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Buying a Used Car From a Dealership vs Private Seller

Buying a pre-owned vehicle is a big decision that will have major ramifications on your transportation for years. Buying a used car from a dealership vs. a private seller is the primary consideration.

What are the advantages of either, and how can you derive maximum benefit on your next used auto purchase? Sharpest Rides takes pride in helping the greater Denver Metro area secure the best pre-owned options with equal emphasis on reliability and style. Take the following insights to heart when comparing your used auto options, and secure your future mobility with no surprises and maximum ease.

Buying a used car from a dealership

A dealer's main advantages are financial and legal protections you simply won't receive from a private sale. Because no Colorado "lemon law" protections exist for used vehicles, you depend on federal equivalents that only apply to dealer warranties. With private used car sales, it's buyer beware.

High-end dealerships also put previously owned cars through a professional inspection process to guarantee their inventory's condition. Rather than second-guess every enticing option you see on the private market, a dealer staffed by expert mechanics helps you shop in peace, certain that every available option has been rigorously vetted.

The true condition of any used car is almost impossible to determine during a private sale (and if the seller refuses to take it for a private inspection, you know something's up). By contrast, a dealer staffed by expert mechanics is the only way to minimize the risk of major, even catastrophic, repair issues from the outset.

If you have the cash and extensive professional automotive experience, you may do well vetting private sellers. Yet, for most of us, even the most honest private sale carries a host of drawbacks that are hard to overcome. Further, a reputable used auto dealer can save you the enormous time you could spend adding value to other parts of your life and enjoying your new riding experience from the get-go.


Buying a used car from a private seller

By contrast, buying a used car from a private seller involves many more obstacles that amount to anything but a confident, worry-free buying experience:

  • No warranty coverage or guarantee on a vehicle's true condition
  • Little (sometimes no) legal protections
  • It's a full cash sale or nothing
  • Limited financing options, typically from a legacy institution
  • Poorer selection
  • No guarantee of the seller's reputation


Dealership vs private seller: which is better?

A dealer's used inventory will be expertly inspected and certified. You'll receive a much greater guarantee of a car's advertised condition. Additionally, used auto dealers can provide extended warranties and service plans for maximum peace of mind.

Private sellers don't offer any of these advantages, and it's not even necessarily true you'll find a better deal on the open market. The full cost of a used car includes long-term repair and maintenance, which is almost inevitably higher for cars that haven't been professionally vetted.

The true condition of any used car is almost impossible to determine during a private sale (and if the seller refuses to take it for a private inspection, you know something's up). By contrast, a dealer staffed by expert mechanics is the only way to minimize the risk of major, even catastrophic, repair issues from the outset.

If you have the cash and extensive professional automotive experience, you may do well vetting private sellers. Yet, for most of us, even the most honest private sale carries a host of drawbacks that are hard to overcome. Further, a reputable used auto dealer can save you the enormous time you could spend adding value to other parts of your life and enjoying your new riding experience from the get-go.


Expand your options with the Sharpest Rides today!

Buying a used car from a dealership vs. a private seller is far more advantageous than taking your chances on the open market. Even automotive experts remain wary of private sales, even when there may be good options. You'll almost invariably find only the best-used car options at a dealer with the experience and skill necessary to scout and fully vet the best pre-owned vehicles in the area.

Why go to the trouble yourself and go out of your element? The Sharpest Rides family is dedicated to helping communities in the greater Denver area find the perfect used automobiles. Our trained mechanics and empathetic sales professionals specialize in the Denver Metro area's most polished and reliable selection.

For expert assistance and hassle-free, contact The Sharpest Rides at 303-934-3410. We'll help you fulfill your quest for the perfect ride with 60-second pre-approval, fair trade-in options, and a high-end selection you won't find anywhere else.