We all know buying a car can be a daunting task. There’s so many variables to consider - new or used, warranties, features, SUV or sedan, colour, hybrid or regular?
While it can be tempting to purchase from Facebook marketplace, Craigslist, or even good old Gumtree, you’re always better off going with an established dealership like Ringwood MG. In this article we’ll go into the advantages of going through a dealership and what you should consider.
Guaranteed title
First up, when you go purchase through a proper, licensed dealership, you’re guaranteed to actually get the title for your new vehicle. No risk of it being dodgy, and if the previous owner owes any money to a financier on the car it’s covered by the dealership, not you.
Warranty
Almost all non-commercial vehicles bought from a licensed motor dealership that are less than ten years old and with less than 160,000kms on the odometer come with a statutory warranty. Ringwood MG takes this to the next level, providing all new MGs with a comprehensive factory warranty as standard.
It’s all in one place
While buying independently can leave you scrambling to organize finance, service, checks, and everything else, most dealerships will have this all under the one roof. Ringwood MG’s finance department can help get you into the car of your dreams, and they’re right next door to the showroom.
Easy trade-ins
Most dealerships will accept trade-ins, so you can drive your old car in and drive a new one out the same day! If you still owe money on your old car, they can simplify the changeover process without requiring an expensive bridging loan. Contrary to the stereotype, a good dealership [like us!] will give you a great price on your trade-in, especially if it’s in good condition and clean - so bust out that vacuum and soapy sponge!
Service and inspections
We’ve all been through the annoying, expensive, and time-consuming process of trying to organise a roadworthy inspection for a secondhand car, or the worry that you’ve accidentally bought a lemon if the seller refuses to provide one. Purchasing through a dealership eliminates this entirely. They’ll have their own service departments who will carry out inspections and take care of all the necessary work well before the car’s even advertised for sale.
Unlike private sellers, dealers are also legally required to disclose whether a car has had any hail damage or odometer tampering, making them the better choice for those looking for peace of mind.
Aftercare
When was the last time you dropped in to have coffee with Barry, the bloke who sold you his ute five years ago? Do you think he’d care if you had issues with the car or would you no longer matter the second you hand over your cash? After-sale service is a huge advantage of buying through a dealership rather than private sales.
Many will offer workshop and servicing facilities as well as spare parts to keep your car in tip-top shape long after you make your purchase. Many dealerships will offer service price bundles to keep the cost of regular checkups down.
Variety
While there’s certainly plenty of used cars to be found through private sellers online, it can be a hassle trying to collate individual offers for easy comparison. Here, dealerships once again have the advantage. They’ll have a wide range of used and ex-demonstrator models, and you’ll be able to browse to your heart’s content. If none of those take your fancy, they’ll have plenty of new vehicles as well, and their sales teams will usually be able to offer expert and in-depth advice.
New or used, buying a car can be complicated, challenging, and confronting. Going through a dealership can help you avoid the hassle, and the team at Ringwood MG are ready and eager to help. Contact us today!
