When it comes to purchasing a new or used vehicle, the decision to go through a dealership or private seller can be tough. While private sellers may offer a better deal, dealerships can provide more peace of mind. In this blog post, we’ll explore both options to help you make an informed decision when deciding should I buy from a dealer or private seller.
Whilst you’re still deciding “should I buy from a dealer or private seller”, get in touch with our auto finance broker team on 13 FIDO to get your obligation-free pre-approval!
Purchasing through a private seller
The biggest advantage of going through a private seller is that they are generally more willing to negotiate on price. Private sellers don’t have the overhead costs that a dealership does, and therefore can be more flexible when it comes to the final sale price. Similarly, private sellers don’t have sales targets or KPI’s they must hit. This means you can steer clear of pushy sales tactics and unwanted pressure to purchase additional accessories or warranty products. Many private sellers take great care of their vehicles, and purchasing a used car on the second-hand market may result in you getting a well looked after vehicle for an excellent price.
However, whilst the private seller may seem genuine, it is important to exercise due diligence before finalising the purchase, and take the time required to ensure all paperwork is submitted. Keep in mind that cars purchased through a private arrangement offer little protection for the buyer if any mechanical issues arise after the paperwork is signed. We highly recommend arranging for a professional mechanical inspection of the car and conducting a search on the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR). A PPSR search costs as little as $2 and will provide valuable information regarding any financing owing on the car, previous write-offs, or recalls associated with the vehicle.
By investing a small amount of time and money into completing the above steps, you can make an informed decision and have peace of mind when deciding should I purchase from a dealer or private seller.
Purchasing through a dealership
If you’re looking to purchase a brand-new car off the showroom floor, then the dealership is the obvious answer. However, dealerships also cater to those looking for a straightforward transaction with minimal effort on their behalf. When deciding whether to purchase through a dealership or private seller, consider how much time and effort you are willing to put into the purchase. One of the benefits of purchasing through a dealership is that they handle all the paperwork for you including transfer of ownership and registration. Purchasing through a licensed dealer also offers you more legal protection, including a mandatory cooling-off and statutory warranty period, giving you more confidence in your purchase.
The downside to purchasing from a dealership, particularly for second-hand vehicles, is there is often less room for negotiation. At the end of the day, a dealership is a business looking to make a profit, and their prices reflect the overhead costs they must absorb. Car salesman may also use pressure tactics that urge you to make hasty decisions, or into purchasing additional products.
Lastly, dealerships may also offer you a discount on the purchase price of the vehicle for trading in your current car. This is a convenient method of disposing of your current car and saves you the hassle of listing and selling privately. However, it’s important to note that trading in your vehicle at a dealership will usually get you less than if you were to sell privately.
What about financing?
Many dealerships will offer in-house finance, which may seem convenient, but before agreeing to any financial product it’s important to shop around and compare different loan options. Dealerships often only work with the one lender, meaning there may be a better deal out there for you.
Unlike dealerships, private sellers don’t offer financing options – but that doesn’t mean you need cash in hand conduct a private sale! That’s where the team at Fido Finance come in. Our vehicle finance brokers have access to over 30 trusted bank and non-bank lenders and specialise in finding the best financing option for all car purchases, whether it’s through a dealership or private seller.
