TomP

Today I realized that I've never bought a car from a private owner!

I'm considering two cars: one from a used car dealer (not a Porsche dealer) and the other is a private sale. The two cars aren't similar, but let's pretend they are for this question.

Is there any advantage or disadvantage to buying from a private individual versus a dealer? Is one "safer" than the other?

If I had to prioritize sellers, I'd guess it would go, in order of preference:
- Porsche dealer
- Used or other mainline-brand dealer
- Individual

I understand that the dealers command a higher price for the same vehicle over an individual, but what else is good/bad about each?

tom

ps Thanks to everyone. I've learned quite a bit reading this forum over the past several months.

bigdude

I would almost prefer a private sale. After not only owning over 30 porsches, and working at various porsche dealers-most dealers offer a minimum on trade allowance and it is usually not worth it unless you have a problamatic vehicle-and trading it in is your last resort. I feel most owners would prefer to sell privately rather than be insulted by the trade in offer. I feel if you know what you are looking for, a private owner can give you more insight into his particular car than a dealer can-Good Luck

rcg412

I went through a "one-person" dealer last time (non-porsche) but would have no problem going with a private owner... might of cared for the car more?

vove

I prefer private seller thats an enthusiasts.

s14roller

I prefer private as well...some of the smaller dealerships are a bit shady.

RaceCarDriver

if all things are equal (price, condition, etc) I prefer private sale, because the seller should let you do a ppi, and he should have service records, repair receipt, etc. at least for the time he owned the car.
Always go to private sellers house, so you can see if the car was garaged, how the garage looks and the condition of their other cars will usually tell you if they really took care of the car.

At a dealership you never going to be certain of the history of that car.

pl

- Porsche dealer
CPO
pricy, not always the honest.
- Used or other mainline-brand dealer
other lux/sports car dealership(such as lexus/MB/BMW), maybe.
solely used car dealer, stay away from them.
- Individual
the best if you can meet them in person.

Wellardmac

Private owner, as long as they can show service history with records. If there are not records, then be very careful and do extra homework.

jchamlee

Plus, you don't have to pay sales tax if you buy from a private owner.

rcg412

Yes you do- when you register with DMV.

slaaw

Not so in Cal, where one must pay sales tax on the purchase price when registering the car, regardless of the source of the purchase.

pongobaz

Private all the way. You can get much more info from them and see any gaps in the service records. With dealers, you're often buying a car that's come off lease and in my experience people who purchase their cars treat them much better than those who lease.

pl

ot here.

oreganet, nice head light mod! i want to the same, can u tell where to get them?

RaceCarDriver

yes you do.

BlackCab996

I bought CPO because I guess I was a little fearful of problems. Damn you who have posted multiple RMS and engine failure posts! I read them in fear during my research phase! I have slept better at night, but now that I have been a Porsche owner for a year, I am thoroughly impressed with these cars. I will own more Porsches and if I buy used, I will buy from a private party through steps like those described above.