Everyone reaches a stage where they need to upgrade their car based on their needs.
At first glance, the sensible choice seems to be a private seller. There is no pressure to buy, you can look in your own time, meet the owner and understand how they have treated the car, and the price is generally cheaper. If you choose a car dealer, there can be pushy salespeople, the price of the car is generally more expensive and it also takes skill to navigate those tricky, expensive and unasked-for add-ons that are sometimes pushed onto you with offers that are hard to refuse.
There are more and more reputable dealers such as ourselves that can offer more than the “perceived norms” compared to your regular, run-of-the-mill car dealerships.
While you may occasionally see private sellers advertise cheap cars for sale, there is actually a bigger underlying issue that customers should be aware of. A global shortage of cars has made the purchase journey even more uncertain than ever before. The knock-on effects of vehicle production in the post-covid world mean options are limited and unfortunately, there are more ‘dodgy’ cars and backyard dealers than ever. Some people are fortunate enough to have a solid understanding of cars and can navigate their way to a good car, but even then, it’s easy to miss something critical and invest your money into someone else’s problems.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help.
Ballarat Car Sales have been at the forefront of trying to change how the used car industry is run and perceived for many years. We offer a number of things to take the worry and uncertainty out of buying a used car and make it a hassle-free and fun experience – as it should be!
While some of these things are law, this list highlights the many benefits of purchasing a vehicle from a Licenced Motor Car Dealer such as us.
If you think you are comfortable with the idea of a private purchase, think about the questions you will ask the seller before making a purchase. We urge you to consider getting the car checked by a licenced mechanic, as that’s something all dealers do. A pre-purchase inspection can be carried out for a relatively small amount and can save you thousands in repairs. It’s also helpful to work out the extra amount you need to pay to VicRoads. You can also carry out a PPSR check online to make sure that the car has not been in an accident or has finance owing on it. Lastly, we recommend checking that the person selling the car is the person that actually owns the car.
Cars are like our homes on wheels – bigger purchases like these are meant to be enjoyed and help you create new experiences for you and your family. Consider all the costs associated with going to a private seller against that of a dealer. And take the time you need to find a dealer and car that’s right for you – and have fun with the process!
You can check out our current range here and get started on your new car journey today.