Franchised Dealers

• Good source for customers willing to pay top dollar
• Saves late model trade-ins for resale
• Less desirable vehicles are auctioned or sent to wholesalers
• Have repair facilities and often provide warranties

Used Car Dealers

• Good source for older, higher mileage used cars
• Most used car dealers sell their cars "as is," some are willing to provide limited warranties.
• The dealer may be less likely to sell a "problem" vehicle if he is directly obligated under a warranty

Banks and other lending institutions

• Sell repossessed vehicles

Private Owners

• No dealer mark-up
• Ask for service records, references and records of original purchase
• Purchases from individuals are basically exempt from consumer laws, so caveat emptor.