Do you want to purchase used cars? You are not the only one; last year alone, more than 36 million used vehicles changed hands in private-party and dealership sales. This is actually the least number in a decade, which means owners are holding on to their cars longer because of ever-present economic uncertainty. With fewer options than in other years, it's even more necessary to have a sound strategy when shopping the used market. Here we are going to tell you how to buy used cars, some signs that can help an individual realize the history and conditions of a car, and tips for buying used cars from dealers.
1. How Much Can You Afford for a Car?
If you're taking out a loan for the car, then the best guideline is to limit your monthly payment to 10% of your earnings after paying the taxes. If you are budgeting closely, you might consider less than 10% because used cars are often less than perfect and needs things like tires and parts replaced and more maintenance. You even need to consider the other expenses of ownership, such as fuel and insurance. You need to quickly think how much you will save for unexpected repairs when buying a car out of warranty.
2. Make a List of Targets Used Vehicles
For example, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV-4 are good types of used cars because they tend to be popular with consumers. But because of that popularity, they are more expensive than a slightly less fashionable Ford Escape or Kia Sportage, which are also very good. If the expense of just one brand is not enough to get you what you want, try combining more than one brand.
For those in the market for a vehicle under 5 years old, check out the certified pre owned Automobile (CPO) cars. They're essentially long-term warranties that remain with the manufacturer-no more dealership sales. Only franchised dealerships that sell that same car brand new can sell a CPO car of the same brand.
3. Check Prices
Prices are partly affected by where you are shopping. They come to used cars in used cars sections in new car dealerships, independent used car lots, used car retailers like Carrookie as a platform of new and second hand cars in Canada, and many more private party sellers nonstop. Of the four, generally, private party cars are the least expensive with standing CPO cars highest in price due to fewer miles, being in better condition, plus warranty coverage.
4. Find Used Vehicles for Sale
One convenient place to start your target list is the Carrookie used cars list pages. Filter your search by any of several criteria: price, mileage, features, distance from dealer to dealer, and you will soon find the exact car you want. Most of the other sites have somewhat similar methods of finding vehicles nearest to you.
5. Verify the History Report of the Used Cars
Obtain a vehicle history report unless you're buying it from a close relative or a friend who knows the vehicle's history. It is a very early stage. You would want to know early if a car you're looking at has a bad history report. The best-known source for vehicle history reports is Carrookie. These reports can contain important information about the car, including whether the odometer has been rolled over or has even a salvage title (meaning that this vehicle has been deemed a total loss by the insurance company).
This information will be obtained using the vehicle identification number (VIN). In certain cases, you need the license plate number. Most of the major used car dealers provide these reports free of charge as long as that vehicle is in their inventory.
6. Contacting the Seller Before Buying Used Cars
Now that you've found a potential car, don't run in to see it, call up the seller first. You do this to establish a connection with the seller and to verify all the information about the car. Ask private-party sellers why they are selling a car or what its mechanical problems might be. If you are buying from a dealer, a phone call or text is the best way to ensure it is still there.
Sometimes the seller will say something that was not in the ad and can make you change your mind regarding the car. If you want to go further, the used car questionnaire is quite a good reminder of what to ask. Our final question is about the asking price of the car. Well, many will want to negotiate even before seeing the car, however, it is better to wait and tie the offer to the condition of the car.
If the discussion is going on the right track, schedule a test drive. Test drives should be scheduled either during the day or under some other lighting conditions where shady areas can still be illuminated.
7. Drive the Car in for a Test is Essential for Buying Used Cars
To truly know that used cars is the right one for you and has the best selling in the market, test-driving it is the best option. It can help you determine the condition of the specific car. So, tune out your distractions.
Here are some things to check:
- Is it easy to get in and out of the car without stooping or banging your head?
- Is the headroom, hip room, and legroom enough? Check out the back seat space as well.
- How are the driving position and comfort? Do you sit too low, too high, or just perfectly right in the car? Can you tilt or telescope the steering wheel to better fit your position?
- And how are the seats? Are they comfortable? Easy to adjust? Does the driver have lumbar support? What about that of the front passenger?
- Is the check engine light on? If so, get that problem checked out before purchasing.
- How's the visibility? Take a look at the rearview and side mirrors. Also, look for possible blind spots.
- Use your nose. Smell gas? Burning oil? Or is anything else distinctly bad?
- Tires: One, how old are they? Two, is enough tread present?
- How are the brakes? Are they stopping the car effectively? Do they squeak?
- Pop the hood. No, you don't have to be a type of geek to spot that something is wrong. Check around the engine area for lines, hoses, and clamps. Wiggle hoses to check the integrity of the rubber. Dried or cracking hoses will need replacement, so factor that into your discussions on price. If something is leaking, steaming, or covered in oil, it's time to ask questions.
- Is cooling coming from the air conditioner? Are the headlights, brake lights, and turn indicators functioning? Test them to be sure.
After your test drive, find out if you can see the service records from the owner or dealership. These will let you know whether maintenance has been done or at fixed intervals.
8. Have the Used Cars Checked
When you fall in love with a car, it's best to have it checked out by a mechanic to find out the truth about it before you purchase the car. You might get it to your mechanic's garage if you have one you like. One may even invite you to take the car to the garage where the mechanic works. Just know that it's not going to be as good as in their shop, with all their paraphernalia and car lift, because probably they can't do that either.
Prepurchase inspection costs between $100 and $200, reporting to you all the things you might not see and saving money in the long run—now that's a smart buy second hand vehicles if you're serious about a crumby car.
Most private sellers will allow inspection of the vehicle without much fuss when the bargaining is about the deal. However, that does not apply to all. One way that could help others is to meet the seller at the mechanic of your choice. If the person has an objection, then that can be a potential reason to suggest deeper issues with the car or that the seller has not bothered.
A pre-purchase examination usually takes about an hour or even less. Most dealers that you would approach for that would discourage you by allowing you to drive a vehicle to the outside mechanic. If they will be charging you for the service, then an inspection has already been conducted, and the vehicle carries a warranty because it is CPO, so less motivation exists for taking the car into an independent workshop.
9. Make the Best Deal Possible When Buying Used Cars
Are you dreading the thought of "talking numbers"? It shouldn't have to be this way. Negotiating doesn't have to last for months. It can be done quickly and painlessly if you are reasonable and have a plan—that, probably, saves time.
Decide upfront how desperate you are to get the car and how much you would spend to get it, but don't start the bargaining with that figure. Make a first offer lower than your maximum but reasonably close, given your research into average amounts paid for the car. Add that you have done your research on Carrokie or wherever so that you have facts to support your offer.
If you find two cars with a price that seems good, very close to the average price paid, then these are probably okay.
10. Complete the Document Processing
If you are at a dealership, the signing part of the contract happens in the finance and insurance office. Furthermore, you will be offered many additional products such as warranties (for non-CPO vehicles), devices for theft prevention, plans for prepaid services, or even coatings that protect underbodies and/or upholstery from contaminants on the inside. This is just so because extended warranties give peace of mind, so consider this unless the vehicle has already been covered under the original manufacturer's warranty or is CPO.
Thoroughly read the dealership sales contract; in most states, it lists the car second hand car prices, a documentation fee, perhaps a minor charge for a smog certificate, car sales tax, and licensing fees.
As for the person buying a car from the owner, make sure that the seller does the transfer of title and registration directly and also without a hitch. Endure fertility deals made with someone who is a great wanderer in terms of personal contact, managed by the author only. To avoid problems later, make sure that the deal is closed as it should be.
Before the exchange of money, ask for the title (sometimes referred to as a pink slip) and let the seller sign it off to you. Vehicle registration and licensing rules are different for each state. If possible, check with your Department of Motor Vehicles to make sure you are not liable for any unpaid registration fees.
Make sure you get insurance on the car before you drive it away, regardless of whether it comes from a dealer or a private party. Once you have completed all the paperwork, it is time to start enjoying your new car—some may find it necessary to indulge in a drive-through dinner now and then. You earned this!
Check out the Best Used Cars and enjoy the savings without giving up index features and performance.
Conclusion
Buying used cars takes long-term planning. You should consider the budget, thoroughly research the car from potential dealers, inspect it, and before finally closing the deal, negotiate with the owners. Explore cars for sale in Canada and examine reliable used cars: check history reports, schedule inspections, and complete paperwork.
Find the perfect ride for you today! Explore a large number of new and used cars with Carrookie, the trustworthy platform in Canada for car shopping with no hassle. Compare prices, see history reports, and connect with sellers easily. So start searching now and have a prestigious drive!
FAQ | Used Cars
Don't invest in salvage-titled vehicles, those over 200,000 miles, with irregularities in odometer readings, and with no proof of maintenance. Vehicle history reports would reveal many such things. Models that regularly exhibit issues should also be investigated.
Tends to be a used car, lesser mileage is always better. A general thumb rule is taken as being about 12000 miles per year. Low mileage does not equal a good used car; preferably, a car with 70,000 miles and a full history of maintenance is even better than a 30,000 mile-no maintenance history.
A dealership has many benefits over a private seller. Often, the vehicle has been reconditioned (detailed, upholstery cleaned or patched, infotainment software updated), access to auto loans, and a chain if anything goes wrong with the deal. Conversely, a private seller usually provides more information on how the vehicle has been maintained, and is less tedious to negotiate for a lower price.