OK, I have never bought a car before but have decided that I need to start driving (I have my licence, just never driven since the day I passed my test 7 years ago).

Anyhoo, I duckshoved the car-buying task to DP but he has done nada.

I have narrowed down my choice to a RAV4 or a Honda CR-V (I think that's what they're called).

Will be 2nd hand, automatic.

So, tell me, what are the pros and cons of going to a 2nd hand car dealer versus buying privately?

Presumably with a dealer you can get finance whereas with private you pay cash?

What else do I need to know?

We won't be trading in.