It’s normal to have some concerns when buying a used car. The idea of spending a lot on something that isn’t new can be uncomfortable. We want as new a car as we can afford, with the fewest previous owners and at the lowest price. And yet while buying from a dealership is generally more expensive than going private, it comes with unique benefits. So today let’s explore 4 key differences between buying a used car at a dealership and going through a private seller.
1) The price
Easily the most attractive aspect of buying a used car privately is that it’s probably cheaper than purchasing the same vehicle at a dealership. This makes sense on the surface: you want to save money on the same product—or rather, on what appears to be the same product. Because in fact you might not be comparing like for like.
Dealerships have certain legal obligations to inform you about flaws with the car, obligations that private sellers aren’t beholden to. So in buying the ‘same’ car privately, you could actually be taking on a vehicle with underlying problems that will become apparent only once the paperwork’s signed and you’ve driven off in what you think is a perfectly working car, thousands of pounds lighter and with no legal recourse if things go awry down the road.
2) The car
That brings us on to our second point. Because yes, while two cars may look identical—the same colour, the same level of trim, the same year of manufacture—the private seller’s cheaper option might not be such a bargain after all. Closer inspection may reveal stone chips on the bonnet, a ding and a scratch here and there. The service book may indicate that the car is in fact due a service or MOT in a matter of weeks. But if you’d gone to a dealership, nothing would have been swept under the rug, and you’d have been entirely informed of the car’s history and faults from the get-go.
Then, of course, the costs of actually addressing and rectifying the car’s various issues could add up fast. Therefore its selling price might not truly reflect how much the car is going to set you back initially. By contrast, dealers spend time and money preparing their used cars for sale, removing chips, dings and scratches as and when they happen upon them. They also give the car an appropriate level of service, as per the manufacturer’s schedule. And a used car from a dealership will have a warranty, meaning you can go back if you encounter any problems. You won’t get these benefits if you go cheap by going private.
3) The seller
When you go private, the onus is on you, the buyer, to ensure the car is as described. The seller is actually under no obligation to disclose any problems. And if you don’t identify and address these problems upon your initial inspection or during your test drive, that’s too bad. The only thing the seller can’t do is outright lie about the car’s condition and history, but they may just keep schtum altogether. That’s why it’s up to you to know what questions to ask. And of course, even if looking back you believe the seller lied to you, well—how will you prove that?
In the industry we say that a car purchased from a private seller is ‘sold as seen’, meaning there’s no law dictating the car be of satisfactory quality, or indeed even fit for purpose at all. So when you go private it’s entirely at your own risk. And while clearly most private sellers will be honest individuals simply trying to sell a car they no longer need and with no intention of ripping you off, how can you really tell the good from the bad?
On the other hand, when you buy from a dealer you enjoy certain protections under the Consumer Rights Act. And unlike when you go private, a car from a dealership must be both of a satisfactory quality and fit for purpose. If the car didn’t reach this threshold—and it shouldn’t be a big ask that it does when you’re forking out at least a few grand, if not more—the dealer would be breaching their contract with you.
Furthermore, of course, no good dealer wishes to provide shoddy service or unsafe cars, because their reputation is everything. And finally, remember that dealerships offer a number of services that a private seller does not and cannot, including part-exchange of your current vehicle and arranging finance products to help you purchase your next car. Dealers are also required by law to check if the car has any outstanding finance or is stolen.
4) The manufacturer
Every major brand has an approved-used scheme operated by their dealers. This ensures you have not only the support of the dealership behind you when buying one of their used cars, but in fact have the weight of the entire manufacturer on your side should something go wrong.
Each manufacturer’s approved-used scheme differs slightly, but their benefits can be summarised as follows:
- presale multipoint check
- 12 months’ warranty
- 12 months’ roadside assistance
- 5 days’ comprehensive complementary insurance while you shop around for the best deal.
The Car Planet verdict
As the buyer the choice is yours, and as noted above most private sellers are honest people just trying to sell their old car. But going private brings about certain risks, all of which can be avoided if you pay that little extra for the professional, reliable and legally bound services of a dealership. What’s more important to you: price or peace of mind?
Car Planet are experts in used cars in Watford and Hertfordshire. Our virtual viewings mean you can check out a car from the comfort of your own home, or you can come in and view our cars in person. Every car goes through a thorough 150-point check to ensure it’s totally roadworthy. We’re transparent, too: we always display the details of a car’s imperfections. We care about sustainability, which is why we plant a tree for every car we sell, and we provide a 7-day money-back guarantee to any customer who isn’t absolutely satisfied with our service. With our competitive finance deals and part exchanges, you’re sure to find what you need, so start your search today and let’s get the ball rolling!
