2012 and newer used are all on dealers lots as certified cars. Well almost all. But that is where the bulk of late model lower mileage vehicles are.

I remember wasting two days of our lives trying to buy a used minivan from car dealerships. We had an unhappy newborn and the salemen dicked around, lied to us, stalled, tried to wear us down and basically did what car dealers do. I have zero respect for their shuckster profession because they are not trustworthy and have no respect for peoples' time.

We swore off car dealerships after that day and are sure to bad mouth the dealers every chance we get. (DARCARS, Fitzergerald)

We looked on the internet for 30 minutes. Drove to Carmax and had a car in about an hour. Done.

used cars cost a lot more than they used to because cars are a lot better. So there is a healthy delta between wholesale and retail. I love getting a deal, but I think this is one area where you are better off swallowing your whistle.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:try carmax.

CarMax sucks. I mean, I'm sure it's a pleasant buying experience but their prices are generally higher and they don't negotiate.

They don't, but they have great warranties. The no-hassle sale is actually worth it if you need an older vehicle. For a 2-3 yo vehicle like OP is looking for, I'd get a certified pre-owned from the delearship.

Anonymous wrote:try carmax.

CarMax sucks. I mean, I'm sure it's a pleasant buying experience but their prices are generally higher and they don't negotiate.

Anonymous wrote:Yes. I did. And the car turned out to be a lemon. I was able to get my money back by taking the guy to court and showing that he had previously listed many cars online and therefore should be considered a dealer. I will still out attorneys fees, though. (Yes, my fault for not having the car checked out before I bought it. I learned my lesson.)

and that is the definition of penny wise, pound foolish. I'd rather spend $1,500 more (or whatever) to deal with a respected business.

Yes. I did. And the car turned out to be a lemon. I was able to get my money back by taking the guy to court and showing that he had previously listed many cars online and therefore should be considered a dealer. I will still out attorneys fees, though. (Yes, my fault for not having the car checked out before I bought it. I learned my lesson.)

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lots of dealerships sell used cars.

Give me a little credit, obviously dealers sell used cars. I'd rather buy from a private seller and not pay the dealer markup so we both keep a little money in our pockets.

You seem penny wise but pound foolish

NP here - why is it penny wise but pound foolish to want to buy from a private party? Seems perfectly reasonable to me.

dude. nothing wrong with buying from a true private party. that is the best of both words. the seller gets higher than trade-in and the buyer saves off retail. but a curbstoner is NOT A PRIVATE PARTY. its illegal, the cars are not titled correctly, you have all the negatives of a private party deal and none of the upsides. the cars may be damaged and you have no recourse against the seller.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lots of dealerships sell used cars.

Give me a little credit, obviously dealers sell used cars. I'd rather buy from a private seller and not pay the dealer markup so we both keep a little money in our pockets.

You seem penny wise but pound foolish

NP here - why is it penny wise but pound foolish to want to buy from a private party? Seems perfectly reasonable to me.