In Canada, purchasing a car, whether a used car or a new one, is a big deal. It's not like strolling into a convenience store and picking out a chocolate bar; there's more to it, plus, it's one of the biggest purchases you will make. Not to mention, in your lifetime, you will probably buy a new car more than once. Let's back that up; you could go to a dealership, point at the first car you see and then buy it; we just don't recommend that. FFUN Cars is, as the name suggests, fun; part of that fun process is offering up some pointers on how to buy a used vehicle in Saskatchewan.
Whether you have an unlimited budget or not, getting a good deal on a pre-owned vehicle should always matter. Nobody wants to feel as if they were ripped off. Oh wow, we slid right into that as a great place to kick off on our car buying guide.
Budget Matters
It's one thing to want a new vehicle; it's another to get that vehicle within budget. Many Canadians will do some quick calculations in their heads to determine what they can afford each month. We suggest not being so cavalier about determining the budget for car buying; after all, if you plan on taking out a car loan to purchase the vehicle, you'll be making monthly payments for a few years. To give yourself peace of mind and avoid buyer's remorse, look at your monthly expenses and income in detail. Car buyers should spend no more than 20% of their earned income on a vehicle. Remember, that's a variable number depending on your other expenses.
Once you've determined your budget, you can start to shop around at used car dealerships to see what type of vehicles fall within it. As you are narrowing down your search, remember the purchase price will have taxes that need to be added, and (we'll be honest) some used car dealers can be shady, and they will try and add in all these weird fees that don't make any sense. Okay, that may have been a little harsh, and the reality is most dealerships have (what's known as) dealership fees which can include vehicle registration fees, title fees, license fees, documentation fees, etc. It doesn't make the salesperson or dealership scam artists - it happens all the time, it's just a thought to keep in the back of your head. You could buy your next vehicle from FFUN Cars in Saskatoon, where the price you see is what you pay, without worrying about hidden fees. Full disclaimer: some sales taxes have to be added so we can keep the federal government happy, but other than that, no fees.
Research Vehicles
So, you've determined your budget for your next vehicle purchase; now, time for the more fun part of car buying; actually shopping around and buying a car. When it comes to buying a used car, you have options. You can buy from a private seller, visit specific automaker's dealerships to check out what they have available for used inventory, or visit used dealerships. Call us biased, but we think you should buy your next vehicle from FFUN Cars. When you make the (wise) decision to purchase a vehicle from FFUN Cars, it's convenient and, well, fun - yes, pun intended. You can buy the vehicle online, through the showroom, or, heck, a combination of the two, whatever you prefer.
Suppose you choose a different place to buy a car over FFUN Cars, remember to research the dealership you are buying from. It's hard to believe, but some shady dealerships are out there. Anyway, back to the research. Buying a used car isn't the same as buying a new one. That's not to say you can't get a used car that's as good as a brand-new one; you just want to take the necessary steps to ensure you aren't buying a lemon. Always get a vehicle history report, such as CARFAX, to see any accidents or damage to the vehicle. If the seller doesn't provide one automatically, ask them to, or ask for the vehicle identification number so you can do your own VIN search on the car.
Once you have short-listed some vehicle options, take them for a test drive. FFUN Cars are the new kid on the block, so we're shaking things up from how the automotive industry has been handling test drives. When you purchase a vehicle from us, you get a limited vehicle warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is basically an extended test drive.
Sign the Dotted Line
The time has come; you've found the used vehicle that works for you, and you're ready to sign the dotted line. Pump the brakes, and tread carefully. Be sure to thoroughly review the purchase price, plus any fees, PST, etc. If you're financing the vehicle, negotiate for the lowest interest rate possible because, let us tell you, that adds up over a car loan term. To stay within your budget, double-check the vehicle's monthly payment with all the added costs and ensure that it will still fit your budget. If you hate hidden fees (like you should), buy from FFUN Cars. Our salespeople are non-commissioned, so it's not about making themselves money; it's about finding the perfect vehicle for you.
So, there you have it, a broken-down guide on how to buy a used car in Saskatchewan. Keep your wits about you with used vehicles and trust your "spidey "senses. Trust your instincts if something seems shady, like there are no service history records or the odometer reads extremely low. Don't be shy, we want to meet you at FFUN Cars. We have a wicked lineup of vehicles, including luxury ones like BMW and Audi, and the more humble brands such as Ford, Honda, Hyundai, and more. It's Saskatchewan's new way of buying a car.
