Buying a used car in Canada isn't rocket science. Many people think buying a used vehicle is a challenging maze that you need to work through to get what you want. The truth is, buying a used vehicle is very similar to buying a new car. The big difference is that a little extra caution needs to be taken regarding the vehicle's mechanics and its condition. Some amazing low mileage used cars are available that have already gone through the initial depreciation stage, making them incredibly affordable.
Whether you are buying from a private seller, car dealership, or a dealership with an online car-buying option, like FFUN Cars, there are specific steps to go through before signing your name on the final bill of sale. We’re all about helping you, even if you aren't doing a trade-in or buying your car from us, and we've put together a mini car buying guide to ensure you get the best used or certified pre-owned vehicle.
Know What's Best For You
The first step to purchasing a vehicle is knowing the right car for you and your lifestyle. This is the same whether it's a new car or a pre-owned one. You know your needs better than anyone. If you have a family, you probably want a bigger vehicle like an SUV or a minivan with loads of safety features. Or maybe you can shove the kids in the back seat of a sedan. Knowing what you require out of a vehicle is the first step. Other than if you have a family, a few things to consider are, do you like the outdoors, do you commute, what are the road conditions where you live, etc. There are definitely vehicle brands known to have excellent resale value, such as Honda, Toyota, and Nissan, but they can come with a higher price tag. That doesn't mean they aren't worth it, but there may be less expensive ones that are just as reliable. In some cases, you may even be able to buy a new vehicle for a lower price than a used one, such as a Kia.
Ugh, Budget
Budget, ugh, we know. If only we could all have unlimited budgets. If you do, there's a high probability that you are going to buy a brand new car over a used one. With that said, determine your budget. Deciding what type of car you want or need is easy; whether it fits your budget is a different story. Having a list of wants versus needs can help keep you in check with finances and determine if you can afford the add-ons you want. When it comes to budget, you'll want to decide whether you plan to pay cash for the vehicle or if you need a car loan. Don't forget to calculate interest rates into your monthly payments if it's a loan. Edmunds says your vehicle loan payments can be up to 10% of your take-home income. It's more than the car's purchase price; there's the cost of ownership, which includes maintenance and car insurance. If you are buying from a private seller, ask them for proof of insurance to see what it typically costs to insure. If you want a little help with determining your affordability, play around with our FFUN (see what we did) loan calculator.
Research, Research, Research
Research is your friend when it comes to buying a car or anything really. Once you have narrowed your search down to a few vehicles, research the heck out of them, including checking out consumer reports, determining the Canadian blue book value to understand the price range it should sit within, etc. As part of your research, you'll also want to research where you might buy it from. The last thing you want is to buy it from some shady salesperson at some sketchy dealership. Trust us, there are loads of them out there. Read up on reviews of car dealers or online car buying platforms to verify you will not get rolled over the coals. Car buying tip: buy your next used vehicle from FFUN Cars. We're secure, legit, have incredible benefits, and are super rad.
Take It For An Actual Test Drive
Obviously, you are going to test drive the vehicle. Many car buyers think taking a car for a quick five-minute spin around the block will suffice. Don't get us wrong, that might be enough time to determine if it's the car for you, but we suggest you take longer. Take a familiar route and try all driving maneuvers such as reverse, turning both directions, and U-turns. Check all lights and signals, make sure the odometer works, and go crazy by pushing all the buttons inside to make sure the features work. You'll definitely want to confirm the heat and air conditioning work. The last thing you want is to buy a used car and then realize the A/C doesn't work in the heat of summer. #sweatbox. Knowing the vehicle's condition and how it drives will help you determine what the best price is for the car. Check us out, where we offer a 24-hour test drive, so you can be sure you have enough time to get a feel for the vehicle.
You've Found The One
Easy, pump the brakes. I mean, we're pumped you found the perfect car for you, but before you jump in and drive away for good, do your due diligence with that specific vehicle. Never be afraid to ask questions. Some great questions to ask are: Who were the previous owners? Knowing this might help you understand what the vehicle went through. Ask for a vehicle history report such as CARFAX or CarProof. Hint: or buy from us, where every vehicle comes with one. If there is no vehicle history report, ask for the vehicle identification number (VIN), so you can do a vehicle check for any accidents. What is the fuel economy like? With ridiculous Canadian gas prices, this is an important one. Does it have an extended warranty that is still valid?
Car sales and car purchases should be transparent but ask for it if you aren't getting that right away. After all, it's your money, and you need to feel comfortable with what you purchase. Unless you are buying your new, used car from FFUN Cars, where every vehicle goes through a 92-point inspection, we suggest you take the vehicle you are looking at for a pre-purchase inspection.
It's about you loving your next vehicle. We realize inventory on new vehicles is still making a comeback these days, so if you're buying new, you feel you don't have the luxury of time; you're probably right. But, when you decide to buy a used car, there are more options. Sure, you may have to sacrifice some things because you aren't custom ordering it, but trust us, there are options. See for yourself by browsing our inventory of used cars. If you find something you like, don't worry about fighting traffic to get to the dealership - we offer the option of buying your vehicle online. No weaving through traffic or haggling with salespeople. Sweet, eh? Yup, that's what we do. Entirely online but only if you want, even getting approved for financing.
