What’s the Best Place to Shop for a Used Car?

What is the Best Way to Look For a Great Deal on a Pre-Owned Vehicle?

There are almost too many places to shop for car buyers of today. From online classifieds to social media marketplaces to dealership websites, we are overwhelmed with choices and a nearly infinite supply of cars. So just where can we go to receive the best deal? It boils down to 3 options: a private seller, a dealership, or a used car lot. Every choice has its pros and cons, but when you’re making such a large decision you want the best deal you can.

Purchasing at a Car Lot

An independent used car lot offers some of the benefits as a big dealer, like a big selection of vehicles and the ability to view them online. You can still get a bigger selection of vehicles and the possibility of browsing them online at a pre-owned car lot, but they also do offer more risks to shoppers. While some could be an established part of the community, many others appear to come and go almost overnight. Here are a few of the other important differences between a dealer and a used car lot:

CPO – Certified Pre-Owned vehicles are only available at manufacturer-authorized dealers.
Vehicle Financing – The interest rates are generally higher than most if they provide financing.
Condition of the Car – Be on the lookout for high mileage cars with vague histories.
Reputation – Some used car lots pick profitability over customer service.
Mechanics – Used car lots often only have limited mechanics on-site, possibly with minimal experience.
Pre-Sale Repairs – ‘Quick fixes’ may be employed to save money and maximize profits.
Vehicle Inspections – Inspections at used car lots are usually not quite as comprehensive.

Buying at the Auto Dealer

While many folks will agree that it’s the most convenient way to buy a used car, there are some that think they can score a less expensive deal somewhere else. Nothing can equal the service we can provide you, even if you could possibly get a lower price somewhere else (most likely with even more miles and fewer guarantees on condition).

A few of the advantages of buying here are:

Multiple Financing Options – We have multiple options.
History Reports of the Vehicle – Know the history of your new car.
CPO Vehicles – We have Certified Pre-Owned cars for peace of mind.
Delivery of Your Car – We can deliver. Just ask.
Helpful Hours – We have long hours of business so that we can be ready when we are needed.
Plenty of Customer Reviews – See what other customers think.
Pricing that is Objective – Our experienced pricing professionals work diligently to provide fair prices.
Large Selection of Used Cars, Trucks, and SUVs – Our selection is bigger than most.
Online Buying – You can buy online if you can’t make it to the dealer.

Buying at an Independent Seller

If you’re searching for a specific car, especially an old vehicle, then a personal seller might be your best option. You may get a seemingly great price on the used vehicle you are looking for, but you assume almost all of the risk in this situation. You will be accountable for all of the features found here at the dealership:

Customer Reviews – There may be absolutely no background information. Can you believe the seller?
History of the Vehicle – You are paying for the vehicle history reports.
Financing – While many private sellers want cash, you can also try financing through your own lender. Either way, your choices are smaller.
Warranty – Caveat Emptor, Buyer Beware
Pre-Purchase Inspections – A 3rd party inspection is suggested before you buy, but you’re on the hook for the cost.
Current Condition of the Vehicle – There might be reasons why they’re selling the car.

Pre-Owned Cars & Trucks From Private Sellers

Visit Volkswagen of Alamo Heights for Used Cars

Volkswagen of Alamo Heights is here to help you discover a distinguished choice of pre-owned cars and SUVs for sale in San Antonio, TX. Whether in-person or online, you can buy, sell, trade, or get pre-approved for financing with ease. Our awesome 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.