Used-car buyers in the dark: survey | Calgary Herald
Buying a used car? Here are some important pointers to help you with your search for the right car.
From the Calgary Herald, originally posted May 11, 2010:
Canadian drivers are in the dark when it comes to buying a used car, according to a recent survey commissioned by Kijiji Canada.
More than half of all Canadians who have purchased a pre-owned vehicle admittedly fail to get all of the facts, the survey found.
Photo by MidTN.com (aka Brent) via flickr.com, under a creative commons license
“Buying a used car without understanding its condition and history is like buying a house without getting a home inspection,” says Kelly Williams, a former race car driver and Kijiji Canada‘s automotive expert.
“Previously owned vehicles can be just as reliable as new ones but drivers need to make sure they’re assessing the condition of the car before they make the purchase.”
Forty-five per cent of Canadians are considering making their next car purchase a used car and for many this decision is driven by reliability and price.
Yet, of the 78 per cent of Canadians who have already purchased a used car, some didn’t take the necessary steps to assess the condition and reliability of the car before they made the purchase.
“In fact, less than 50 per cent of Canadians acquire a copy of the car’s history report and this leads to a risky, blind purchase,” adds Williams. “Getting the best car for the best price means doing your homework.”
To ensure that Canadians are getting the best deal on their next car, Williams suggests the following tips for making a smart and reliable used car purchase:
- Learn about the car’s history. Ask the seller for the car’s Used Vehicle Information Package and purchase a copy of the car’s history report through a reliable third-party like CarProof or CARFAX.
- Have a professional inspection done by a licenced technician who can check for mechanical and body damage or evidence of an accident.
- Inspect the car inside and out, paying special attention to worn materials, tire treads and rust. Bring a flashlight.
- If the vehicle has high mileage (more than 100,000 kilometres), ensure you ask about a timing belt. Ask about the last time it was changed and make sure you get proof.
- Take it for a test drive.
- Ask to see service records. Complete records reveal not only the history of service, but also the owner’s diligence in looking after the vehicle.
- Obtain a used-vehicle information package from your provincial government (where applicable.)
- Check Transport Canada’s recall section and if any recalls are cited, see if those repairs have been made.
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