Wednesday, March 27, 2024

What To Check When Buying A Used Car

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When Covid-19 shut the nations economy down in 2020, many automakers canceled orders for the semiconductor chips used for everything from car radios and engine management systems to chip-enabled car keys. They took this step fearing the virus would sharply curtail vehicle sales, and they would be stuck with a glut of chips.

As it turns out just the opposite was true.

As a result of this, automakers dont have the chips needed to meet high demand for new cars, and most are struggling to keep up with production. With popular models like the Kia Telluride and Ford Bronco essentially sold out due to high demand, Americans literally switched gears and started heavily buying used cars.

According to auto industry analyst firm Cox Automotive, 40.9 million used cars were sold in the U.S. in 2021, up about 10 percent over 2020 numbers. That number included 22.2 million sales by consumers to dealerships and online retailers like Shift and Carvana. Used car sales are expected to remain high this year, with Cox predicting 2022 numbers at 39.3 million used vehicle sales, with 22.1 million by consumers selling to dealers and online retailers.

Those numbers should continue to go down as new vehicle production continues to improve. For now, however, some very popular models are selling for more used than they did new before the coronavirus/chip shortage crisis.

Frederic J. Brown, AFP via Getty Images

Check The Carfax Report

Perhaps the most important benefit of Carfaxs Used Car Listings: Each one comes with a free Carfax Vehicle History Report. Be sure to check the Carfax Report to see if that particular model has been in an accident, been declared a salvaged or flooded vehicle, had multiple owners, and to confirm its maintenance records and miles driven.

How Do You Research A Used Cars History In Ontario

So, you have an idea of the type of car you want now its time to spend some time researching the list of vehicles you are considering. The good news is that there are countless resources today you can use to learn about the car you are considering. Here are some to use :

  • Friends and family : If you know someone who has or has had the vehicle you are considering, ask them about the pros and cons. You might want to ask them if you can test drive their car.
  • Transport Canada : This will provide you with information about recalls and other news.
  • Consumer Reports : This is one of the best resources online to read reviews and reports on vehicles.
  • Autos.ca : Another great online resource to compare car models, read reports, reviews, and gather other information about vehicles.
  • Car Proof : If you are considering a specific vehicle, Car Proof offers a number of tools and resources to help you learn about a vehicles history.

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Get License Plate & Sticker

To drive your vehicle, the vehicle must have valid license plates and validation stickers. There are some important details that you will need to know:

  • You will need two license plates on the front and back of the vehicle
  • Plates are valid to the owner and not the vehicle so you will have to get your own set after purchase
  • Validation stickers must be renewed every one or two years and usually expire on your birthday

Typically, the validation sticker is placed on the top right corner of the rear license plate.

Did You Know?

Documents To Check When Buying A Used Car

Car Buying Checklist

Used car market has been growing faster than the new car market for many years now. There are many reasons for it, ranging from affordability to not having to face any sort of waiting period. In fact, buying a used car always makes better financial sense. Certainly, going for a used car is not at all a bad idea. However, among the things to check before buying a used car in India are not just the condition of the car but even the paperwork. Today, in this post, we tell you about the car documents check you need to conduct while purchasing a second-hand car.

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Decode The Vehicle Identification Number

When buying a used car look at the Vehicle Identification Number . Some scammers will replace the VIN of a stolen car with one that is legally registered. Check the VIN for consistency on all service records, history reports, title documents, and on the car itself .

This VIN Decoding chart may also help.

Driving Off Into The Sunset

The time has come to enjoy your new ride. We recommend a long drive down country roads or by a lake. Canada is full of great scenery and cute little towns ripe for exploring!

Go get your car and take it for a drive! Be sure to leave yourself some time to enjoy your new purchase.

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How To Negotiate For A Used Car

Unless youre buying a used car from a dealership that doesnt allow haggling, never pay the asking price. You can almost always do better. And even if you are buying from a one price dealership, feel free to ask the salesperson to throw in a deal sweetener like extended warranty coverage.

A dealerships salesperson will typically negotiate downward from the models advertised price. Likewise, private sellers will usually advertise a used car at a higher price than theyre ultimately willing to accept. It doesnt hurt to ask for the dealership or sellers best price and work from there. At any rate, be sure to let the other party know youve researched the vehicles value ahead of time.

Learn the Best Time to Buy a Car.

Other Questions To Ask

12 Things To Check Before Buying A Used Car

The inspection went well and the test drive was enjoyable. There are a few other things to check when buying a used car simply by asking questions. Ask the seller:

  • Why are you selling the car?
  • How long have you owned it?
  • Where did you purchase the car from?
  • Is there any warranty left, or do you have a transferable extended warranty?
  • Do you know of any unresolved issues?
  • Have you had any accidents with the vehicle?

Most upstanding sellers wonât have a problem answering your questions. If there are inconsistencies, take note. They could be trying to cover something up.

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Check Hoses And Belts

The radiator hoses should not be soft or cracked. A bad radiator hose could burst, causing extensive damage to your vehicle.

Make sure belts are in good condition as well. If your serpentine belt breaks, your vehicle wont be drivable. Make sure this one is at the top of checklist when looking at a used car.

Vehicle History & Mechanics Inspection Checklist For A Used Car

  • Vehicle identification number : With the VIN, you can get a Vehicle History Report for the car via sites such as CarProof. Most dealers provide a history for all the used cars they sell.
  • Mechanics inspection: Before you close the deal, take the car to a repair shop that you trust where you can have it thoroughly inspected. Have your mechanic give you a written report detailing what needs to be repaired and how much it will cost. If a seller is reluctant to let you have the car inspected, walk away from the transaction.

There you have it, a 5-step checklist to help you make an informed decision about your next used car!

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What To Ask Before Buying Your Next Car

Take the intimidation factor out of buying a used car by asking the right questions. Ask why they are selling the car, if its had regular service and maintenance and if its still under warranty. Ask for a VIN check and request to take the car for an independent inspection.

10 questions to ask before buying a used car.

Why Shop With Us

Buyer

In addition to offering quick, easy, and convenient returns with our 3-Day/300-Mile No Questions Asked Return Policy, our nationwide used car dealers can also give you an outstanding shopping experience. With hundreds of pre-owned vehicles for sale and a team of dedicated sales associates, finding your ideal used car is simple!

Plus, we’re proud to be where affordability meets reliability, which is why every car in our inventory has a price tag of $14,999 or below. We take the time to inspect each model for safety and quality, too. We even make sure your next used car comes with updated state inspections and a CARFAX® Vehicle History Report.

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Fuel Economy: Commuting On The 401 Or Driving Downtown

Fuel economy is one of the most vital components of your used vehicle purchase. It dictates how much you’ll pay at the pump, as well as how far you can go on a single tank.

For families and commuters, a lower L/100km is ideal, but if you’re not worried about the extra expense compared to more efficient vehicles, the choice is yours. Keep in mind that SUVs and trucks, as well as all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles will have lower fuel economy than two-wheel drive cars.

Used Car Bodywork Checks

Checking the bodywork is one of the easiest visual inspections you can do while looking at a car. Essentially, youre searching for any signs of repainting or replacement panels that might suggest the model has been in an accident. Car park dents and dings can be common on doors, too, while a chipped front could suggest a lot of heavy motorway miles. Check for panel gaps, and the door seals for potential leaks, as well.

You should check as much of the car as you can, outside, underneath and, where possible, inside. Old repairs arent necessarily a bad thing as long as theyve been completed properly. They can even help to build a picture of the cars past.

Check for rust on all metal body panels. Rust will begin by bubbling under the paint, but left unchecked, it can force the paint off and can eventually rust through, so its worth getting it fixed. Untreated stone chips and scratches can trigger rust.

Pay special attention to the cars wheelarches, especially the edges of the lips inside the wheelarches, as water, salt, road grime and grit can all conspire to cause rust. And also check the cars sills – the panels that run under the doors on both sides.

You should also look for evidence of crash damage, and more importantly, evidence of poor repairs. In bright daylight, check the body panels are of a uniform colour and look for evidence of overspray on glass, rubber seals and plastic trims.

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Registering A Newly Purchased Used Car

Typically, the dealer will complete the vehicle registration for you. If youre buying privately and not from a dealer, you will end up having to do it yourself. Go to a Service Ontario center with the following documents:

  • The UVIP, Safety Standards Certificate, and Drive Clean Emissions test
  • Original Vehicle Permit
  • Proof of purchase
  • Proof of insurance coverage

What To Look For When Buying A Used Car

5 Checks You MUST Do When Buying A Used Car

Follow these steps on our used car inspection checklist to ensure you find an amazing deal and dont end up with a lemon. The used car market a great place to look when you want value for money. But compared to a brand new car, you run a higher risk of ending up with something thats going to leave you stranded.

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Turn On Every Important Device And Make Sure It Works

In order to learn how to check a used car before buying, you must try out the most important devices on the car.

Some of them are:

  • Climate control , check that all the functions work
  • Central locking
  • Controls and switches
  • Car stereo or infotainment system
  • Controls on the steering wheel
  • Reverse cameras

The more you try out, the better. Pay special attention to various systems that may influence safety or cause later expensive repair.

Most modern cars are full of these so take your time in order to avoid future problems.

How To Negotiate A Used Car

If youve found a car you want to purchase, its time to negotiate. Rule number one is to always negotiate. The asking price is very seldom the firm final price for the person selling a car. Its called an asking price for a reason. Here are some tips for negotiating :

  • Know the current market value of the vehicle : Use Kelly Blue Book, Auto Trader, and Canadian Black Book to get a good idea of how much you should pay.
  • Consider value for the price : There may be other things such as the inclusion of winter tires, low mileage, wear and tear that will factor into the price.
  • Know your budget : Know your budget and stick to it. But this doesnt mean you have to tell the seller what your top dollar is during the negotiation.
  • Eliminate emotion : Negotiate based on logic and have confidence in your offer.
  • Dont be afraid to counter-offer : Negotiations are about going back and forth, so dont be afraid to counter any offer made by the seller.
  • Avoid making a rash decision : Always give yourself enough time to weigh your options and make a decision.
  • Be prepared to walk away : You have other options, and if the deal is not what you want, walk away. Never agree to a deal that makes you uncomfortable.

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Inspect The Interior For Unwanted Smells

When you first open the car, take a sniff. How does the car smell?

Any musty, moldy, or mildew smell could indicate water leaks or damage requiring repairs. Mold is a health hazard and may be hard to get out of the car.

Any acidic smoke could indicate the car was owned by a smoker. This smell can be difficult to eliminate.

What To Check When Buying A Used Car

Free Vehicle Inspection Checklist

Before buying a used car, get hands-on with your visual inspection. This is a big purchase, so don’t rush yourself. Be ready to get your hands and clothes a little dirty. It could help in the long run.

Start with the car’s exterior and check the body for imperfections like gaps, dents, or discolored paint. These could be signs of reconstruction after an accident. Inspect the windows for chips and cracks, the tires for uneven wear, and the tailpipe for black grease. Get under the vehicle and check the wheel wells and underbody for rust, which could lead to future problems.

Look to see if the doors are working well or show signs of heavy use. Even if you aren’t a mechanic, you can still look under the hood for obvious signs of wear. First, make sure the engine doesn’t appear to have fluid leaks dirtying the block. Do a quick oil check to see that it isn’t murky, and also inspect transmission fluid levels. Feel any rubber hoses and belts to make sure they aren’t cracking or super stiff.

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After You Buy A Vehicle

  • Get insurance and register your vehicle at a registry agent as soon as possible.
  • Check that all the information on the vehicle registration certificate matches the proof of ownership and insurance.
  • Keep the reports on your vehicles registration, lien history and proof of ownership in a safe location.
  • Learn how to register a vehicle for use on Alberta roads.

Look Through The Car Maintenance Record

The maintenance record of the car you want to buy should be neat and precise.

This is one of the most important parts when learning how to check a used car before buying.

If everything is OK it should have:

  • Who did the maintenance
  • Locations of dealerships or mechanics
  • What was exactly done
  • Precise date of all the maintenance and repairs
  • Proof of validity
  • When is the next maintenance work due

This is the ideal scenario. Another acceptable option is some sort of personal valid record with receipts for parts or repairs.

In newer times, all this data is computerized making it perhaps even better and easier to track down. When checking a used car, ask for this option if theres no written record.

If all of this is missing, then youre buying in the dark. Never depend on hearsay. Maybe no one wants to swindle you but a precise thing like a maintenance record shouldnt be a matter of memory. Some work or facts may be easily distorted or overlooked.

Remember, a clean maintenance record is future money in the bank. For instance, if some of the bigger repairs were made like the dual mass flywheel, brake overhaul, replacement of the timing chain or timing belt, then youre carefree from huge expenses in the future.

If you find a car like this, dont hesitate to pay more money, its a good future investment for sure.

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Be Prepared To Put Down A Deposit

If youve viewing a car but arent able to drive it away the same day, be prepared to put down a deposit.

Sellers often come across tire-kickers and will be unwilling to take the car off the market on your word alone. You have a much better chance of reserving the car if you can offer them a deposit on the day.

A bank transfer is better than cash as theres an electronic trail, and always ask the seller for a receipt. Particularly if youre buying privately.

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