For most, buying a used car is one of the most stressful and expensive things you can do. How do you know what to look for? How do you ensure you aren’t getting a bad deal? Well, the team here at Downtown Auto Group wants to help take away some of the anxiety. We’ll walk you through what you should look for when you begin looking for your new (used) vehicle.
Do Some Research
Don’t just wander down to the dealership to browse the lot – show up knowing what you’re looking for. Start by looking into what kind of vehicle will suit your needs, and deciding what features or capabilities are “must-haves.” When you know what you’re looking for, even in general, it makes it easier for the dealership to help find the right fit for you. Don’t be afraid to take a look at the used inventory online. If you don’t see what you want right away, used inventory is always in flux – checking back once a week could turn up just the right vehicle.
Budget Accordingly
Understand your budget, and stay within it. Consider looking into getting pre-approved for financing, so you know how much you can afford, and don’t be afraid to check if the vehicle you’re interested in is valued fairly using tools such as the CARFAX Canada Value Range. Don’t be afraid to walk away from a vehicle that falls outside your budget.
Check the Paperwork
Once you’ve found a used vehicle which has your interest, you’ll want to get to know it a little better. Reputable dealerships like ours will have a used vehicle’s history on file for you to take a look at, including a VIN check, accident history, warranty information, and an inspection report.
Take a Drive
Don’t buy something you haven’t sat behind the wheel of. A vehicle that looks good on paper might just not feel right when you take it out on the road. If this is going to be your next vehicle, you should make sure it has the kind of response you want from it. Don’t just drive around the neighbourhood either – hit a thoroughfare where you can get it up to speed. Test the brakes. Try parking it. Test every feature to make sure they all work.
Once you’re sure you’ve found the right car, truck or SUV for you, the team at Downtown Auto Group can help you with financing and finalizing your purchase. You’ll also want to keep that vehicle tuned up, and our skilled service technicians are equipped to keep you on the road for years to come.