The Problems with Purchasing from a Private Seller

In contrast to buying new, there are several channels for purchasing a used vehicle. Of course, there are dedicated used car locations like Alderman Automotive. There are also the used car sections of new vehicle dealerships, and most uniquely, used cars can be purchased directly from the current owner. For those who like to “skip the middleman,” the latter may seem like the most attractive option, but there are several valid reasons why it may not be the best choice.  

Unprofessional Ads 

Most used car searches begin online these days. Many people who aren’t automotive experts struggle to create informative used car ads. Key information can be overlooked or omitted. The seller may lack a frame of reference when assessing whether his or her car is in excellent, good, or fair condition for its age. The seller might leave out features that are important to you, or he or she may not know the correct terminology for the features, making the ad unclear. 

And then there is the photography. Most online venues for used cars allow for several images. Private sellers might not include enough images, particularly if they have to pay more to include them. They may not know how to photograph the car in the most informative way. The lighting may not be the best, and personal items left in the car tend to be very distracting for shoppers. This isn’t a knock on their ability; they just likely have little experience.  

Viewing the Vehicle in Person 

A dealership will be open during business hours and into the evenings. With private sellers, you need to find common free time. If they are very busy, this can be difficult to arrange. Some sellers are uncomfortable having strangers visit their homes, so a mutual public location may be used. This may not be a problem unless the weather isn’t good that day. And, of course, you hope they make their appointment.  

The other issue is the time you spend. Unlike a dealership, there is no selection. You must make a separate trip for each prospective vehicle.  

Price Haggling 

If you like the vehicle but aren’t satisfied with the price, the negotiation begins. Some sellers may be open to haggling, but unlike a dealership, they often have much more at stake with this one sale. They might be relying on the price to help them purchase a replacement for the car. It’s possible they felt the need to price it low in the ad just to attract potential buyers and may be reluctant to go significantly lower than their asking price. Ultimately, you just don’t know what to expect. 

The Job Isn’t Over Until the Paperwork Is Done 

“Tax, title, and license,” as the phrase goes. It all involves paperwork. A dealership handles this paperwork every day. The back office can practically do it in their sleep. However, individual sellers—and likewise, buyers—are unlikely to be experienced in this. Their last experience with the paperwork may have been when they bought the car they are now selling. Plus, things may need to be notarized. It may involve trips to offices to get everything in order.  

No Financing 

Even used cars often require financing, which a private seller is unable to offer. If you need financing, you will have to get it from a bank or other financial source. A dealership like Alterman Automotive provides in-house financing services designed to help you secure the funds for your purchase.  

When Something Goes Wrong 

The fast-talking used car salesman in the plaid jacket has long been a trope in comedy movies and television, but the truth is that dealerships rely heavily on their reputations. Particularly today, with numerous platforms for online reviews, dealers want to treat their customers well. A dealership can’t guarantee that nothing will go wrong with your car, but if something is obviously wrong after a recent sale, you have someone motivated to fix it. Alderman Automotive even has its own service facility. Private sellers mainly view your departure in the car as the end of the story. If a private seller isn’t willing to address your issue, your options are limited to small claims court, a process that will likely leave you regretting the purchase. 

The Alderman Alternative 

This is why we are in this business: to provide a better way for people to buy used cars. We keep an inventory of over 100 vehicles to choose from, including high-quality imports, luxury brands, SUVs, and trucks. We even offer a car finder service if you can’t locate what you’re looking for at our location. Our easy financing process handles all the paperwork for you. Additionally, we have our own service department. So, if you’re in the market for a used car, spare yourself the stress and aggravation and come visit us at Alderman Automotive in Fishers, IN.