if you are buying a used car would you buy from dealer or from owner?

[tashamjoy]

I feel that owner would be better as they owned the car and may be more honest and dealers more expensive but unsure what is your guys advice?

[1splendid1]

I feel that owner would be better as they owned the car and may be more honest and dealers more expensive but unsure what is your guys advice?

I feel that a reputable dealer would be the better choice.  Most offer some type of warranty even if for 30 days, and should be able to provide some service repairs, whereas from a private owner may not give you any kind of warranty, and will not service the vehicle after you've purchased it from them.

[dlyon1]

I am looking right now for one thing, price. If i buy from dealer or personal it will probably be in as-is condition, so hopefully i don't get a lemon.

[Tresbn00]

If I were buying a used car I would aim to buy from the owner.  I don't really trust car dealers and the dealer is supporting a massive over head and sales commissions with the profit they make off of the car they sell.  That being said I wouldn't buy a used car.  You are typically buying someone elses headache and bad habits.  They are getting rid of it for a reason...it is no longer good enough for them-why should it be good enough for you. If something goes wrong with a new car you have no one to blame but yourself and you can poin to the reasons why the problems may be occurring. Plus you get a pretty extensive warranty with new cars.

[oldbuddy]

A private party almost always thinks the car is worth more than it is. After 35 years working with car dealers, I learned there are several prices for every used car, the Blue Book price is not the real value. Most dealers buy cars "back of book" as much as $3,000, so even if you think you are buying a car at wholesale book, they still make a nice profit. If a private owner sells a car, they think they should get somewhere between wholesale and retail book, which is overpriced if you bought the same car from a dealer that wants to turn it. The dealer has a certain investment in each car and he is interested in making a quick profit, not in milking each customer as some people think. They want that profit so they can go do it again as often as possible. Sharpen your negotiating skills and make friends with the dealer and you would be shocked how good a deal you can get if he likes you.

[cneimsn]

I would buy from a dealer.  That way if I have a problem right away I can at least take it back to them.

[LenoraMinogue]

I would probably buy from a dealer since there is usually a warranty involved.

[Nancy5]

I would buy from a dealer WITH a guarantee.

[gramev64]

It would depend on if I knew the owner of the car.  The dealer at least gives you a little warranty and you can usually talk them down on the price a little.

[bobes915]

If you know someone who is selling a car and they are trustworthy and want to give you a deal, then go with them.

I have had pretty good success in the last decade buying from dealers.  One car that I bought from a dealer at less than half of KBB because someone had done a nice job keying it.  2.5 years later a light pole fell over on it during a storm and totaled the car.  The insurance company gave me slightly north of the price that I paid for the car 2.5 years earlier.   

[pmagalei]

I think in my opinion there are always pros and cons when you are trying to make a difficult decision. Here are things you need to think about before you purchase the vehicle:
1. Ask for car history...
2. If I need repair for any part, will I be able to afford and find replacement parts locally.( Tires, burned headlights, lenses, etc. etc.)  These will cost you more in the future.
3. Always take your mechanic with you or someone who knows about cars, engine, replacement, water pump, radiator, etc. etc., Make sure to check underneath for rusty frames and so forth. It may look new on the outside, but underneath is a whole new story. Check for engine light if it's on when you turn the ignition over. If you live in a state that require emission and your engine light is on. You will not pass emission. If you are renewing your vehicle tabs and emission. Make sure to take that in consideration before you purchase your vehicle.

Lastly, buying both from owner vs. dealership both presents positive and yet negative results. It is up to you to make that decision. How well do you trust the dealership vs. owner is up to you. You just have to trust yourself and your mechanic or person who knows more about cars. That's my added 2 cents for the day and Good luck in finding that great car!!!

[alamedann]

If you can find a dealer with a good reputation, it's a good choice.  You might pay a bit more, but you know the car's had a basic inspection and should be good to go.  I've bought 2 used cars from dealers, a Ford Taurus and a Honda Accord.  No problems with both, would consider going back to these same dealers for another car.

[cathy37]

I have always bought my cars from a dealer.  My dealer is very honest with me about the cars and he will test drive them before I do to make sure there is nothing wrong with the car. 

[bhiett]

I would buy a program car from a dealer, but other than that I would just save longer for a new car.  Program cars usually come with a comparable warranty to that of a new vehicle, which makes it a lot more comfortable buying used.

[lbryanwf]

The Dealer Absolutely!  want tha Carfax Report!!!! Te owner might not tell you any negatives ,accidents etc.