Purchasing a used car can cut costs in multiple ways, including lower rates for car insurance. Since thieves and vandals are less attracted to used cars, you'll be lowering your risks and premiums. However, there are still several other issues to consider when buying a used vehicle and how it affects your car insurance policy in New York.
First, you should ask yourself if you want to buy a car through a dealership or a private entity. One of the biggest advantages of purchasing a car through a dealership is it will likely come with a warranty. Another major advantage is you will have a clear title without debts owed to a bank or lien-holder.
The warranty is one of the selling points that gives dealerships an edge over private sellers. It assures the buyer that even if there are defects or other issues with the car, the warranty will cover repairs, at least for a certain number of months or years. Some warranty plans allow for an extension, at an additional fee.
A dealership may sell certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles, which indicates the vehicles have undergone an inspection process. It's in the dealer's best interest to protect their reputation by making sure the vehicles they sell are at least in good running condition and won't have immediate maintenance issues.
Perhaps the main disadvantage of purchasing a vehicle from a dealer is that you will likely spend more money than if you buy from a private seller. This is because the salesperson you deal with is trying to make the highest commission possible based on the final selling price. Some sales agents work on a commission-only basis, so they will only negotiate down to a certain price level.
Whenever you buy a used item, you're already taking a certain risk, especially if it's an "as is" opportunity. Used car dealerships often buy cars for a few hundred dollars at repo auctions, then turn around and sell them for thousands.
A major reason why people buy used cars directly from owners is to get the best deal, which often beats what's available through an auto dealership. The fact that the seller is not normally in the business of selling cars, gives you an advantage because they aren't necessarily out to make the most money possible.
Another benefit of purchasing from a private seller, is you're more likely to collect detailed documentation on the vehicle's maintenance and accident history. The dealer, by contrast, is more likely to only provide a more general history, such as if the vehicle were ever in an accident.
Purchasing a used car from either a private seller or dealer can help lower your car insurance rates. Getting a new car usually means paying higher premiums, whereas old car insurance in New York lowers risks of theft and vandalism. That's why you may pay less for older car insurance, but it also depends on where you live and several other factors.
With a private seller, there's always a risk you're buying from a nefarious entity who's looking for fast cash in exchange for a faulty "lemon" or stolen vehicle. The fact that they sign the title over to you doesn't mean you're dealing with a clean slate. When the seller is not the owner, you could be buying into darkness. If a lender placed a lien on the vehicle, you may have to deal with the previous owner's debt and will be required to pay off the loan.
One of the biggest risks you face from purchasing through a private seller is whether or not the seller is honest. While the same risk exists with a dealer, the problem is a bit more complicated with a private seller because they face less scrutiny. A business must be compliant with laws and has a reputation to maintain, whereas an unknown seller doesn't have a public track record or reputation to evaluate.
You must make your decision based on the information you collect about different options. In some cases, buying from a dealer reduces car shopping risks. Prior to certifying a used vehicle, the dealer takes proactive steps to reduce the chances of the car ending up in an auto repair shop right after the purchase. Nonetheless, you may also want to bring along a mechanic to help confirm the vehicle's condition.
The advantage of buying from a private seller is you can often pay a lower price than the lowest amount a car dealer will offer. A private seller who is just trying to liquidate the vehicle because they've bought a new car, can often get more for the vehicle selling it independently than through a dealer trade-in transaction. It's helpful to bring a car expert along to help evaluate the used vehicle. If you plan on financing your vehicle, it's easier to go through a dealership.
Before you buy a vehicle through a dealer or private seller, it's good to know what your options are. There are pros and cons to both dealers and private sellers, so you need to figure out what works best for your situation. You can learn more about how buying a new or used vehicle affects your auto insurance at Kneller Insurance Agency. For more information on finding the right coverage, contact us today.
