I agree, having just bought a 2007 V8 Vantage from a private seller. The car is pristine, and between buying privately, selling my old car (BMW 335i coupe) myself, and the sales tax advantage in Illinois of buying from a private party (varies by state, of course), I saved $15K over buying from a dealer and trading in.

 

I haven't spoken with any dealers so far, but I am glad to hear you are so confident that they will give their time and asssistance to a used car buyer.

I am perfectlly willing to buy from an owner, no problem, if it's the right car and situation. What is the sales tax advantage in Illinois? Did you mean it is lower than Michigan or that when you buy from a non dealer there is some advantage other than not paying for their overhead cost recuperation?
I was under the impression that your resident state will get their due tax from you, one way or another.

 

This Illinois tax advantage wouldn't apply to a Michigan resident buying a car here; you'll pay the same sales tax as if you bought in Michigan (usually payable when you register the car). For where I live in Chicago, the sales tax on a new or used car from a dealer is 8.75%. For a private sale of a used car, it's less--not a straight percentage, and it maxes out at $1500. So, if one buys a car for $70K from a dealer, the tax is $6125, but from a private seller it's $1500. That's a pretty big savings. You'd have to look into Michigan sales tax rules to see what--if any--benefit there is for you to buy from a private seller.

 

From what I was able to find online, the auto sales tax in Michigan is 6%, regardless of whom you buy it from. So, the private-seller sales tax advantage is a quirk of living in Illinois.

 

That sure is a nice break! The tax aspect is one thing that makes buying anything at this level even more painful.

 

Quick few comments,

Lake Forest is simply awesome. I bought a 05/db9 from www.chicagotoystore.com 2 years ago. the deal was that the car had to be under warranty, exteneded warranty that is. They took the car over to Lake Forest, did the 120 some pt insepction and called me directly went over everything with me answering my questions and certified the car.

Since then I have had a few questions come up regarding the car they have been great in answering any questions.

the toy store also was very easy to deal with and gave me a good deal.

My extended warranty is up this april, i have 40k on the car (bought it with 20k) i'm still debating if i need to and/or want to purchas the extended warranty again (6,500) thoughts?

 

How did you make out on the extended warranty for these two years? Did it cost more than any repairs that were done (and covered)? On average, you've got about an 80% chance of losing money on extended warranties.