You’re on the hunt for a reliable, cost-effective, and safe second-hand car. Typing ‘used cars for sale’ into Google can yield a number of results. But which option is best for you? With a used car dealership popping up on every corner and every ‘Joe Soap’ selling a ‘mint-condition’ pre-owned vehicle privately online, how can you know who to trust?
Let’s review the pros and cons of used cars for sale from dealerships and private sellers so you can decide which is right for you.
Pros and cons of buying from a dealership
It must be mentioned at the outset that not all used car dealerships are created equal. A trustworthy dealership is like a diamond in the rough, with every Tom, Dick and Harry attempting to sell vehicles and some being sold ‘voetstoets’ without undergoing any service or renovation after being sold.
Here are some general advantages of buying from a reputable dealership:
1. Quality assurance and inspection
Most trustworthy dealerships will conduct a thorough inspection of all vehicles in their inventory, giving feedback to potential buyers about any problems with the cars in their possession. Vehicles should be sold to potential buyers in good working condition and meet specific safety, roadworthy and quality standards.
2. Certified pre-owned programmes
Many dealerships offer certified pre-owned programmes, which provide consumers with an added layer of protection when buying used cars for sale in South Africa. These cars undergo rigorous inspection and are often backed by extended warranties, which gives buyers a lower risk and more guarantees.
Most second-hand car buyers cannot afford to buy cash. The best used car dealerships offer financing options, making buying a pre-owned car that fits your budget easier.
4. Legal protection and consumer rights
Several laws and protections are in place to assure your safety when buying from a certified used car dealership. Dealerships are required to disclose any faults and information concerning service history, accident history and mileage. In the event that something is faulty, the dealership is obligated to assist you in resolving the problem thanks to reputational and legal obligations.
5. Variety and convenience
When you search: ‘used car for sale in South Africa’, you’re likely to find a myriad of options, but when you choose to visit a ‘used car dealership near me’, your eyes will be opened to even more possibilities. Many dealerships offer services such as trade-ins, test drives, and after-sales support, making the entire buying process more safe, convenient and efficient.
Here are some disadvantages of buying from an untrustworthy dealership:
1. Higher prices
Dealerships must cover costs, including rent, salaries and overhead expenses, making buying a vehicle more expensive. While small negotiations may be possible, there is less wriggle room than with a private sale.
2. Sales pressure
In an attempt to receive commission, aggressive sales tactics from some sales staff can compromise the trustworthiness of a dealership. Upselling of warranties, services and add-ons can often increase the overall cost of the vehicle.
3. Impersonal experience
Some salespeople may have little knowledge of the wide range of vehicles in their inventory compared to a private seller who may have owned the vehicle for a number of years.
How to find a trustworthy dealership
Searching for a reputable ‘used car dealership near me’ is more challenging than a quick Google search. However, using the following criteria can narrow down your options, giving you greater peace of mind in the hunt for the best used car dealership:
- Wholesale prices to the public
- Helpful, knowledgeable and friendly sales staff
- Efficient, fast processes
- Quick finance
- Ready-to-drive, quality-assured vehicles
- Over 1,000 vehicles to choose from
- Buy at below-retail price
- Independent condition reports and transparency on all used cars for sale
- Low mileage cars
- Positive reviews and high ratings on an independent reviewing platform like Hellopeter
Pros of private car sales
Searching for a ‘used car for sale’ from a private individual comes with a great deal of risks; but there are a few benefits:
1. Lower prices
No overhead costs and more room for negotiation often mean private sales win in the sale price department.
2. Direct communication
There is no waiting for a busy sales agent to attend to your email hidden amongst numerous other ‘urgent’ emails and meetings. Sellers want to sell and do so soon, so they are generally happy to answer questions and give a good history of the vehicle (for as long as they have been the owner). However, private sellers are not bound by dealership clauses, meaning they could lie to you in an attempt to score a good deal.
3. Unique finds
Private sellers often offer rare, particularly older, models not commonly found in dealerships. Some may even come with customised features that may appeal to certain buyers.
Cons of buying from a private seller:
1. Limited customer protection
Unless you’re buying from someone you personally know and trust, there is unfortunately little assurance that the vehicle you buy does not have undisclosed faults or issues.
2. No financing options
If you want to buy a vehicle privately, you need to arrange your own loan at less favourable interest rates than those offered by dealerships. This can be a cumbersome process, especially for those without an extensive credit history.
3. Potential for scams
Without the backing of a reputable dealership, buyers may fall victim to numerous scams including stolen vehicles, misrepresented used cars for sale or even falsified documentation.
4. Inconvenient
Arranging viewings, test drives and inspections with a private seller may be complicated and tricky, requiring greater effort and time.