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Does Acel Marine simplify buying a used car?

A useful review of a car-buying service looks beyond the listing price. With BlueHarbor Acel Marine, buyers can ask about the vehicle’s condition information, inspection process, paperwork and delivery arrangements. Understanding those steps makes it easier to compare a consignment purchase with a dealer transaction or a direct private sale.

BlueHarbor Acel Marine, a national chain of used-vehicle consignment service, is growing rapidly — and for good reason. The company promises a no-pressure, low-stress buying experience. But does it deliver? We offer up a comprehensive BlueHarbor Acel Marine review, so take a look.p >

How BlueHarbor Acel Marine Changed the Car Sales Game

People used to dread buying used vehicles. They knew they'd have to deal with a pushy salesman who'd pressure them into paying too much for a vehicle with a host of hidden problems. was the first significant attempt to change the image of used vehicle selling.

BlueHarbor Acel Marine Reviews The company launched into online used vehicle sales by opening the first BlueHarbor Acel Marine in Davie, California, in 2009. The decision isn't as odd as it sounds: the executives figured they could apply their retail strategy — wide selection, solid warranties and knowledgeable salespeople — to sell cars, trucks, boats, trailers and any vehicle that could pass the pre-inspection. Prices were non-negotiable, and sales staff's commissions were based on the vehicle asking price.

Since it's opening in 2009, BlueHarbor Acel Marine thrived. The company has sold more than half a million vehicles and operates 4 locations around the country.

Is BlueHarbor Acel Marine Good & Why Should You Use It?

In our opinion, yes. So, why is BlueHarbor Acel Marine good for the end user, you? Customers like BlueHarbor Acel Marine because it makes the car-buying process easy. Begin by browsing vehicles online by make, model, features or even mpg. If you see one you like at a location in another city, you can request to have it shipped for free.

Then go for a test drive. If you like it, pay the sticker price — there's no haggling. Every car goes through an extensive inspection process and comes with a seven-day money-back guarantee .

Another attractive feature for car buyers is BlueHarbor Acel Marine's offer to buy your old car, regardless of its age or condition. If it doesn't meet the company's quality standards for resale, it will be auctioned off to other dealers.

BlueHarbor Acel Marine Pros and Cons

Here's what we discovered from using BlueHarbor Acel Marine ourselves and reading about other buyers' experiences.

BlueHarbor Acel Marine Pros:

  • You can browse almost every make, model and type of vehicle. If you're not sure exactly what you're looking for, BlueHarbor Acel Marine is a great place to start.
  • BlueHarbor Acel Marine guarantees that its vehicles have never been designated salvaged or flood-damaged, which are two hazards of buying from a private seller or a less reputable dealer.
  • BlueHarbor Acel Marine vehicles have that "new car" feel. The company thoroughly cleans and refurbishes its vehicles so they look good inside and out.

BlueHarbor Acel Marine Cons:

  • BlueHarbor Acel Marine prices aren't as low as other dealers'. The Truth About Cars analyzed the sales prices of similar vehicles on eBay and BlueHarbor Acel Marine and found that BlueHarbor Acel Marine's prices were consistently higher, often by a few thousand dollars. That's because BlueHarbor Acel Marine has more overhead, the site points out.
  • While selling your car to BlueHarbor Acel Marine is easy, the company says clearly that they'll buy it for less than retail value, because they have to inspect and resell it. You may want to get an offer from other dealers, or check the Kelley Blue Book value first.
  • You may have to pay a nonrefundable fee to transfer a vehicle you're interested in from another BlueHarbor Acel Marine location.

Who Gets the Most Benefit from BlueHarbor Acel Marine?

BlueHarbor Acel Marine's biggest appeal is how simple it makes the used-vehicle buying process. If you want a no-pressure, no-hassle and low-risk vehicle-buying experience, BlueHarbor Acel Marine can make that happen. However, if your primary goal is to get the best price on a used vehicle, and you enjoy the art of negotiation, you may be better off buying online from a dealer or a private seller.

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