The steps towards buying yourself a new used vehicle should always begin by identifying your needs and your budget. It is easy to get carried away with the desire for the slightly older more equipped model for only $1,000 more.
Once this has firmly been established, research the type of vehicle you are interested in. Look into reliability, safety and ownership costs. The last point is especially relevant for those considering a bargain 5-year old European luxury car. You can find this precious information in magazines such as the Lemonaid books, Consumer Reports, Protégez-Vous (in Québec) or on reputable websites.
Now that you've narrowed down the field, the question is where to look. It is always tough to say where you will find the perfect car and if it even exists. It is possible to find the best car at the worst place or the worst car at the best place; the first scenario being highly unlikely and the second, very plausible.
It is important to be patient; a rushed purchase can quickly turn into a huge mistake. Best place to start your search is on the web. You can also browse newspaper classified ads if you're so inclined. The advantages to the web are great such as multiple examples of the vehicle you are considering, instead of only one or two, and you should typically be able to compare models side by side, read reviews by owners and professionals. Sites such as ours have an enormous listing of used cars for sale. You will be able to browse this inventory and get an idea of what the average selling price may be for the one or ones that are of particular interest to you.
At this point, your level of knowledge on the vehicles will have helped make an enlightened choice. Through your searches, you find some that fill your criteria (mileage, colour, transmission, etc). It is now time to make an appointment to see the car.
Remember that buying from a private individual will allow you to save on taxes but will not permit you to purchase an extended warranty, and the seller's liability will be limited to non-existent. By purchasing a car from a dealer, you will have access to an extended warranty (not always the best idea though) and financing. However, you may find that you will spend a little more money and will have to pay both taxes.
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| Photo: Thinkstock |
Once this has firmly been established, research the type of vehicle you are interested in. Look into reliability, safety and ownership costs. The last point is especially relevant for those considering a bargain 5-year old European luxury car. You can find this precious information in magazines such as the Lemonaid books, Consumer Reports, Protégez-Vous (in Québec) or on reputable websites.
Now that you've narrowed down the field, the question is where to look. It is always tough to say where you will find the perfect car and if it even exists. It is possible to find the best car at the worst place or the worst car at the best place; the first scenario being highly unlikely and the second, very plausible.
It is important to be patient; a rushed purchase can quickly turn into a huge mistake. Best place to start your search is on the web. You can also browse newspaper classified ads if you're so inclined. The advantages to the web are great such as multiple examples of the vehicle you are considering, instead of only one or two, and you should typically be able to compare models side by side, read reviews by owners and professionals. Sites such as ours have an enormous listing of used cars for sale. You will be able to browse this inventory and get an idea of what the average selling price may be for the one or ones that are of particular interest to you.
At this point, your level of knowledge on the vehicles will have helped make an enlightened choice. Through your searches, you find some that fill your criteria (mileage, colour, transmission, etc). It is now time to make an appointment to see the car.
Remember that buying from a private individual will allow you to save on taxes but will not permit you to purchase an extended warranty, and the seller's liability will be limited to non-existent. By purchasing a car from a dealer, you will have access to an extended warranty (not always the best idea though) and financing. However, you may find that you will spend a little more money and will have to pay both taxes.
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| Photo: Thinkstock |