Why Pick a Used Car Dealer Instead of a Private Seller

The used car market in Surrey and the rest of Canada has been booming over the past few years with prices for used cars reaching unprecedented highs. However, recent reports show that the days of paying over the top prices for used cars are gone with average prices reducing since June 2022 – it’s good news if you’re in the market for a pre-owned vehicle.

The Journey to Finding a Used Car

The first place you’re likely to look for a car is the internet. You’ll find plenty of advertisements from people selling their vehicles privately. It can be tempting to pick up a vehicle from a private seller offering really low prices as they want to get rid of their vehicle in a hurry. However, unless you really know cars, it’s a better idea to purchase one from an authorized dealership. Read on to learn why going with a used car dealer for your next vehicle is better than opting for a private purchase.

1. An Authorized Car Dealership has a Reputation to Uphold

Unlike most private sellers who have only one vehicle to sell, authorized car dealerships are not only answerable to their customers but also to the car manufacturers they are affiliated with. This means they have very high quality standards to uphold. How does this help you? You can rest assured that the car you purchase from a dealership meets a minimum of set quality standards which they are required to uphold by law.

2. You Have Choice

A private seller is likely to have only one vehicle to sell. However, a dealership can offer you a range of models, trims, and colours to suit your needs, budget, and preferences. Additionally, being able to test drive a variety of vehicles in one location is infinitely more convenient than having to visit multiple private sellers scattered all over Surrey.

3. Financial Benefits

There are various financial benefits that go with purchasing a used car from a dealership as opposed to a private seller. The biggest one being that used car dealerships typically have a range of financing options to offer you – even if you need to rebuild your credit.

Additionally, many private sellers have a set price in mind when they want to sell their cars. A dealership runs like a business and is often willing to negotiate and let cars go for a fair price. After all, they want you to come back to them when you are ready to purchase your next vehicle.

4. You Can Trade In Your Old Car

A private seller is unlikely to want to purchase your old car in exchange for theirs. This leaves you having to sell it yourself and worry about two transactions. A dealership will have exchange offers that offset the value of your new purchase against your old vehicle. This means you not only complete both transactions in one place but save on tax against the purchase price of your new (pre-owned) vehicle too.

This also means less paperwork for you!

5. Inspections, OEM Parts, and Reconditioning

Before you purchase a used vehicle from a dealership, it will have undergone a thorough inspection and any necessary repairs at their service centers. Authorized dealerships use OEM parts and often recondition pre-owned vehicles to make them look and drive like they are nearly brand new. They may also offer warranties or free services that can save you money in the long run.

As you can see there are plenty of benefits of purchasing a certified pre-owned car from a reputable dealership instead of a private seller.

Browse through our selection of pre-owned cars at Vancouver Honda or come down to our showroom on 850 Southwest Marine Drive to check them out in person. Get in touch with us to book your test drive today.