While used cars at used car dealerships are cheaper, General Motors (GM) reports these types of dealerships may create more of a risk than a bargain compared to their own dealers.

GM has documented more than 400 hours of footage highlighting these risks and posted it on an interactive Web site (www.UsedCarAmbush.com). The video below includes general views of used car dealerships, a narrated package on these types of purchases and soundbites.

We at PreOwnedCar.com believe in value of good dealers - they can add immense value. Good dealers and sales people can save ones time, help narrow down best match for ones requirements (money or driving habit wise) and reduce the uncertainties in the overall process. They are ethical, upfront (do not post ads as regular users), respectful of your wishes and sometimes hard to find.

But when you have time to spare, some knowledgeable help and good common sense - money wise, there might be a better value in buying direct from a owner.

Which ever way you decide to go. We hope the clips on that site will give you some perspective on dealer vs. authorized dealer.

As always, please exercise caution when dealing on your own and do your homework.