Dealership or Independent Seller? Things to Consider When Buying a Pre-Owned Vehicle

It isn’t uncommon to see drivers cruise around San Jose, CA in a Nissan or another new vehicle. However, there is no denying that brand new vehicles can be more costly. This is why many drivers spend their hard earned money on used vehicles.

 

There are tons of benefits that come along with purchasing a pre-owned vehicle. These models are generally cheaper to purchase, insure and maintain. Additionally, pre-owned vehicles don’t depreciate as quickly. This means that a person can sell a used vehicle for less of a loss from their original purchase price.

Buying a Pre-Owned Vehicle From a Dealership

When searching for a pre-owned vehicle, many drivers will either go to a dealership or an independent seller. Both of these options have their own sets of positive and negative aspects. Before making a final decision, drivers should learn both of pros and cons for each option. This helps drivers make the right decision.

Drivers Know What They Are Getting

Drivers that go to a used vehicle dealership have a better chance of knowing exactly what they are going to get. This is because many dealerships are very transparent. In this context, the term transparent refers to how honest the salesperson is. If the dealership has established a trusted reputation, they aren’t going to want to hinder it. Because of this, most used vehicle dealerships only sell high-quality products. If there is something wrong with the vehicle, the salesperson will inform the driver before they finalize the purchase.

Certification

When looking for a used vehicle, drivers should always double-check to confirm that it has certification. For those that don’t know, certified pre-owned vehicles (also referred to as CPO vehicles) are slightly different from regular used vehicles. As an example, for a Nissan Versa in San Jose, CA to be certified, it needs to be cleaned, refurbished and inspected. Once this has been done, the vehicle is fit to be re-sold. Drivers prefer certified vehicles due to the fact that they have less problems.

 

Thankfully, there are a number of pre-owned vehicle dealerships that sell CPO vehicles. Drivers that want to learn more about this service should visit a Nissan dealership in the San Jose, CA area.

Lack of Wiggle Room

There is only one real downside to purchasing a pre-owned vehicle from a dealership. The primary negative aspect is that buyers don’t have much room to haggle. This is because, like all other businesses, vehicle dealerships need to make a profit. This allows them to keep the lights on and the staff paid.

 

Although the salespeople aren’t able to negotiate very much, there is a way that drivers can save some money. Many dealerships will offer seasonal sales. If a buyer is patient and waits for the right time, they can potentially save thousands of dollars on their used vehicle.

Buying a Pre-Owned Vehicle From an Independent Seller

Flexibility

Drivers that have a silver tongue should consider purchasing their used vehicle from an independent seller. This is due to the fact many many sellers are are willing to negotiate on the price. This flexibility can save a drivers a fair amount of cash.

 

Convenience

Like all other businesses, vehicle dealerships have set hours. This means that a buyer can’t arrive at 9 P.M. and expect to talk to a salesman. Because of this, it is difficult for people who work inconsistent hours to visit a dealership.

 

However, by going to an independent seller, the buyer is able to pick a time that works for both parties. Many sellers are willing to accommodate potential buyers as long as they are given reasonable notice. This makes it more convenient for drivers that can’t make it to the dealership on time.

Lack of Variety

One of the main reasons that people go to a used vehicle dealership is to peruse through the different options. Most used car dealerships have dozens, sometimes hundreds, of vehicles for sale.

 

However, most independent sellers usually have one vehicle for sale. This means that drivers have to spend more time going to a number of locations to look at different models.

 

Not as Reliable

As mentioned earlier, when a driver goes to a dealership, they know that the vehicles will be in good condition. However, this is definitely not the case with independently sold vehicles. Everyday drivers don’t have a reputation to uphold, nor do they need to have certification. This means that a driver could easily purchase a lemon from an independent seller.

 

Before committing to an independent seller, drivers should always ask to take the vehicle for a test drive. While driving, buyers need to thoroughly assess the vehicle. Buyers should ask themselves questions like:

 

• How many miles does the vehicle have?
• Is the vehicle making any peculiar noises?
• How does the vehicle handle? Does it feel loose or stiff?
• What does the exterior look like? Is is in good condition or starting to rust?
• Is the vehicle producing any odd odors? If so, where is the smell coming from?

 

Prior to meeting with the seller, buyers should write down a list of questions. By writing the questions down, the buyer will know exactly what to ask.

 

Many drivers know that purchasing a pre-owned vehicle can be quite advantageous. They are affordable and practical options for all types of drivers. However, before they can find the perfect pre-owned vehicle, drivers need to figure out where they are going to purchase it. The two common options are dealerships and independent sellers. Each of these options offer their own sets of pros and cons. Before making a decision, drivers need to learn these positive and negative aspects. Anyone that does this will be able to find and purchase the used vehicle of the dreams.

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