Buying a used car can be more cost-effective than buying a newer model, but unfortunately, there might be some risks involved.

There are multiple methods you can use to buy a used car. In this article, we cover off the pros and cons of different purchase methods.

Buying a Used Car from Auction

Understandably, many people are often concerned with buying a vehicle from auction. Historically, vehicles sold at auction were viewed as quick sales which suggested to many that they may have hidden faults.

Pros

• Buying a safe and reliable car at auction could result in a bargain.
• Sales usually go through quickly.
• Being with multiple bidders gives you an indication of what people are willing to pay for a particular vehicle.

Cons

• Auctions can be seen as high-pressure environments, so you may have to make decisions very quickly. You should do your research beforehand and set a strict budget to avoid making decisions based on emotion. 
• You are unlikely to be able to test drive the vehicle or give it a thorough check.
• There may be additional auction fees on top of the sale price.

Buying a Used Car Privately

There are multiple private channels to purchase a car, such as dealing websites or selling groups.

Pros

• Purchasing a car privately is likely to be cheaper than purchasing a car from a dealership. There may also be more option for negotiation.
• You are likely to be able to complete a thorough check of the vehicle and identify any areas of damage or other minor faults. This could also allow for further negotiation and potential reduction in the total sale price if minor issues are found.

Cons

• Vehicles being sold privately may not have had a full check prior to sale, unlike the vehicles being sold at a dealership. You should do your research and make a list of things you want to check over to ensure you’re fully prepared.
• Unfortunately, you may have limited protection if something were to go wrong with the vehicle down the line.