Why buy from a Dealership instead of Private?

Why buy from a Dealership instead of Private?

So, you’re looking at purchasing a pre-owned car.  Among the many decisions you have to make, the first decision may be the most important.  Do you buy from a private seller or from a car dealership? 

Here are some reasons why we believe it is truly wiser to go with a dealership and how you can potentially save yourself from years of regret.

Buying from a dealership

- All necessary paperwork (ownership/title transfer & registration) is handled by the dealership, meaning no lining up and waiting in the Department of Transport & Main Roads. You are free to simply drive away and enjoy your new sets of wheels.

- Many dealerships will provide you with on the spot finance options. Due to the fact all we deal with is cars, we can be cheaper or more flexible with rates and repayments then the banks.

- In some cases, dealerships offer warranties on their pre-owned cars. By law, we must offer a 90 day statutory warranty that protects you from most issues with your cars for 90 days post purchase.

- You can trade in your current car for use as a down payment. We can trade your car in, as is - on the spot.

- All cars have been inspected and, if necessary, repaired by trained professionals.

- A full car history check will be provided to you by the dealership.

- Some dealerships, like Big Box Cars, offer services such as roadside assistance, tinting, paint protection, etc. Therefore, you can save yourself the time arranging these things after purchasing the car and drive away with nothing more to worry about.

- The dealership has a reputation to lose. This means a dealership relies on selling a great product and providing customers with an outstanding experience. You can also trust that its team members will help you with any concerns you have about the car and any questions you may have after the sale. We take this seriously - check out our reviews of 4.7 / 5 from over 500 reviews.

- As a result of the laws that dealerships must follow, you are offered more legal protection from a dealership than you are from a private seller.

Buying from a Private Seller

- Whilst the price is likely to be less expensive, the quality of cars will be more variable.

- A private car only has to pass a roadworthy, where as most dealership have done multi point inspections on top of the roadworthy to ensure they are selling quality cars.

- The owner will have a good knowledge of the car's history, how / where it has been driven and should have the vehicle log books to check the servicing schedule.

- Typically, you have to do A LOT more research and visits/inspections when buying privately compared to a dealership.  Additional costs will apply to do a RACQ check or private mechanical inspection.

- Getting the vehicle inspected by a trustworthy mechanic all depends on how much time seller has.

- Sometimes, privately owned cars are sold without a road worthy and sometimes even registration.

- Ensuring the car has not been written off, or has money owing on it, is the responsibility of the buyer.

- There is no recourse should you buy a lemon car second hand. 

The challenge is real.

Whilst the extra dollars you may spend at a dealership will save you not only in time, stress and convenience, it does extend to you a fair amount of piece of mind around your purchase.