Where to Purchase a Used Car?

What’s the Best Way to Find a Great Deal on a Pre-Owned Vehicle?

Car buyers of today have nearly too many options to shop. From online classifieds to social media to websites, we are inundated with options and a nearly unending supply of vehicles. So where can one go to find the best deal on a pre-owned vehicle? Ultimately it comes down to 3 options: a private transaction, a dealership, or a small car lot. Every option has its pros and cons, but when making such a big financial decision you want to give yourself the best opportunity of getting the best deal you can.

Private Seller Auto Purchases

If you’re looking for a rare vehicle, particularly an old vehicle, then a personal seller may be your only real option. You could get a great price, but you as the buyer assume almost all of the risk. You will be accountable for all of these things found at the dealer:

Reviews – There may be absolutely no background information. Can you trust the seller?
Vehicle History – If you want the vehicle history report, you will be paying for it.
Financing – Many sellers want cash, but you can also try making payments through your bank. Either way, your choices are limited.
Warranty – There is none, you buy as-is. There is no guarantee.
Maintenance Inspections – An inspection by a 3rd party is suggested before you buy, but you’re on the hook for the cost.
The Vehicle’s Current Condition – There could be reasons for selling the vehicle.

Purchasing at a Used Vehicle Lot

An independent pre-owned car lot offers a few of the benefits as a big dealer, such as a bigger selection of cars, trucks, or SUVs and the ability to browse them online. You can still get a large selection of vehicles and the possibility of browsing them online at a used car lot, but they also do present more risks to shoppers. While some could be entrenched in the area, several others seem to come and go almost overnight. Here are a few of the other main differences between a dealer and a used car lot:

Inspections – Inspections at used car lots are usually not as comprehensive.
Mechanics – Used car lots usually just have limited technicians on-site, possibly with limited experience.
Quality of the Car – Watch out for high mileage vehicles with potentially vague pasts.
Certified Pre-Owned – CPO cars, trucks, and SUVs are available only at manufacturer-authorized dealers.
Repairs – To save money and maximize profits ‘quick fixes’ may be employed.
Reputation – Some used car lots choose profits over customers.
Used Car Financing – The interest rates are usually higher if they have financing.

Pre-Owned Car Shopping From Your Auto Dealership

While most of us will agree that it’s the easiest way to buy a used car, there are some that think they can get a less expensive deal somewhere else. Absolutely nothing can compare to the customer service we can provide you, even if you could get a cheaper price somewhere else (likely with even more miles and with fewer guarantees).

Some of the benefits of buying your next car here include:

Multiple Options for Financing – We have multiple options.
History Reports of the Vehicle – Know the history of your new car.
CPO Vehicles – For peace of mind, we have Certified Pre-Owned vehicles.
Delivery of Your Vehicle – We can deliver. Just ask. (Exclusions apply)
Convenient Hours of Operation – We’re open long hours so that we can be ready when you need us.
Easy to Access Customer Reviews – It’s easy to see what other customers think.
Objective Pricing – Our qualified vehicle consultants work hard to set competitive prices.
Selection of Used Vehicles – Our selection is bigger than most.
Online Buying – Can’t make it to us, you can buy online 24/7.

Visit Lexus of Santa Fe for Used Cars

Lexus of Santa Fe welcomes you to explore our outstanding selection of used luxury cars and SUVs for sale in Santa Fe, NM. Buy, sell, trade, or even get pre-approved for financing, online or in-person. We provide quality, convenience, and competitive pricing that you can believe in. Visit our Santa Fe area used car lot today. We look forward to serving you.