Where’s the Best Place to Purchase a Pre-Owned Car?
How Do I Look For the Best Deal on a Pre-Owned Vehicle?
There are nearly too many places to shop for today’s car buyers. From online classifieds to social media marketplaces to websites, we are inundated with options and a nearly unending supply of vehicles. So where can you go to get the best deal on a used vehicle? Ultimately it comes down to three options: a dealer, a small car lot, or a private seller. Each choice has its pros and cons, but when you are making such a big financial decision you want the absolute best deal possible.
Independent Seller Sales
If you are looking for a particular vehicle, especially an older vehicle, then a private seller may be your best option. You could get a great price on the pre-owned vehicle you are looking for, but you assume almost all of the risk. You will be in charge of all of these features found here at the dealer:
Customer Reviews – There may be absolutely no background info. Do you believe the seller?
Vehicle History – You’re responsible for paying for vehicle history reports.
Financing – Many private sellers want cash, but you can also try financing through your own lender. Your options are limited either way.
Warranty – Caveat Emptor, Buyer Beware
Pre-Purchase Inspections – An inspection by a 3rd party is suggested before you buy, but you would be on the hook for the bill.
The Car’s Current Condition – There might be underlying or unknown reasons why they are selling the vehicle.
Car Buying at Your Local Dealership
While most of us will agree that it is the easiest way to buy a pre-owned car, many think they can get a better deal somewhere else. Absolutely nothing can equal the customer service we provide, even if you could get a cheaper price somewhere else (most likely with a lot of miles and fewer guarantees on condition).
A few of the benefits of buying here are:
Helpful Hours – We’ve got extended hours of business so that we can be accessible when you need us.
Buying Online – Buy online when you can’t make it to us.
Car Delivery – We deliver. Just ask and we’ll see what we can do.
Large Selection of Used Vehicles – We’ve got a much larger selection than most.
Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles – For peace of mind, we have CPO vehicles.
Pricing – Our trained vehicle consultants work diligently to set competitive prices.
History Reports of the Vehicle – Get the historical data of the pre-owned car you might purchase.
Plenty of Reviews – It is easy to see what other buyers think.
Many Options for Financing – We have multiple options.
Purchasing From a Car Lot
A used car lot has some of the benefits of a big dealership, such as a large selection of cars and the ability to browse them online. You can still get a big choice of cars and the possibility of browsing them online at a used car lot, but they also do offer more risks. While some could be an established part of the area, several others seem to come and go quickly. Here are some of the other important differences between a dealer and a car lot:
No Certified Pre-Owned – CPO cars are only available at manufacturer-authorized dealerships.
Vehicle Financing – If they even have financing, their rates are often higher than most.
Condition of the Vehicle – Watch out for high mileage vehicles with potentially dubious backgrounds.
Reputation – Some car lots choose profitability over customers.
Service Technicians – Used car lots usually just employ limited repair technicians on-site, some with limited experience.
Repairs – ‘Quick fixes’ may be used to save money and maximize profits.
Vehicle Inspections – Inspections at used car lots are usually not as detailed.
Visit Gene Messer Volkswagen for Used Cars
Gene Messer Volkswagen is here to help you discover a noteworthy choice of pre-owned cars and SUVs for sale in Lubbock, TX. Whether in-person or online, you can buy, sell, trade, or get pre-approved for financing with ease. Our distinguished team of Volkswagen professionals is devoted to helping you find your next used car or SUV, no matter what make or model. Stop in today.
