buying from a dealer vs. private

[stix217]

so I finally settled for a 4th gen for a couple of reasons (I think). I won't need to buy for another 4-5 months but I just started looking because it couldn't hurt. I'm curious to know where you guys bought your 4runners from, dealer, or private seller and why? It seems like I'd be paying at least a $2k premium to buy from a dealer, and I don't see how this is justified. I could understand if I was getting a CPO, but I'm looking for a 2005, so not many of them are CPO's. It just seems like there's not much of a reason to buy from a dealer for a non-CPO and I'm interested in your thoughts.

Thanks!

 

[Daron-t4r]

Personally I prefer dealers, just because I know I can't trust the car once I drive it off the lot. Toyota has a great thing where they insure all preowned cars- under 85k miles for another 50-100k miles (mechanically not electronically). So you know that when you drive a car that might, by others, be considered a liability, you are not driving a time bomb.

That being said, if you find a smoking deal on a used car from a private seller, and you have a vehicle history report, then go for it, most people arn't out to screw you over, but there are always those *******s out there that you have to watch out for.

 

[4RunnerFan]

A lot has to do with availability. A quick search on CL where I live shows only five 4th gens for sale by owner and a boatload for sale by dealers. Check that; only four for sale by owner. One of them was actually a dealer.

 

[missslucrew]

Personally I prefer dealers, just because I know I can't trust the car once I drive it off the lot. Toyota has a great thing where they insure all preowned cars- under 85k miles for another 50-100k miles (mechanically not electronically). So you know that when you drive a car that might, by others, be considered a liability, you are not driving a time bomb.

That being said, if you find a smoking deal on a used car from a private seller, and you have a vehicle history report, then go for it, most people arn't out to screw you over, but there are always those *******s out there that you have to watch out for.

That extra warranty....is that something you pay extra for? I just bought s 04 V8 Limited with 81000 miles from a Toyota dealer and didn't know about any available warranty except that one that cost 2k from a private warranty company...just wondering.

 

[rockwall]

I've bought four vehicles (including my 4Runner) from Carmax and I am a customer for life. The pricing has always been fair although it may be found for a little less elsewhere. They really do weed out the problem vehicles and offer extended warranties at great prices.

Plus they will ship in any truck you find elsewhere in the country. Check them out.

 

[Daron-t4r]

Its the toyota certified used warranty, all used toyotas from the dealership should come with it, its a quite basic warranty, just google it and see what comes up.

 

[Dougtoms01]

Its the toyota certified used warranty, all used toyotas from the dealership should come with it, its a quite basic warranty, just google it and see what comes up.

Not all used cars from Toyota are Certified Pre-owned. The extended warranty only comes with the CPO designation.

I've bought from Toyota, Non-Toyota Dealer and Private Owner.
Do your home work, pay $200 for the one you really are ready to buy and have it inspected by Toyota. Well worth the money.

Plenty of threads on here about what you should look for in a used 4Runner.

 

[JohnnyT]

so I finally settled for a 4th gen for a couple of reasons (I think). I won't need to buy for another 4-5 months but I just started looking because it couldn't hurt. I'm curious to know where you guys bought your 4runners from, dealer, or private seller and why? It seems like I'd be paying at least a $2k premium to buy from a dealer, and I don't see how this is justified. I could understand if I was getting a CPO, but I'm looking for a 2005, so not many of them are CPO's. It just seems like there's not much of a reason to buy from a dealer for a non-CPO and I'm interested in your thoughts.

Thanks!

Just because they list a premium doesn't mean you need to agree to PAY a premium.