When shopping for a pre-owned car or truck, it may be tempting to jump on deals found online or even on the side of the road. There are some pros and cons to taking advantage of these offers, as opposed to buying from a certified used car dealer. Before going out and spending money on a seemingly favorable offer, do some homework, including checking out the condition, value, and history of the prospective vehicle.
Keep the following in mind when looking for a car through the following sites and sources:
A Certified Dealership
One of the advantages of working with a certified auto dealer is that customers will have access to a broad range of inventory at their disposal. If the car that you want isn’t on the lot, motivated sales staff may find it for you, checking out the local inventory in Memphis or other geographic regions, and saving the customer lots of leg-work.
Another perk of working with these dealers is that they frequently offer a grace period for buyers to try out the vehicle, covering any issues within the first thirty days of ownership. Extended warranties may also be offered, which may cover other repairs that could arise down the road. Most dealers have a reputation that they want to defend, which motivates them to satisfy their buyers.
The Local Paper
For years, the local paper was the first place that buyers would go when looking for a car or truck. This has been phased out to some extent due to the internet, which provides more current info to a more extensive consumer audience. The downside of buying cars and trucks through ads found in the paper is that frequently the vehicle has been sold by the time the prospective buyer gets in touch with the seller, which can prove very frustrating and time-consuming.
Craigslist
Buying anything off the internet is risky; you never know who you are dealing with or talking to when making transactions online. These ads may be legitimate, but the web is also a haven for predators, so never go alone to see a car or make a purchase. The price might be right, but it may be impossible to find a Craigslist seller after the sale, in the event something goes wrong.
An Auto Auction
Auto auctions are a good opportunity to buy cars at a low price, but they are always sold as-is, without warranties, and frequently they are not in a condition to be driven off of the lot. These may have issues in acquiring the title, which may create more headaches for buyers later. There are deals to be had at these venues, but don’t expect to be invited unless you have some affiliation with the auto industry, such as owning a local dealership or garage, or if you are invited by someone who has these credentials.
A Friend or Family Member
They say that the quickest way to lose a friend is to sell them a car. This may not always be the case, but a business deal, such as auto sale, can potentially cause friction for friends or family members later on. Unless the deal is too good to be true, or if the relationship is able to weather the storms of a business transaction, avoid buying from or selling to family and friends.
Truth be told, there are many alluring auto offers found online, in the paper, and even on the side of the road. If you want to buy a vehicle with the assurance of satisfaction and possibly a warranty, then a certified auto dealer is the best option. These businesses want customers to be satisfied, and they will likely stand behind their product.
