Buy A Used Car in Canada: What You Need To Know

Buying a car is a huge commitment. For most of us, it’s one of the most expensive purchases we ever make. And you can save thousands of dollars by buying used instead of new. But before you buy a used car in Canada, there are a few things you should know.

Retail sales of used cars amounted to more than $15 billion in 2021, so it’s easy to see that the used car market is big business. It’s important to protect yourself when making any big purchase such as a car, whether it’s new or used. Whether you’re buying from a licensed dealer or from a private seller, you need to be on your guard to make sure you’re getting everything you’re paying for — and not paying too much.

Knowing the full history of any car you’re thinking of buying can be a huge help. That’s why you should run the VIN of any car you are interested in through our VIN checker tool to get a clear idea of a car’s service history, accidents, lien checks, and other information.

Here’s what you need to know when car shopping in Canada.

Do Your Research

The first thing you need to decide is what kind of car you want. Think carefully about how you intend to use your new vehicle. Do you want something cheap to run that will get you to work and back reliably? Or do you want something that you can go camping in? Do you have a large family or a small one? Will you be pulling trailers and boats?

Knowing what you want a car to do for you will help you decide on what vehicle best suits your needs. From there, you can start researching different models of cars to decide which is best. Check online for reviews, research the reliability ratings of different makes and models, compare safety features, and get a feel for how much you should expect to pay.

Set A Budget

It sounds obvious, but it’s important to know how much you can afford. Once you start looking at cars, it’s easy to get carried away and stray outside the budget. Have a careful think about how much you can afford, making sure it’s realistic for the kind of car you want, and then stick to it.

Where To Look For A Used Car

Once you know what kind of car you want, and how much you’re willing to spend on it, the next step is deciding where to buy from. There are plenty of places to find used cars in Canada.

You can purchase a used vehicle from a dealership or an individual. It’s important to do your research no matter who you buy from. Consider checking for reviews online, asking friends and family for recommendations, or even visiting the dealership or private seller in person before making any decisions.

Used car websites like autotrader.ca can help you find the right car. You can also find good deals on sites like Kijiji or Craigslist. And don’t forget to make sure everyone you know is aware you’re looking for a car. You’d be surprised how often people find great deals on used cars through their network of friends and co-workers.

Take A Test Drive

No matter where you buy your car from, it’s a good idea to take a test drive before making any decisions. It’s the best way to find out how a car really drives and if it will suit your needs.

When you’re in the driver’s seat, pay attention to things like acceleration, braking, handling, and noise levels. You should also check for warning lights or strange noises when driving. This can give you an indication of whether or not this is the right vehicle for you.

Check The VIN

It’s also important to get a vehicle history record to make sure the car you’re buying isn’t stolen, doesn’t have any factory recalls, doesn’t have any liens against it, or have any previous accidents or damage. A simple VIN check can reveal all of this information.

You can do an online search by entering the VIN number into our VIN checker tool. This will tell you everything you need to know about the car, including previous owner history, any accidents or airbag deployments, any liens issued against the car, and tons of other useful information.

Have The Vehicle Inspected

Finally, it’s a good idea to have the car inspected by a qualified mechanic. This will give you peace of mind that the car is in good condition and doesn’t have any hidden problems. It can also help you get a better deal on the price if there are repairs needed.

Negotiate The Price

Once you know more about the car’s history and its physical condition, you can start considering negotiating a price. Any repairs that need to be made to the car or any liens that you’ll have to release should bring the price of the car down.

Negotiating can be intimidating, especially if you’re doing it with a professional car salesperson. However, knowing the value of the car and its full history, as well as what you’re willing to spend, can help you get a good deal.

Conclusion

Buying a used car in Canada can be a great way to save money. However, it’s important to do your research and make sure that you’re getting the best deal for your money. Knowing what kind of car you want, setting a budget, researching different models, taking a test drive, checking the VIN number, and having the vehicle inspected are all important steps to take when buying a used car in Canada. With some patience and knowledge, you can find the perfect car for you without breaking the bank.

FAQs

What is the best way to find a used car in Canada?

The best way to find a used car in Canada is to research different models, take a test drive, check the VIN number and have the vehicle inspected. You can also find great deals on sites like autotrader.ca, Kijiji or Craigslist.

Is it possible to negotiate on price when buying a used car in Canada?

Yes, it is possible to negotiate the price when buying a used car in Canada. Knowing the value of the car and its full history, as well as what you’re willing to spend, can help you get a good deal. It’s also important to make sure any repairs that need to be made are taken into account when negotiating the price.

What should I look for when taking a test drive?

When you’re taking a test drive, pay attention to things like acceleration, braking, handling, and noise levels. You should also check for warning lights or strange noises when driving. This can give you an indication of whether or not this is the right vehicle for you.

How do I know if a used car in Canada is stolen or had previous accidents or damage?

It’s important to get a vehicle history record to make sure the car you’re buying isn’t stolen, has any liens against it, or had previous accidents or damage. A simple VIN check can reveal all of this information. You can do an online search by entering the VIN number into our VIN checker tool. This will tell you everything you need to know about the car, including previous owner history, any accidents or airbag deployments, any liens issued against the car, and tons of other useful information.

What should I do if I find a problem with my used car in Canada?

If you find out there is a problem with your used car in Canada after buying it, first contact the seller to see if they are willing to repair or replace it for free or at a reduced price. If not, then you may be able to take legal action if the car does not meet the manufacturer’s warranty or was represented incorrectly. It’s best to consult a lawyer in this case to discuss your options and make sure you’re getting a fair deal.