How Do I Find the Best Deal on a Pre-Owned Car or Truck?
Today’s car buyers have nearly too many places to shop for their next ride. From classifieds to social media to dealership websites, we are flooded with options and a seemingly unending supply of cars. So where can one go to receive the best deal? Ultimately it boils down to three options: a dealer, a used car lot, or a private seller. Each choice has its good and bad parts, but when you’re making such an important decision you want the best deal you can.
Buying at a Car Lot
An independent used car lot offers a few of the conveniences of a big dealership, like a large choice of vehicles and the ability to browse them online. You can still get a large selection of cars and the ability to browse them online at a pre-owned car lot, but they do offer more risks to buyers. While some car lots might be entrenched in the area, several others appear to come and go quickly. Here are a few of the other main differences between a dealer and a used car lot:
Inspections – Inspections at car lots are generally not as thorough.
Mechanics – Limited technicians on-site, some with minimal experience.
Vehicle Condition – Watch out for high mileage vehicles with questionable histories.
Certified Pre-Owned – CPO vehicles are only available at approved dealers.
Repairs – To maximize profits and save money ‘quick fixes’ may be employed.
Character – Some used car lots prioritize profits over customer service.
Financing – If they provide financing, their interest rates are generally higher than most.
Buying From Your Local Auto Dealership
While most of us will agree that it is the most convenient way to buy a car, some believe they can score a better deal somewhere else. While you might get a less-expensive price elsewhere (most likely with a lot of miles and with fewer guarantees), absolutely nothing can compare to the customer service we provide.
Advantages of buying here are:
Many Financing Options – We have multiple ways to get you financed.
Vehicle History Reports – Get the history of your new car.
Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles – For your peace of mind, we have CPO cars.
Speedy Delivery – We deliver. Just ask.
Helpful Hours – We’re open extended hours to be available when you need us.
Easy to Access Reviews – It’s easy to see what other buyers think.
Pricing that is Objective – Our experienced pricing consultants work diligently to offer you fair prices.
Large Selection of Used Vehicles – Most dealers don’t have the same selection.
Online Buying – Buy online if you can’t make it to us.
Buying From an Independent Seller
If you are looking for a particular vehicle, especially an old car, then a personal seller may be your only real option. You could get a seemingly great price, but you as the buyer take on nearly all of the risk in this situation. You will be in charge of all of the things found at the dealership:
Reviews – There may be absolutely no background info. Should you believe the seller?
Warranty – There is none, you buy as-is. There is no guarantee.
History of the Vehicle – You are responsible for paying for vehicle history reports.
Inspections – A 3rd party pre-purchase inspection is suggested, but you would be responsible for the cost.
Financing – Many private sellers want cash, but you can also try making payments through your own lender. Either way, your choices are smaller.
The Car’s Current Condition – There might be unknown or underlying reasons why they are selling the vehicle.
Visit Genesis of Southwest Houston for Used Cars
Genesis of Southwest Houston is here to help you discover an extraordinary choice of pre-owned executive cars for sale in Houston, TX. Whether in-person or online, you can buy, sell, trade, or get pre-approved for financing with ease. Our top notch team of Genesis professionals is devoted to helping you find your next used executive car or sedan, no matter what make or model. Stop in today.
