Where’s the Best Place to Shop for a Pre-Owned Car?
What’s the Best Way to Get a Great Deal on a Used Car or Truck?
Car buyers of today have nearly too many places to shop for their next ride. From social media to online classifieds to dealership websites, we are overwhelmed with choices and a seemingly endless supply of cars. So where can we go to receive the best deal on a pre-owned car? It comes down to 3 options: a dealership, a small car lot, or a private transaction. Every option has its pluses and minuses, but when you are making such a big financial decision you want the absolute best deal you can.
Buy-Here-Pay-Here Lots
A pre-owned car lot offers some of the same conveniences as a big dealership, such as a big selection of vehicles and the possibility of viewing them online. You can still get a big selection of vehicles and the ability to view them online at a pre-owned car lot, but they do present more risks. While some may be entrenched in the local community, many others appear to come and go almost overnight. Here are a few of the other main differences between a dealership and a used car lot:
- No Certified Pre-Owned – CPO cars, trucks, and SUVs are only available at authorized dealerships.
- Used Car Financing – If they even provide financing, their rates are usually higher.
- Car Quality – Watch out for high mileage cars with potentially questionable backgrounds.
- Character – Some car lots pick profits over customer service.
- Mechanics – Limited on-site repair mechanics, many with limited experience.
- Repairs – To maximize profits and save money ‘quick fixes’ may be utilized.
- Car Inspections – Inspections at car lots are usually not quite as comprehensive.
Shopping at the Auto Dealership
While a lot of us will agree that it’s the easiest way to buy a pre-owned car, many believe they can score a less expensive deal somewhere else. Nothing can beat the service we provide, even if you could possibly get a lower price elsewhere (likely with a lot of miles and with fewer guarantees on condition).
Advantages of buying your next car here include:
- Multiple Options for Financing – We boast multiple options.
- Plenty of Reviews – It’s easy to see what others think.
- Vehicle History Reports – Know the historical data of your new car.
- Pricing – Our trained vehicle professionals work hard to set good prices.
- Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles – We offer CPO vehicles for your peace of mind.
- Selection of Used Vehicles – Most dealers don’t have the same selection as we do.
- Vehicle Delivery – We will deliver. Just ask and we’ll see what we can do.
- Buying Online – Can’t make it to us, you can buy online 24/7.
- Convenient Hours – We’re open extended hours of business to be available when needed.
Independent Seller Deals
If you’re looking for a specific vehicle, particularly an older vehicle, then a personal seller may be your only option. You could get a seemingly great price, but you as the buyer take on almost all of the risk. You will be accountable for all of the features found here at the dealership:
- Customer Reviews – There may be absolutely no background info. Do you trust the seller?
- No Warranty – Caveat Emptor, Buyer Beware
- History of the Vehicle – You are paying for vehicle history reports.
- Maintenance Inspections – An inspection by a 3rd party is suggested, but you would be responsible for the bill.
- Loans – While many sellers want cash, you can also try getting a loan through your bank. Either way, your choices are smaller.
- The Current Condition of the Car – There might be underlying or unknown reasons why they’re selling the vehicle.
Visit Bob Howard Hyundai for Used Cars
Bob Howard Hyundai is here to help you to find a great choice of pre-owned cars and SUVs for sale in Oklahoma City, OK. Whether in-person or online, you can buy, sell, trade, or get pre-approved for financing with ease. Our local team of Hyundai professionals is committed to helping you find your next used car or SUV, no matter what make or model. Stop in today.
