We’ve all heard the horror stories of the poor, unsuspecting guy who ends up buying a dud from a dodgy car lot and let’s face it, there are better things to do with a few thousand dollars. Here in Canada, cars need to be tough and durable, with a level of reliability to be able to handle the icy winters and if you are on the lookout for a second-hand car, here are a few tips to help you make the right choice.
- Always Buy from a Reputable Dealership – Resist the temptation to look at the private car sales online; sold as seen rarely works out and there are guys that make a good living buying wrecked cars and making them look like they’ve never been in an accident. The dealer takes lots of cars in part exchange and after a thorough inspection and some repair work, the vehicle is offered up for sale and most importantly, it comes with a warranty. There are affordable and reliable used cars for sale in Moncton from a well-known dealer who has a great reputation in the community.
- Test Drive – The only way to really get a feel of a car or truck is to take it out for a spin and rather than tale a chance and showing up, you can book a test drive via their website and the car will be ready when you arrive.
- Full Inspection – If you know your mechanics, make sure you pop the hood and listen to the engine (preferably after the test drive when the engine has fully warmed up). Walk around the car, looking for dents and scratches, pointing out anything you find and make sure to check the wheel arches for rust. If you are not mechanically minded, hire a mechanic to come with you and he will give it the once-over and tell you whether it is worth the asking price.
- Negotiation – This is the time to try and knock a few dollars off the price tag and waving a wad of cash often does the trick! You could complain about the many expenses you are having to pay and even walk away (you can always backtrack and return). If there’s a deal to be had, you should be fine if you ask; sometimes that’s all it takes.
The Internet is a good starting point and when you browse the local car dealer’s websites, create a shortlist and arrange a viewing and if that goes well, take the car out for a drive.
