If you are thinking about buying another vehicle, you have the option of buying it from a private seller, a used car lot, or a dealership. While each option has its own advantages — unless you are in the market for the cheapest car that will get you to and from work and school but maybe not long road trips — you need to go to a dealership. Here are just a few of the reasons it is the best option.

Extras

When you go to a dealership, in addition to getting the make and model of the car you want, you can also ask to have some extra features. You can have the stereo system upgraded, have a sunroof installed, or request to have the engine changed from a strictly gasoline one to a biodiesel fuel or a hybrid which runs on either gas or electricity. A used car lot or private seller cannot offer these to you. In addition, a dealership may offer things like free oil changes for the term of the financing or free rust-proofing. If they offer it for free, take it.

Financing

A private seller is not going to finance the vehicle for you; you will need to pay in cash. A used car lot can help you get financing. However, a dealership works with more lending companies and may hold the loan themselves. Some used car lots will finance the loan for you, but the interest rate is going to be very high.

Warranty

A used car lot will offer you a short-term warranty. The term will be long enough for you to use the car for a few months. A private seller will not give any warranty. A dealership will give you a long-term warranty that will cover parts and labor on most of the car. Depending on the age of the vehicle, some parts of it could be under warranty for the entire time you own it. In addition, you may be able to purchase extended warranties as the different portions of the original one expire.

Whether you are looking for a brand new car or something used, check the dealerships, like your local Chevy truck dealer, first. You might be surprised at the deals they can offer you. If you have a vehicle you need to get rid of to help buy the new one, a dealership will probably give you the best deal on it, reducing the amount you need to finance for the new-to-you one.