A used car dealer purchases and resells pre-owned vehicles. Some cars they acquire by bidding on vehicles at auctions, other cars are from customer trade-ins. A used car dealer will service and repair all vehicles before reselling.

Dealerships that specialize in used vehicles

There are numerous used car dealerships that specialize in pre-owned vehicles. Some dealerships sell only cars from certain manufacturers, while independent stores stock a more extensive variety of pre-owned cars.

Many of these dealerships have earned a reputation for customer satisfaction and offering top-notch used car quality. Furthermore, they typically employ factory-trained and Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified technicians with years of experience.

They offer an extensive selection of used vehicles to choose from and are often willing to negotiate on the price.

You can learn more about these dealerships by looking at their online ratings and reviews. Generally, they boast hundreds of positive reviews for you to research.

Another way to determine whether a dealership is worth your time is by checking its reputation with the Better Business Bureau. This straightforward step can give valuable information about a dealer's history of customer complaints.

Dealerships that sell both new and used vehicles

According to an Ally Financial survey, choosing an auto dealer that sells both new and used cars can make all the difference when it comes to finding a great deal on a quality car. This is especially true for consumers who are concerned about the reliability of pre-owned vehicles.

When searching for a dealership, one of the most essential factors to consider is its reputation. You can quickly assess this by reading customer reviews online on sites like Google or Yelp – both are excellent resources when seeking out establishments with positive feedback.

The next important question to inquire about a dealership is if it's affiliated with the National Automobile Dealers Association. This association has an unwavering code of ethics which holds dealers accountable to operating standards that safeguard customers' interests.

Dealerships that sell only certified pre-owned vehicles

One way to find an unbeatable deal on a used car is by shopping at dealerships that only sell certified pre-owned models. These cars undergo inspection by factory trained technicians and many come with manufacturer extended warranties, providing peace of mind.

Before anything else, it's important to understand that not all pre-owned vehicles are created equally. 

Factory CPO programs usually have age and mileage requirements, while independent ones may not. Most used cars will go through a thorough inspection to confirm they meet certain specifications.

Another distinguishing factor is who inspects and reconditions the vehicle. Some dealerships employ third-party inspectors, while others have a dealer-certified program where vehicles undergo thorough examination by dealership personnel.

Many manufacturers have created certification programs to assist their dealers in reselling late-model cars with low mileage and excellent condition. These initiatives include detailed inspections, reconditioning, extended warranties, free roadside assistance and loaner vehicles.

Dealerships that specialize in used vehicles can be an ideal option for consumers who want a car that won't depreciate as quickly as new models do. Furthermore, these establishments typically offer many financing plans in comparison to an individual seller. Many even provide low down payment options to accommodate buyers who cannot afford full payment upfront.

One of the best ways to determine whether a dealership is trustworthy is by reading customer reviews on sites like Google or Yelp. These can be easily located online.

An essential thing to keep in mind when shopping for used cars is that no two vehicles are identical. They vary based on numerous factors; such as age, mileage, condition and number of owners.

They buy vehicles from fleets

A used car dealer might also purchase vehicles from fleets; such as rental cars, taxis, police cars and large companies. They usually offer these cars at a significant discount compared to what would be offered by a private seller.

Company cars are different than other used cars as they don’t have a long history of heavy usage by multiple drivers. Whereas rental cars tend to show more signs of wear and tear due to their accelerated driving style.

Dealers often sell vehicles used as loaner cars for customers getting their own cars serviced, or demo models driven by potential buyers. Typically, these vehicles are kept spotless inside and out with clear vehicle history and are available at a lower price point.