Why It’s Better to Buy a Car from a Dealership Than Privately

19 May 2025

Why It’s Better to Buy a Car from a Dealership Than Privately
If you’ve ever browsed Facebook Marketplace or trawled through Gumtree listings for a used car, you’ve probably been tempted by some absolute bargains. But before you send a “Still available?” message to a guy called Gaz in Bolton, here’s why buying from a dealership, especially when using car finance, is often the smarter move.

1. Legal Protection (Consumer Rights)
When you buy from a dealership, you're covered under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. That means if the car is faulty, misdescribed, or not fit for purpose, you’ve got legal rights to a repair, refund, or replacement.

Private sale? You’re basically buying as is or sold as seen, and once the money’s exchanged, your comeback options are limited.

2. Finance Options
Dealerships work with brokers (like AutoDosh!) or lenders directly, meaning you can spread the cost over time with car finance or even get deals with low or no deposits.

Private sellers? It's cash or bank transfer. No finance, no structured payments and certainly no soft credit checks or tailored deals.

3. Vehicle Checks Included
Reputable dealers do proper checks before putting a car on the forecourt, including HPI reports (to confirm it’s not stolen or on outstanding finance), service history, MOT, mileage checks, and more.

Private sellers might say they’ve done it, but you’re taking them at their word (and hoping you don’t end up driving a write-off).

4. Warranty = Peace of Mind
Most dealers will include a warranty, even a basic 30–90 day one, which gives you some breathing room if something goes wrong early on.

You won’t get that from a private seller unless they hand you a pinky promise and a dodgy receipt.

5. Servicing and Extras
Dealers often prep a car before handover: valeting, servicing, replacing tyres or brakes, or even throwing in breakdown cover. Some also offer part exchange or delivery.

Gaz from Facebook, on the other hand, might hand you the keys in a McDonald's car park and disappear.

6. Fewer Scams
Car buying scams are on the rise — cloned vehicles, mileage fraud, stolen cars. A trusted dealership is far less risky than wiring thousands of pounds to a random mobile number.

Dealers are regulated. Private sellers? Not so much.

So… Is It Ever Better to Buy Privately?
Sure. You might get a cheaper deal. You might find a rare gem. But for most people, especially if you want finance, legal protection, and peace of mind, buying from a dealer wins every time.

Pro Tip:
Using a broker like AutoDosh means you can still shop around different dealerships but get your finance sorted in one place, with better rates, expert help, and no hassle.

Looking for car finance?
AutoDosh helps drivers of all backgrounds (even those with poor credit) get approved fast, so you can buy from a dealer with confidence.

Get Your Car Finance Quote Now

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer or any other company. This article has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these organisations. NB: The information on this page does not constitute financial advice, please do your own research to ensure that the product / service is right for your individual circumstances.