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The Pros and Cons of Car Supermarkets

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used car buying guide

Long gone are the days of trawling through the classifieds or keeping your eyes peeled on the roads for used cars for sale—it is now all done online. Online car supermarkets have transformed the used car industry and created virtual showrooms where you can browse an enormous range of cars for sale. These are non-franchised car retail outlets that stock different manufacturers and usually have showrooms throughout the country. Essentially, this bridges the gap between private sellers and franchised dealerships.

As with any method of buying a used car, there are always pros and cons of using a car supermarket. Read on to find out the benefits and drawbacks of this popular method.

Pros

  • Variety: Unlike a franchised dealership, you will find a variety of makes and models available at a car supermarket. It can also be easy to find what you are looking for as you can search directly or use filters to narrow your results.
  • Approved dealership: Buying privately can be risky, but with car supermarkets, you get more consumer protection and every vehicle will undergo a series of checks and come with accompanying documents.
  • Finance options: Most used car dealers will offer a range of finance options to make it easier for the consumer to drive away with a car without breaking the bank. Part exchange deals are usually available too.
  • Ease: You can browse this range of cars and arrange to buy all from the comfort of your own home and at any time. You can easily arrange to book an appointment, test drive, and often speak to somebody online about the car.

Cons

  • Availability: If you are looking online, there is no guarantee that the automobile is still in stock as the website may not be updated each time a car is sold.
  • Limited Specifications: As the automobiles do not come straight from the factory, you may find that you have limited options when it comes to specifications and colors.
  • Pricier than a private sale: Prices are usually fair and there are finance options, but it will not be as low as a private seller (although this can be a risky path).
  • No after sales: You are likely to get offered warranty cover, but you might find that there is no after sales for repairs and servicing.

These are the main pros and cons to consider. Overall, car supermarkets can be a great place to buy used as there is such great variety of cars, finance deals, and consumer protection, but it is not without drawbacks.

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