Buying a Car From an Independent Seller

If you’re shopping for cars, we at Cox Auto, Bradenton’s Chevy dealer, know that you’re probably looking around at all your options in order to find the best value for your money. We do the same thing when we shop for cars, or groceries, or anything else for that matter. It’s important to remember that buying a car directly from an owner is considerably different from buying a car from a dealership. It’s vital to know exactly what you’re getting from your seller, whether you’re buying from an individual or a dealership.

What a Seller Can’t Offer

Remember that most of the time an independent seller can’t offer the same level of service and guarantee that a dealership can. If a seller is willing to offer some kind of guarantee, make sure that you get it in writing. Find out if the car is still under the manufacturer’s warranty. Many dealers are able to offer a manufacturer pre-owned vehicle certification based on a rigorous inspection that can establish if there’s anything wrong with the vehicle. This assurance is what an auto dealer’s reputation and business is based on, so it’s in their interest to be honest about the condition of the car.

Do the Research Yourself

An independent seller may mean well, but may not know the complete history of the car. It’s important to check the title and the VIN to see if the car has been in any major wrecks or declared as salvage or labeled a lemon. Use a service like CARFAX to research the used vehicle. Also, ask detailed questions. Why is the car being sold? Are there any issues with it? Does it need any repairs? When the last time regular maintenance was performed? A seller will most often be honest and upfront about these things, but if the seller doesn’t know or won’t tell you, it’s grounds for being suspicious.

Cox Auto group always wants you to consider all your options when you’re buying a car, so that you can ultimately be happy with your decision. Come visit our dealership for specials in Florida, and see what we have to offer before you make any decisions; we wouldn’t want you to regret missing a great deal.