Tips for buying a used car
What kind of car should I buy? This is mostly the buyer’s preference, but some research can reveal a lemon before you buy. Obviously a car, truck, or mini van is dictated by your needs, but you usually have several choices when it comes to what make and model. Check out the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for articles on safety. Where to look? Spread the word through your family and friends that you are looking for vehicle. Many times a family member has, or knows of someone selling a car, or nearing the end of a lease. You can check local newspapers and online. Canada Car Finders is a good source of vehicles in Canada. Fair market value depends on supply and demand many times. That super slick cruiser may be listed at $4,000 in a source like the Kelly Blue Book, but if the going rate is $15,000 because it’s so hard to find a good one, you will be looking for a long time. If you really MUST have one, you will have to “bite the bullet” to be the first kid on the block to have one! The Kelly Blue Book is a US publication. Dealer or private seller? Both can be excellent sources for finding a quality car. A private seller may be asking a lower price, but you don’t have the buyer’s protection that you have when dealing with a registered car dealer. You can check out a car dealer’s business practices with the Better Business Bureau. And you may have a limited warranty or return policy. Be sure to read and understand what you are signing before you make a deposit. Be sure you have the financing available before you shop, and understand that you probably won’t get your deposit back because you changed your mind. Unless you can prove the seller misled you, your deposit is gone.
Private sellers can be a good source of vehicles if you use some common sense. Be sure you know what you are looking for when you shop so that you know the value of what you’re looking at. Any claims the seller makes should be backed up with invoices or documents that substantiate their claims. If you are not familiar with the workings of a motor vehicle, bring a mechanic with you. Don’t just take the seller’s word about what the car needs. Paying $100 to check out a vehicle that you end up not buying is a better deal than spending thousands after you own it. Never check out a car in the dark. In the rain is not good either. You should be looking at a clean, dry, well lit vehicle. Dirt, darkness, and water can hide body damage or previous body repairs that would otherwise be visible. CARFAX offers a vehicle history at minimal cost. The title information, including salvaged or junked titles, flood damage history, odometer readings, number of owners, vehicle use (taxi, rental, etc.) are some of the things that can be included in the report. CARFAX even offers a buy back for qualified vehicles. A single vehicle history is available for $24.99 (US dollars), or get unlimited vehicle history reports for a 30 day period for just $29.99 (US dollars). Please consider using the CARFAX links from our website. It helps offset our costs, and helps us to continue to provide great value in our website!
Check the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is the same on both the registration and the vehicle. The VIN is located on the left side of the dash, visible form outside the windshield, and also located on the driver’s door post. These should all match. The VIN can be used to obtain a history of emissions tests in the province of B.C. The AirCare website lists the inspection results, with the kilometers, under inspection results. The kilometers in the report can verify the actual kilometers on the odometer. Other provinces may have this information available as well.
Be sure you are aware of any emission testing requirements or vehicle inspections in your jurisdiction that may need to be satisfied before you can insure your new purchase.
Expect that the seller would not be comfortable with accepting a cheque; ask them before hand so that you don’t put them on the spot. You may be buying a car “as is”, so be sure that this is the one, and deal that you want before handing over the money. Remember, its buyer beware. Complete the transfer papers in full and be sure to retain a copy.
Be aware of any provincial laws that pertain to the sale or registration of a motor vehicle, check with the motor vehicle department in your province.
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