Dealerships vs. Private Sellers: What You Need to Know

So, you want to buy a car. You’re thinking about buying from a dealership, but also considering a private seller. How should you decide which route to take?

There are advantages to each. Here, we break them down for you.

I-35 and the skyline at night, seen from the 24th Street Pedestrian Bridge, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

When Should I Buy From a Private Seller?

1. Your top priority is finding a really, really inexpensive car.

If you’re just looking for a set of cheap wheels to get you from point A to point B, a private seller may be a good choice. If you’re worried about quality and price, a pre-owned luxury dealership may be a better option.

2. You don't mind doing some paperwork.

If you buy a vehicle from a car dealership in Minnesota, they’re required to submit title registration paperwork for you. Once you sign the title transfer, you’re good to go and no additional steps need to be taken.

However, if you’re buying from a private seller, you will need to take a few steps to complete the title transfer after purchasing the vehicle. A full guide to transferring vehicle titles in Minnesota can be found on the DMV website.

If your car salesman is reluctant to produce the title, be careful - they may not have the legal rights to the vehicle. Never walk out of a purchase without the title to your new vehicle.

3. You are an experienced car buyer.

If you know a thing or two about cars, you may be able to inspect a vehicle put on the market by an independent seller yourself.

Want to buy from an independent seller but don’t have the expertise to inspect the vehicle? Get it looked over by an independent mechanic. Beware if your seller resists this inspection - this could mean that there is a glitch they’re hoping to hide from many buyers’ untrained eyes.

When Should I Buy From a Dealership?

1. You want a simple buying process.

Want an easy, streamlined buying process? A dealership is usually the best way to go.

Don’t spend your Saturdays meeting with private seller after seller, only to discover new things wrong with each car on the independent market.

Dealerships tend to be much stricter about the quality of cars they allow on the floor, especially if they’re new or pre-owned luxury dealerships.

2. You want a high-quality vehicle.

For the rare antique car, you may need to find a private seller.

But if you’re looking for a sweet 21st century ride, a dealership is the best place to look for quality.

Looking for great quality at a great price? A pre-owned luxury vehicle is often your best option. Get unbeatable driving experience, top-of-the-line safety features, and the most car for your money.

3. You don't want to play games with pricing.

If the thought of negotiating on car pricing makes your hands sweat, don’t worry - there’s another option.

Fixed pricing puts you in the driver’s seat. Simply do your research, establish a budget. Then walk into the dealership knowing what’s fair to pay for the features you need

At Poquet, we want you to be in control of the buying process. That’s why we don’t negotiate on car prices. Learn more about our approach to fixed pricing here.