So, does one buy a used car privately or from a dealer. My experience buying privately earlier this year was very positive, whilst Chris Dance is extolling purchasing only from a Toyota dealer. I no doubt each of us will have stories to tell about experiences, good and bad, when buying privately or from dealer.
When I bought my gen3 privately in Jan18 I paid £5750 for a 59 plate 2010 with 105,000 fully serviced, 11 month mot vehicle and it proved to be one of my best second hand buys I ever done, privately or dealer purchase. Following me raving about Prius hybrid cars to a friend, he did his own research and decided to go for one. He bought a 60 plate with about 60,000 miles from a Toyota dealer and not too happy with what he got, and it cost him over £4000 more then I paid. Whilst promised body marks would be sorted, they were not. Promised a full valet, which was lacking in detail. It had been a smokers car, and whilst a smoke bomb had been used the head lining was still very stained. And the worst thing, at least one seat belt was so badly frayed the dealer has now accepted it would not pass a MOT test and has replaced. Whilst my engine didn’t use any oil over the 5000 miles I did (taking it to 110,000 miles) his car with only 60,000 miles is using oil which is noticeable as a drop in levels on the dipstick, and that’s in just a few thousand miles - and don’t forget probably 40-50% of that mileage has been done without the engine rotating ie on electric only.
i not saying never buy from a dealer, nor only buy privately. What I am saying, whether buying privately or through a dealer, is make sure you getting good value for money. Not all private sellers are rip off merchants, and not all dealers have a halo above their doors either. Buyer beware in all circumstances.