Best Place to Shop for a Pre-Owned Car

What is the Best Way to Get a Great Deal on a Used Vehicle?

There are almost too many places to shop for car buyers today. From online classifieds to social media marketplaces to websites, we are inundated with choices and a nearly endless supply of cars. So just where can we go to get the best deal on a used vehicle? It boils down to 3 choices: a dealer, a small car lot, or a private seller. Every choice has its pluses and minuses, but when you are making such a big financial decision you want to give yourself the best opportunity of getting the absolute best deal you can.

Car Buying at the Auto Dealer

While most of us would agree that it’s the simplest way to buy a used car, some think they can score a cheaper deal somewhere else. Nothing can equal the service we can provide you, even if you could get a less-expensive price elsewhere (most likely with more miles and with fewer guarantees).

Advantages of buying your next vehicle here include:

Lots of Options for Financing – We have multiple options.
History Reports of the Vehicle – See the history of the pre-owned car you may purchase.
CPO Vehicles – We offer Certified Pre-Owned vehicles for peace of mind.
Delivery of Your Vehicle – We can deliver. Just ask and we will see what we can do.
Convenient Open Hours – We’re open extended hours of business to be ready when we are needed.
Easy to Access Customer Reviews – See what other customers think.
Pricing that is Objective – Our experienced appraisal specialists work diligently to set good prices.
Large Selection – Our selection is bigger than most.
Online Buying – If you can’t make it to us, you can buy online 24/7.

Purchasing From a Used Car Lot

A pre-owned car lot offers some of the same conveniences as a bigger dealer, like a large choice of cars, trucks, or SUVs and the ability to browse them online. You can still get a big selection of cars, trucks, or SUVs and the ability to view them online at a used car lot, but they also do offer more risks to shoppers. While some may be entrenched in the local community, many others seem to never last very long. Here are a few of the other main differences between a car lot and a dealer:

Inspections – Inspections at used car lots are generally not as thorough.
Repairs – ‘Quick fixes’ may be employed to maximize profits and save money.
Service Technicians – Car lots often just employ limited on-site repair mechanics, many with limited experience.
Reputation – Some used car lots choose profitability over customers.
Condition of the Vehicle – Be on the lookout for cars that have high mileage with vague pasts.
Vehicle Financing – If they even offer financing, their rates are usually higher than most.
No CPO – Certified Pre-Owned vehicles are available only at manufacturer-certified dealers.

Purchasing with a Private Seller

If you’re searching for a particular car, especially an old car, then a private seller may be your best option. You could get a seemingly great price on the used vehicle you’re looking for, but you assume all of the risk in this situation. You will be in charge of all of the items found at the dealership:

The Vehicle’s Current Condition – There may be underlying or unknown reasons why they’re selling the vehicle.
Loans – Many sellers want cash, but you can also try financing through your bank. Either way, your choices are limited.
Inspections – A 3rd party pre-purchase inspection is suggested, but you would be responsible for the bill.
Vehicle History – You’re paying for vehicle history reports.
Warranty – Caveat Emptor, Buyer Beware
Reviews – There may be absolutely no background info. Can you trust the seller?

Visit Sterling McCall Toyota for Used Cars & Trucks

Sterling McCall Toyota welcomes you to view our outstanding selection of used cars, trucks, SUVs, and minivans for sale in Houston, TX. Buy, sell, trade, or even get pre-approved for financing, online or in-person. We deliver quality, convenience, and competitive pricing that you can believe in. Visit our Houston area used car lot today. We look forward to serving you.