is pretty straightforward, there's more to consider when buying used. You want to make sure you're getting the best deal on a reliable vehicle while saving yourself the financial stress of buying a car fresh off the factory floor. For this reason, we've put together this guide to help car shoppers figure out the best place to buy used cars.
In general, used car buyers have two options when deciding where to get their car: a dealership or a private party. However, even within these two camps, you have many options for where to shop. We're here to help car shoppers like you weigh the pros and cons of each option so you can feel confident in your decision.
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Keep in mind, it's always in your best interest to do your research on any vehicle you plan to purchase. This means checking its vehicle identification number (VIN), getting a vehicle history report, and reviewing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration site to learn about any existing recalls on the vehicle's make and model. Now, let's learn where to go when you're preparing to buy.
Buying From a Dealership
Your first stop when shopping for a used car might be a standard, manufacturer-affiliated dealership. When you buy a new or used vehicle from a dealership, the process typically involves choosing a vehicle, getting a quote, and determining the best financing option.
Buying a used car this way has several benefits. First, most dealerships keep an updated list of their used car inventory online. This means you can browse the offerings at multiple dealerships and compare listings from the comfort and convenience of your couch. Second, dealerships typically have the option of in-house financing, which can add even more convenience to your experience. With in-house financing, the dealership can handle or reduce the amount of administrative work you have to do. Third, you can visit the dealership to see the vehicle in person and give it a test drive.
However, going straight to the dealership might not be the best option for everyone, and not every dealership offers the same experience. Before we get into the different dealership experiences you might have, it's important to understand some cons of buying from a dealership.
For one, it might be more expensive. You might get a better deal on your preferred make and model of used car by shopping elsewhere. Further, many dealerships specialize in only one type of used car, limiting your options if you're not 100% sure what you want.
Buying Certified Pre-Owned From a Dealership
If you're looking to buy a used car that's guaranteed to be in like-new condition, consider purchasing a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle from a dealership. These vehicles are usually low-mileage cars that have undergone inspection and been refurbished until they're on par with the manufacturer's standards.
Often, a CPO car is an off-lease vehicle that's about two to four years old. This gives you peace of mind knowing the vehicle you buy has been gently used. However, for these reasons, CPO cars might be more expensive than other used vehicles. So, if you're looking for a car that splits the difference between newish and used-ish (and don't mind paying a little more), a CPO car might be a good option.
Buying Noncertified Pre-Owned From a Dealership
If you want the other benefits of buying from a dealership, such as in-house financing, but don't need all the bells and whistles (or the price tag) of a CPO, then you can check out the other used car options through the dealership's inventory page. Any used car you purchase through a dealership has likely undergone an inspection. Based on this inspection, the dealership typically resolves any major issues with the vehicle before they sell it.
Most of this used car inventory comes from trade-ins, and many dealerships give you a direct link to the vehicle's CARFAX report or AutoReport page. While your used car might not be CPO-fresh, it's likely to be in decent shape and have more documentation than that hunk of junk Joe's selling up the street. As an added benefit, you can arrange a meet and greet to see the car in person and give it a test drive before you buy it.
Buying From an Independent Dealer
Your experience buying a used car from independent dealers might differ from that of buying through a manufacturer-affiliated establishment. Independent dealerships can vary widely in their practices and policies, so you're going to want to vet the independent dealerships in your area to verify their reputation. Good resources for researching independent dealerships include Yelp, Google, and the Better Business Bureau.
Before you jump in, it's also good to know that different independent dealerships can specialize in different types of vehicles. While these dealerships might not affiliate themselves with a particular automaker, they might have a specialty such as utility vehicles or luxury models. If you already know what kind of car you want, finding an independent dealership that works with that type of vehicle can be a good place to start. If you're keeping your options open, consider checking out a dealership with a good variety of vehicles to explore.
Visiting independent used car dealerships can be a good option if you're looking to buy a used car cheaper than what you can get at a chain. If you're working on your credit score, it might also be easier to get financed through these dealerships. Also, for many of these dealerships, used cars are their bread and butter. Because these lots specialize in used cars, they might have better insight into the used car market than other sellers.
However, this route comes with a few downsides. First, independent dealerships might not have the same access to the extensive inventories big-name dealerships have. Additionally, large dealerships often have more contacts with local banks, which can improve your financing options and make the process simpler. This means you might end up with a less-than-ideal financing package, including higher interest rates than what you might get through a big-name dealership.
Ultimately, your mileage might vary when it comes to working with these types of dealerships, so do your homework on both the establishment and any vehicle you're interested in purchasing.
