Q for those who buy used cars.....Update

Do you prefer to buy from an owner or dealership?

We are in the market for a used mini-van and are coming up empty on Craigs List and Newsday for what we want...

DH feels better about buying from an owner (trust issues with dealerships I guess in a nut-shell with them doctoring them up and mileage pushbacks) Not that an owner can't do the same, but he used to be a mechanic and knows some of the "tricks" that can be pulled

So for those who buy used from a dealer, what have your experiences been and any recco's would be great (suffolk)

If you buy from owners, is there anywhere else to look ??

Thanks !

Update

Thank you to all that replied and for the links !

I actually went in to have my and we just bought from a dealer today ....Smithtown Toyota, feel like we got a reasonable deal and invested in the 7 year warantee for peace of mind as well...DH felt comfortable there ( as opposed to a few of the "smaller" dealerships that did not sell certified used, that seemed like complete scammers)....We had no luck with what we looked at privately and were in a bit of a crunch for time , so overall we are happy...

Thanls again !

Message edited 3/25/2011 10:43:03 PM.

Re: Q for those who buy used cars.....

What are you looking for? Dh company works very closely with dealerships. We got a ridiculous deal on our 2011. I can ask him where to send you where you wont get bent over.

Re: Q for those who buy used cars.....

Re: Q for those who buy used cars.....

Let me txt him. Give me a few.

Re: Q for those who buy used cars.....

Dealership. I feel I have more recourse if something goes wrong.

Re: Q for those who buy used cars.....

He is going to make some calls and let me know.

Re: Q for those who buy used cars.....

Re: Q for those who buy used cars.....

Dealership; It seems safer, because we know the dealer/his character. Mary

Re: Q for those who buy used cars.....

Re: Q for those who buy used cars.....

i have bought 3 used cars from a dealership and 1 from direct from the owner

the ONLY reason i bought direct from the owner is because it was a family friend and i knew what i was getting into...no lies, no misleading.i would be terrified to buy from someone i dont know or dont know someone that knows them...people lie.

1st car i bought from a dealership i was in college and my parents bought it, cant speak a lot for it.
2nd car was a demo car...i feel i got ripped off big time...my biggest regrets in car buying
3rd car Ford Edge...i LOVE it and feel i got a good price for it. i will drive this veh. for a very long time!

Re: Q for those who buy used cars.....

I bought 2 used cars privately and 2 from a dealer.

I totaled the first one that I bought privately and used that check to buy the next one I bought privately. That one ended up being the WORST car EVER. It broke down like 5 times in 2 years...once while I was making a left hand turn on Jericho Turnpike it died in the middle and left me sideways on Jericho!

Needless to say, I drove that car into the dealer the next day and traded it in for a Honda. I had my Honda for 12 years! And I traded it into BMW in Dec of 09 and got a 3 series I've had since, with no issues.

I'd go dealer ALL THE WAY!

Re: Q for those who buy used cars.....

Thanks everyone...Have to get DH to read this thread

Re: Q for those who buy used cars.....

Autotrader
cars.com

You can sort by owner or dealer

Re: Q for those who buy used cars.....

1 Used car from a dealer who is a friend of a friend and I trust both of them; Crown Ford in Lynbrook! Awesome!

Re: Q for those who buy used cars.....

Go take a drive to D and P in Merrick on Sunrise high way - I bought my 2001 Ford Escape from him 2 years ago with 68k miles. I know have 82k miles and I havent had any problems.

He will be priced a little higher but he does a full service before you pick up the car including a full detailing. The paint and interior will look brand new. The car gets a full tune up, new brakes, new tires etc.

D and P

Re: Q for those who buy used cars.....

Also he gives you a 1 year warranty and 3 free oil changes that first year - Talk to Phil - he is a really good guy

Re: Q for those who buy used cars.....

We just bought our first used car, we usually buy new. I bought from a dealership b/c I felt much more secure doing so. I also purchased an extended warranty through them- just more piece of mind. I purchased from Paul Conte but only because they had the best deal on what we were looking for. If we would have found a similar deal at Arnold Chevy I would have purchased from them. Ive had great experiences w/them for service and when we went to look at vehicles they were the only dealer that didnt make us feel like we were being taken for a ride. All of the other dealers came off so shady and scummy which i didnt like but unfortunately we had to go where the deal was. I will never ever go to an atlantic dealership though, I dont care what kind of deal I could get. I had a huge issue w/them in the past, long story but they were totally wrong and actually illegal. I should have known better when I started typing their name into google and the first things that come up are "complaints", "fraud", "scam", etc. Stay clear of them and good luck!

Message edited 3/25/2011 10:55:43 AM.

Re: Q for those who buy used cars.....

I don't trust either but I'd have to go with the Dealer.

Re: Q for those who buy used cars.....

Re: Q for those who buy used cars.....Update

Thanks everyone...Updated OP

Re: Q for those who buy used cars.....Update

What year did you end up getting of the SIenna