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Buying a Car
What kind of car should I buy?
This is mostly the buyer’s preference, but some research can
reveal a lemon before you buy. Obviously a car, truck, or mini van
is dictated by your needs, but you usually have several choices when
it comes to what make and model. Check out the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration for articles on
safety. |
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I once looked at a car offered
for sale. “Won’t start… just needs a battery”, says the
seller! Ok, so I check it out. It turns out it had a hole through
the side of the engine block! Moral of the story here is to bring a
mechanic with you, and don’t just take the seller’s word about
what the car needs. Paying $50 to check out a vehicle that you end
up not buying is a better deal than spending thousands after you own
it. Never check out a car in the dark. In the rain is not good
either. You should be looking at a clean, dry, well lit vehicle.
Dirt, darkness, and water can hide body damage or previous body
repairs that would otherwise be visible. CARFAX
offers a vehicle history at minimal cost. The title information,
including salvaged or junked titles, flood damage history, odometer
readings, number of owners, vehicle use (taxi, rental, etc.) are
some of the things that can be included in the report. CARFAX even
offers a buy back for qualified vehicles. A single vehicle history
is available for $19.99 (US dollars), or get unlimited vehicle
history reports for a 30 day period for just $24.99 (US dollars).
Please consider using the CARFAX links from our website. It helps
offset our costs, and helps us to continue to provide great value in
our website!
Fair market value depends on supply and demand many times. That
super slick cruiser may be listed at $4,000 in a source like the Kelly
Blue Book, but if the going rate is $15,000 because it’s so
hard to find a good one, you will be looking for a long time. If you
really MUST have one, you will have to “bite the bullet” to be
the first kid on the block to have one! The Kelly Blue Book is a US
publication.
Dealer or private seller? Both can be excellent sources for finding
a quality car. A private seller may be asking a lower price, but you
don’t have the buyer’s protection that you have when dealing
with a registered car dealer. You can check out a car dealer’s
business practices with the Better Business Bureau. And you may have
a limited warranty or return policy. Be sure to read and understand
what you are signing before you make a deposit. Be sure you have the
financing available before you shop, and understand that you
probably won’t get your deposit back because you changed your
mind. Unless you can prove the seller misled you, your deposit is
gone.
Private sellers can be a good source of vehicles if you use some
common sense. Be sure you know what you are looking for when you
shop so that you know the value of what you’re looking at. Any
claims the seller makes should be backed up with invoices or
documents that substantiate their claims.
Spread the word through your family and friends that you are looking
for vehicle. Many times a family member has, or knows of someone
selling a car, or nearing the end of a lease. You can check local
newspapers and online. Craig's List is a good source of vehicles in Canada.
Check the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is the same on both
the registration and the vehicle. The VIN is located on the left
side of the dash, just below the windshield, and also located on the
driver’s door post. These should all match. The VIN can be used to
obtain a history of emissions tests in the province of B.C. The AirCare
website lists the inspection results, with the kilometers, under
inspection results. The kilometers in the report can verify the
actual kilometers on the odometer.
Be sure you are aware of any emission testing requirements or
vehicle inspections in your jurisdiction that may need to be
satisfied before you can insure your new purchase.
Complete the transfer papers in full and be sure to retain a copy.
Be aware of any provincial laws that pertain to the sale or
registration of a motor vehicle. |
