You honestly think this? There are actual "honest" dealerships out there? Wow, I donno what fairytale land you come from but in the real world, thats not the case. I've looked at alot of cars in my day and let me tell ya, the whole "200 point inspection" stuff is bull**** period. If the car wasn't taken care of before, you'll easily find it when youu look it over (and I mean looking it over too). They halfass **** to them out the door as fast as they get them in, thats the honest truth. Some of the ****tiest cars i've seen were these guaranteed, inspected, certified, BS. Took probably a year to find a good TB SS that fit my requirements. Took 6 months to find my white GTP. The black one I found on accedent on a street corner private owned. It was too good to pass up.
Moral of the story, don't trust dealers and the bull**** they have to say. Look it over yourself or have some one if your not capable, don't take there word because none of them are honest. Private sold vehicles are better IMO for many reasons.....
I understand your feelings. This isn't my first rodeo. However, most of your concerns are for older, high mileage cars. I make sure that I inspect something prior to investing money into, regarldess of it's a home, car, stock, whatever.
Now take the certified pre-owned vehicles out there. The dealership (stealership according to some) are required to inspect the vehicle, and it must meet certain standards prior to selling the vehicle, and not all vehicles qualify. They do that because the manufacturer wants to provide you with a warranty beyond the new car warranty. If the manufacturer doesn't trust it's dealers, they will do something about it.
I am NOT referring to small dealers, only dealers that have a manufacturer that they've invested in (ford, chevy,bmw, etc..) NOT Iron Indian's auto sales. I will never buy something from a locally owned dealer that's not backed by a manufacturer... the support is just not there.
Yes, you generally can get a lower price vehicle in the private market, I'm not denying that. You just have to look a little harder, then you have to worry about doing all the paperwork and getting it right, the first time. Sometimes it's easy, and other times it's a PITA, depending on the state/county.
I've bought and sold vehicles to dealers and private party in multiple states, and my experience is always easier with a dealer...but that's part of what you are paying them for. You are also building a relationship within your community. Some of my best friends used to be my salesmen.
So you can win or loose either way, just do your homework, and inspect the vehicle prior to your purchase. If you can secure your own financing (not hard to do), then you can walk around and take your time and get what you want.
Ok, time to get off the soap box....
Good luck with your search!!
Jesse