Need A Pre-Owned Car? 4 Reasons You Should Go Through A Dealership

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If you're in the market for a pre-owned car, the best thing you can do is go through a pre-owned vehicle dealer. Buying a pre-owned car through a private party may save you a few dollars out the door, but that might be where the savings end. That's because there's no real way to ensure that you're getting your money's worth when you buy through a private party. However, when you buy your pre-owned vehicle through a dealership, there are steps you can take to make sure you end up with a quality car.

You Can Get a Copy of the Vehicle History

When you visit a dealership, get a copy of the vehicle history for any car that you're considering. Most dealerships will have access to vehicle history reports, such as those you can get through CarFax. These reports provide vital insight into any pre-owned car that you're looking at. Some of the information you can get from a vehicle history report include previous damage, vehicle identification number, number of previous owners, as well as title history. Title history is important because it will let you know if the car has ever been sold as salvage – which means the car has suffered extensive damage.

You Can Take a Lengthy Test Drive

When you're in the market for a pre-owned vehicle, you want to make sure that you're able to learn something from your test drive. Most private party sellers will want to limit your test drive experience. In fact, many will have you drive around the block. Unfortunately, that's not enough time to identify potential problems. However, most dealerships will allow you to take a lengthy test drive – including freeway time. Lengthy test drives allow you to get a real feel for the vehicle.

You Can Ask to See the Service Records

When you purchase a pre-owned vehicle, you need to learn as much as you can about it. That includes looking at the service records. One of the benefits of purchasing your pre-owned vehicle through a dealership is that they'll be able to show you any work that was done by their mechanics. That information will provide you with a good insight into how the car was previously maintained.

You Can Request a Limited Warranty

When you're in the market for a pre-owned vehicle, you want to know that you'll have some protection after the purchase. When you purchase your pre-owned vehicle through a dealership, you have the opportunity to request a limited warranty, which will provide you with some protection. Not only that, but when you purchase a certified pre-owned vehicle from a dealership, you'll have their word that the car is mechanically sound. Unfortunately, you won't get that protection when you purchase your pre-owned vehicle through a private party.

If you're in the market for a pre-owned vehicle, don't take your chances with a private party. Instead, visit a dealership near you. You'll find quality vehicles and additional information that you won't get from a private party.

7 August 2019