What is the Best Way to Look For a Great Deal on a Used Car, Truck, or SUV?
Today’s car buyers have nearly too many options to shop for their next ride. From social media marketplaces to online classifieds to websites, we’re flooded with options and a seemingly unending supply of vehicles. So where can you go to find the best deal on a pre-owned vehicle? Ultimately it boils down to three options: a used car lot, a private transaction, or a dealership. Each option has its pros and cons, but when you are making such a big financial decision you want to give yourself the best opportunity of getting the best deal you can.
Buying from Independent Sellers
If you’re seeking a particular car, especially an older vehicle, then a personal seller may be your only real option. You may be able to get a great price, but you accept almost all of the risk. You will be in charge of all of the items found at the dealership:
Customer Reviews – Good luck finding any information. Can you trust the seller?
No Warranty – Caveat Emptor, Buyer Beware
History of the Vehicle – If you want a vehicle history report, you’ll be paying for one.
Pre-Purchase Inspections – A 3rd party inspection is suggested, but you are responsible for the bill.
Loans – Many sellers want cash, but you can also try making payments through your own lender. Your choices are smaller either way.
Current Condition of the Vehicle – There might be unknown or underlying reasons why they’re selling the vehicle.
Buying at a Car Lot
An independent used car lot can offer a few of the same benefits as a big dealer, like a big selection of vehicles and the ability to view them online. You can still get a big choice of cars, trucks, or SUVs and the ability to view them online at an independent pre-owned car lot, but they also do present more risks to buyers. While some might be an established part of the community, several others seem to come and go quickly. Here are some of the other important differences between a used car lot and a dealer:
Car Inspections – Inspections at car lots are usually not as detailed.
Pre-Sale Repairs – ‘Quick fixes’ may be utilized to maximize profits and save money.
Mechanics – Limited mechanics on-site, some with limited experience.
Reputation – Some car lots choose profitability over customer service.
Vehicle Quality – Watch out for high mileage vehicles with potentially questionable histories.
Vehicle Financing – The rates are usually higher than most if they even have in-house financing.
No CPO – Certified Pre-Owned cars are only available at authorized dealerships.
Pre-Owned Car Shopping at Your Auto Dealership
While most folks would agree that it’s the most convenient way to buy a used car, some think they can score a less expensive deal somewhere else. Nothing can equal the service we provide, even if you could possibly get a less-expensive price elsewhere (most likely with more miles and fewer guarantees).
Some of the benefits of buying here include:
Lots of Options for Financing – We offer multiple options.
Plenty of Customer Reviews – See what others think.
History Reports of the Vehicle – See the history of the car you may purchase.
Pricing that is Straightforward – Our trained vehicle specialists work diligently to provide competitive prices.
CPO Vehicles – We offer Certified Pre-Owned vehicles for your peace of mind.
Impressive Selection of Used Cars – Most dealerships do not have the same selection as us.
Speedy Delivery – We deliver. Just ask.
Online Buying – You can buy online when you can’t make it to the dealership.
Convenient Open Hours – We’re open long hours so that we can be accessible when needed.
Visit Shawnee Mission Kia for Used Cars
Shawnee Mission Kia welcomes you to discover our fantastic selection of used cars and SUVs for sale near Kansas City, KS. Buy, sell, trade, or even get pre-approved for financing, online or in-person. We deliver quality, convenience, and competitive pricing that you can trust. Visit our Kansas City area used car lot today. We look forward to serving you.
