A private sale almost always looks cheaper on paper than the same car at a dealership. But the sticker price is only part of the real cost — and the gap can close, or even reverse, once you factor everything else in.
Buying privately
The obvious upside is price — private sellers usually list below dealer prices since they're not covering overheads or margin. But there's no statutory warranty, so if something goes wrong the week after settlement, it's generally on you. You'll also want to check the vehicle isn't still encumbered by finance from the current owner — buying a car that's still secured against someone else's loan is a real risk, and one worth having properly checked before you hand over money. Add in roadworthy certificates, transfer fees, and the time cost of arranging inspections yourself, and the "discount" can shrink quickly.
Buying through a dealer
Dealers charge more, but that price typically includes a statutory warranty, a roadworthy certificate already sorted, and a level of consumer protection private sales simply don't offer. Trade-ins are also far more convenient through a dealer — you can often offset your existing vehicle against the new purchase in a single transaction rather than selling it separately, saving both time and hassle.
"The sticker price is where the comparison starts, not where it ends."
Exodus FinanceHow financing differs between the two
Dealer purchases are usually straightforward to finance — settlement can often happen the same day, and the dealer is used to working with brokers and lenders directly. Private sales take a little more coordination, since we need to verify the vehicle, arrange payment directly to the seller, and make sure any existing finance on the car is cleared as part of settlement — but it's entirely something we handle regularly, it just takes a bit more lead time.
Questions worth asking before you commit
Whichever route you're leaning toward, it's worth asking: is there any finance still owing on the vehicle? Has it been in any major accidents? Are all service records available? A dealer will generally have answers ready; for a private sale, these are worth checking yourself or having verified as part of the finance process.
The real comparison
Neither option is automatically "better" — it depends on how much you value convenience and protection versus a lower upfront price. Whichever way you go, we can structure the finance around it either way.
Key takeaways
- Private sales can be cheaper upfront but carry more risk and admin.
- Dealer purchases include warranty and consumer protections at a higher price.
- Always confirm there's no existing finance owing on a private sale vehicle.
- We can finance either path — private settlements just take a little more lead time.
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