Buying from a Dealer vs. Private Seller

As you shop for your next used vehicle around Matthews, you’ll have two options: buying from a local dealership, like South Charlotte Chevrolet, or buying from a private owner. Both come with advantages and disadvantages, making choosing one over the other a tough choice. So, what’s the difference between buying from a dealer vs. private seller? Find out in South Charlotte Chevrolet’s car dealer vs. private seller comparison below!

Car Dealer vs. Private Seller: Buying From a Private Owner

Pros:

• Owner’s Perspective: One of the biggest perks of buying from a private seller is the first-hand knowledge they can provide. The vehicle’s owner can give you all the details about how the car drives on the Ballantyne roads, what imperfections it has, and any exciting features you may be unaware of. That said, this advantage is only applicable if you can trust that the owner is 100% honest with you.
• Niche Market: If you’re looking for a specific make, model, and model year, you’ll likely have a better chance of locating the exact car you’re looking for with private sellers. This is especially true for rare or classic vehicles, which typically won’t be found on dealer lots. 

Cons:

• No Coverage/Protection: The biggest difference when comparing buying from a dealer vs. private seller is the coverage you receive once you officially buy the car. Buying from a private owner gives you no warranty protection or coverage, so you take a chance on purchasing the vehicle “as-is”, not knowing if a large repair bill is in your future. 
• Unreliable Service History: Depending on the seller, you may have little to no verifiable maintenance history for the car you’re interested in, meaning it could have been months or years since the car’s last tune-up or oil change. 

Car Dealer vs. Private Seller: Buying From a Dealership

Pros: 

• Competitive Prices/Wide Selection: Dealers tend to have a wide selection of makes and models on their lot, all competitively priced based on market values. This makes it easy to try a variety of models to find one that meets your Fort Mill transportation needs and budget.
• Certified Pre-Owned Inventory: Dealerships can offer a type of used car that no private seller can match: certified pre-owned models. These vehicles have been verified for quality based on OEM standards and come with warranty coverage, roadside assistance, and more. 
• Trade-Ins: Looking to sell your car? Dealerships make it simple! When you buy a used car at a dealership, you can sell your current vehicle and put its value towards your new-to-you model! Get started by seeing how much your trade-in is worth with South Charlotte Chevrolet’s trade-in estimator. 
• Service & Parts Centers: If the pre-owned car you’re interested in needs maintenance or minor repair, dealerships can assist with their on-site service and parts centers!

Cons: 

• Financing: While the most cost-effective way to pay for a used car is with cash, that’s not always possible. Though financing a used car can be beneficial, many drivers see dealers offering financing options as a negative aspect of dealing with dealerships. 

Find Your Next Used Car at South Charlotte Chevrolet!

When you’re ready to start shopping for a used car at our Charlotte dealership, visit South Charlotte Chevrolet! Our team offers everything from pre-owned models listed under $15k to like-new certified pre-owned models with full warranty coverage. We also offer a rotating selection of pre-owned vehicle specials to help you save on your next vehicle purchase! No matter what kind of pre-owned model you’re looking for, South Charlotte Chevrolet is here to assist, so stop by today!