What questions are allowed and should I ask?

[pogs]

Hello Folks,

Is it normal to deal when purchasing a used vehicle?

Can I ask to see the service records?

Would I only be allowed to browse the service records while I am there?

What should I be looking for on the service records?

How much should I shoot for when bargaining for a used 2003 vehicle with about 65,000 km's?

Should I try to get $3000 off the listed price, more or less?

Is it better to deal with a dealership?

What kind of warranty will a used vehicle come with? Just what is remaining on the vehicles original warranty?

Any other information would be appreciated.

Thanks,
pogs

[The General]

Is it normal to deal when purchasing a used vehicle?
- Yes, absolutely.

Can I ask to see the service records?
- Yes, but they may not be available if the car was not serviced by this dealership. You may ask and get warranty reapir information.

Would I only be allowed to browse the service records while I am there?
- See previous.

What should I be looking for on the service records?
- Regular oil change interval and maintenance. A brake job, and routine scheduled inspections.

How much should I shoot for when bargaining for a used 2003 vehicle with about 65,000 km's?
- Depends on the vehicle. CR-Vs and Foresters have very strong resale values.

Should I try to get $3000 off the listed price, more or less?
- Depends on the asking. Browse this site to get an idea of what the average asking price is. Then, compare what they are asking to what you have found.

Is it better to deal with a dealership?
- Only if you want to purchase an extended warranty.

What kind of warranty will a used vehicle come with? Just what is remaining on the vehicles original warranty?
- See previous. Normally, for the CR-V and Forester, you will not require an extended warranty. The balance of the original will be sufficient.

Regardless of where you purchase, dealer, private, whatever, get it inspected by an independent 3rd party.

[kilby]

Don't make the price of your used vehicle the sole focus, 2003's can be like new or horribly looked after. I have an aquaintance who is always looking for the "best price", he has on several times in the past paid a couple of thousand less only to have to replace transmissions, engines and steering parts. If you are going to keep the car for a few years it's worth getting a good one. Something to always ask in vehicles approaching 100K is has it had the timing belt replaced (if applicable) depending on which make, can be very expensive. I would have no hesitation in offering $3000 less than the asking price, sometimes it works, especially on larger vehicles and ones that don't have stellar reputations. Don't expect huge discounts on good Accords, Civics etc as they are in demand with the escalating fuel prices. There was an article in the Globe and Mail this morning (online) about how all the manufacturers are scrambling to get out new models of small cars. This means there will be good discounts on things like Jeeps, trucks and other vehicles that use a lot of fuel...the problem being, of course that they use a lot of fuel! PS, the General is right, unless you know a lot about the various pitfalls in buying get an independent third party to inspect it, it's worth it. If they won't let you take it off the lot to your mechanic..just walk.