10 Benefits to Buy from a Used Car Dealership

Posted Friday, Jun 14, 2024

Your dream car has always been shiny and brand new. The kind that has a distinct leather smell, the latest gadgets, and a seat warmer. Just thinking about it gets you all excited. Don’t just start visiting the nearest car showrooms now, though.

Here’s a thought: Why not consider buying a used car?

We understand that buying a car is a huge financial decision. It requires careful planning because you have other personal costs to manage. Here are your options:

• Browse cars online at a used car dealership or visit the dealership in person.
• Go with a brand-new vehicle.

When it comes to buying a used car, there are plenty of advantages.

Millions of people are familiar with them, and now we want you to join them. Aside from the financial perspective, which is the most obvious benefit, there’s plenty you don’t know. You still need to put in the effort, though.

The following ten reasons will help you make up your mind:

1.  Cost-Effectiveness

The biggest benefit of buying a used car is its initial purchase price. New cars have a hefty price tag. The moment you take it for a test drive, its price falls. This is called depreciation. The new car will lose its value by at least 30% in the first year. From there onwards, the depreciation will be slow.

When you opt to buy from a used car dealership, you don’t have to worry about this depreciation curve. Since you are looking at used cars, the focus is on the word “used”, the cars have already had their share of the drop in value. This makes them more affordable than new cars.

As a result, you can set a price range and allocate your budget to the task more efficiently.

2. More Choice

Buying a used car also includes going private. However, this option has disadvantages. The primary one is that you don’t have access to a database that might tell you about the vehicle’s history.

On the other hand, visiting a used car dealership offers you a world of amazing vehicles. If you get your heart stuck on multiple vehicles, the dealer will help you decide. You can take each car for a test drive to determine which suits you the best. From manual to automatic, fuel vs. electrically charged, and more, the options are endless.

3. More Time

Are you in a hurry but can’t make the final decision? No worries!

After much browsing, you finally found your car. Now, you need time to talk with your friends or family members who have bought from a used car dealership. Here’s some information that will make you happy: Based on your first impression, if you request, the dealer will put the car on hold for 48 hours. A private seller does not extend this offer.

Don’t expect the car to be waiting for you if you take a week to decide. However, in this scenario, the dealer will point you to the next best option. So, no pressure there. If one goes, there are dozens more where that came from. Keep a clear mind and buy the one that speaks to you.

This benefit of a used car dealership is often overlooked. As you now know, it significantly impacts your decision, but in a good way.

4. Customization At Its Best

Most people think that used cars are old and don’t have the latest features.

One of the best things about car ownership is customization, which lets you personalize your car. However, when buying a new car and choosing dealership extras, this may get rather pricey. This is why customizing a used automobile is more affordable.

Some used cars are already customized with a sound system, trims, LED underglow lights, tinted windows, and more. Like used car dealerships, there are plenty of shops that offer a great deal on high-quality and affordable car parts.

5. Transparency

A concern buyer usually have when purchasing a used car is about its past.

• Is the car alright? If yes, then why is the owner selling?
• Are there any low-quality parts in it?
• Is the seller conning me?

Private sellers are not required to disclose any information about their car’s history. So, you may be getting a bad deal.

Some owners might choose not to provide this information as they believe their vehicle is “perfectly fine.” In this case, you have two options:

• Request and pay for the vehicle’s history report.
• Take a chance and purchase the vehicle without knowing anything about its past.

Conversely, dealers will usually be pleased to provide the vehicle's history record so you may view its details without having to contact them. This leads us to the next reason:

6. Vehicle History Reports

Peace of mind and transparency are paramount, as you read above. Reputable dealerships know this. This is why they offer a detailed report of the car’s history, with a comprehensive look at all repairs. These reports include:

• Ownership History: How man hands the car has exchanged.
• Accidents: The types of accidents the car has been in.
• Service Records: What kind of repairs have been done on the car

Such information empowers you, allowing you to make an informed decision.

7. Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Programs

CPO programs give used car buyers the guarantee that there’s no fault with the car. Such cars are rigorously inspected and serviced and come with a certificate that all is well. One of the best things about CPO cars is that all repairs are done based on the manufacturer’s criteria.

8. More Payment Options

Buying a used car, whether a new or a used one, costs a lot. This means that you need to explore financing options to find out which one will allow you to make the monthly payments easily. A private seller will demand that you pay upfront, in cash. On the other hand, a used car dealership will offer you options, including:

• Loan
• Lease
• In-house financing

You are probably thinking, “Am I eligible for a bank loan?”

If you have a low credit score, the “Yes.”

If not, chances are that a bank will reject your application. A used car dealer will even connect you with financing sources. This will allow you to buy a used car on low payments. However, remember that such loans come with a high interest rate.

9. Lower Insurance Costs

Getting insurance for your car is very important. You can get insurance either through the dealer or independently. In both cases, the premium will be low because of the car’s low market value. Consequently, the price will be low.

The insurance premium is usually determined by the car’s current value rather than its worth when bought new.

10. Trade-In Opportunities

Your family is expanding, or you got a new job, and the office is a bit far from your home. You plan to change your car and are looking for something bigger or something that gives more mileage.

Here’s what the used car dealer will do:

• Show you the new car according to your requirements.
• Evaluate the value of your car and the new car.
• Apply the difference toward the new car’s purchase.
• Draft a new car and hand you the keys.

And these are the advantages a used car dealership offers. If you read them carefully, you will realize that none of them are a part of a private used car sale.

Visit Green Light Car Sales and browse quality cars by make and model. They even offer the option to get you pre-qualified. For more information, call (407) 440-2181.