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| Almost all car shopping nowadays begins with research online. |
There's plenty of advice on the internet, touting the benefits of buying a car from a private seller (eBay, Craigslist, etc) rather than from a dealership. In most cases, it is about trying to find a steal on a car for much less than it is actually worth. Contrary to popular belief, that doesn't happen often! This is especially true now that more and more people are getting computer savvy and using sites such as Kelly Blue Book to get an initial idea on the price of vehicles.
So, say you don't find the car you want on Craigslist. Or maybe you want to purchase a new vehicle. What are some of the advantages of buying a car from a dealership?
1. Extended and lifetime warranties.
When you buy from a dealership, you'll know upfront that your car is going to be covered for a specified period of time, and you'll also have the option of getting that warranty extended if you'd like. Another thing you'll often get is a Lifetime Powertrain Warranty, which means that as long as you are the original owner of your vehicle, your engine and transmission will be covered, should either fail.
Specific car manufacturers may have additional coverage as well. Toyota, for example, offers two years of ToyotaCare on new vehicle purchases (24 hour roadside assistance), which can cover if you run out of gasoline, lock yourself out, get a flat tire, and so on.
Dealers will also often have certified pre-owned vehicles, which are used vehicles that have gone through a rigorous inspection process, and usually come with all (or many) of the same perks as buying new. They can be a great option if you're looking for a newer car, but don't want to pay full sticker price on the latest year's model.
2. Dealer Trade-Ins
Dealerships are always trying to get more vehicles for their pre-owned inventories. If you're looking to buy a new car, and want to get rid of your old one, why not trade it in towards your purchase? Offering a trade-in to a dealer can save a lot of time and hassle- you won't have to go through the process of finding a buyer for your old car after, and you'll generally get more money towards a trade-in than you would just selling the car to a dealer. Plus, the longer you take to try and personally sell your car, the more money you'll spend on keeping it insured as each month goes by.
3. Special Perks
Perhaps the best advantage to buying from a dealer are the specific incentives that you wouldn't get from buying privately. Are you a college grad? You can get a $1000 rebate. How about a free program that gives you gifts as well as discounts at restaurants and shops in your local neighborhood? At Lou Fusz Toyota, that'd be the AutoAwards program. Want to pay off your car in a timely manner? Check and see if your purchase qualifies for 0% financing.
Do you know any other benefits of buying from a dealer? Share them below!
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