Top 5 Tips for Buying Used Cars

Owning a car is often a necessity for Canadians. Whether you need it for your job or want a reliable vehicle for the school run, finding an affordable solution can be difficult. However, Blainville Chrysler, your trusted car dealership in Blainville, has a range of quality used cars for sale that are sure to fit your needs and budget.

When you have found a used car for sale in Blainville that meets your requirements, you might wonder what steps you need to take to purchase it. Below, we have gathered our top five tips for buying used cars, including how to set a budget and which financing options are available.

Why Should I Purchase a Used Vehicle From a Car Dealership in Blainville?

There are many new cars on sale in Blainville that you could get your hands on; however, there are several reasons why buying a used car might be better for you in the long run. These include the following.

• Cost-effective: Used cars, on the whole, are more cost-effective. They often come at much more affordable prices than new cars, are cheaper to insure, and are better value for money.
• Less depreciation: Unlike new cars, used vehicles don't depreciate as much or as quickly. This means you'll likely make back your money if you sell it.
• More choice: Contrary to popular belief, there is more choice in used vehicles than in new ones these days. If you've got your heart set on a specific style, like a dark grey interior, you'll likely find it in a used vehicle inventory. Newer cars tend to have fewer choices regarding vehicle colour, model, and more.
• Instant access to the car: Used vehicles for sale tend to be ready to drive off the lot. With new cars, you might wait six months for your desired vehicle. So if you need your car today, used vehicles are the better choice.
• Access to reviews: With new cars, very few people have had the chance to test them out, but with used vehicles, you're likely to find a few reviews online to see how the car fares on the roads. Depending on how old your car is, you can find reviews that cover how the car ages too. This can be particularly useful when budgeting for maintenance and repairs.

So, while newer vehicles may look shinier, there are a lot of benefits to choosing a used vehicle instead. You'll do much less waiting around for the new arrivals' delivery status to change, and you're more likely to find the car you want. Consider a used car next time you upgrade.

5 Top Tips for Buying a Used Car at a Car Dealership in Blainville

If it's your first time buying a used vehicle from a car dealership in Blainville, or you're just looking for tips to make the process easier this time, Blainville Chrysler is here to help. Below, we've gathered our top tips for buying a used vehicle in Blainville.

#1 Set a Budget

To begin with, you need to determine what you can afford in terms of the vehicle you purchase. This cost should not just reflect the exact vehicle price; it must cover everything from monthly payments to interest to continuing maintenance and repairs.

Before you start choosing your car's exterior colour, you need to work out what kind of car you can afford. If you're hoping to get your hands on a used Dodge or Chrysler SUV, then look at some current listings to get a good idea of the price they go for.

From here, you need to consider your down payment and monthly payments after that (if you plan on using a financing option like a car loan). Your down payment should be around 20% of the total price of the vehicle. However, a down payment is not always necessary, and some dealerships may allow you to forgo the down payment entirely.

After you've budgeted for monthly payments, you need to consider interest payments. There aren't many car financing options that don't come with interest. So, unless you're going to buy your car outright in cash, you need to consider this additional sum. For people getting a traditional car loan, the interest rates can be anywhere from 4% upwards. Interest payments will be higher for those considering a bad credit car loan.

Your budget also needs to include considerations for maintenance and repairs. Older cars frequently require repairs, so ensure you have it in your budget to afford this maintenance. You should budget approximately $2,000.00 for car repairs each year.

#2 Conduct a Thorough Inspection

A car dealership in Blainville should thoroughly inspect a used vehicle they are putting up for sale. However, this doesn't mean they all will, so you should conduct one yourself. We've collated a few steps to follow below.

1. Check the year and mileage of the vehicle: Generally, cars should put in around 20,000km per year. If the vehicle has more than that per year, it is above average, and a seller should offer it at a discounted rate. Higher mileage means more wear and tear, which can, in turn, lead to more repairs down the line.
2. Examine the car's exterior colour/paint job: This inspection should flag any repairs that the seller hasn’t listed for you. If the panels on the vehicle don't match in colour, the car may have been in an accident. If that accident isn't listed on the history report (see the next section), you must ask the dealership some hard questions. You should also take this opportunity to check for signs of rust.
3. Check the tires: Worn-down tires need replacing sooner than those with full tread. Ensure you'll not need to pay for new tires within a few months of buying the vehicle.
4. Conduct under-the-hood checks: This includes looking for general signs of rust and corrosion, inspecting the belts for wear and tear, checking in on transmission fluid, oil levels, and brake fluid, and checking the battery. The dealership will likely have already carried out these checks, but conducting your own will give you peace of mind.
5. Book a test drive: If the seller allows you to test drive, then do it. You can get a feel for the car during the test. Listen out for unusual noises when driving too. Tapping and rattling could be cause for concern, and you must address these issues before purchasing.

#3 Research the Vehicle History

Now it's time to check out the vehicle's history. In Canada, you can run a few checks on the car you're considering buying.

Firstly, you can run a VIN check. This check provides you with some basic information regarding your car. You need to submit your vehicle's 17-digit VIN. From here, you will get information including:

• The year, make, and model of the vehicle
• Engine and drivetrain
• Where the car was assembled

While this check is relatively basic, it does give you the information you need to verify what the seller says. It means you can avoid fraud. If the searched vehicle isn't what the dealership says, then avoid purchasing the car from them.

Another way to research your vehicle is to get a Vehicle History Report. Note that this check may cost extra depending on where you buy your car. A Vehicle History Report will include:

• Title status
• Major accidents and claims
• Service records
• Recall campaigns
• Odometer discrepancies
• Ownership changes and import records

If you're lucky, your dealership will give you these reports for free or list them on their website for transparency. However, if you're buying your vehicle through a private sale, utilize these checks yourself to ensure everything is as it should be with the car.

Another thing you can do to ensure you've got a comprehensive vehicle history is to ask questions. The seller should know the car well, so if you have questions that the reports don’t answer, get asking. You want to be sure that the vehicle you're buying is worth the money you're paying for it.

#4 Negotiate a Price

Once you've got all the details about your car, you can negotiate a better price. If you've found more repairs than expected in the vehicle's history or want to try knocking some money off the asking price, then now is the time to negotiate.

Make sure you educate yourself properly on what can affect the value of a car so that you can back up your request if necessary. It will make you sound more confident and help you remain clear-headed. Don't get angry or let emotions seep into negotiations and remember that you can walk away if you don't think the car is worth the asking price.

#5 Consider Your Financing Options

In Canada, there are several financing options you can use to pay for a new car. These include the following.

• Car Loan: A car or auto loan is a personal loan for car purchases. You can get a loan from traditional financial institutions, like credit unions and banks, and car dealerships can also work with lenders to help you get a vehicle loan. For those with bad credit, there are bad credit options that may have higher interest rates but allow you to finance a vehicle all the same.
• Leasing: This financing option has drawbacks but is suitable for some people. It includes monthly payments and access to a vehicle, but at the end of the leasing term, you do not own your car, and if you wish to, you will need to obtain lease financing from the dealership. There are other caveats, like wear and tear fees too.
• Paying cash: If you can afford to pay outright for a used vehicle, it can benefit you in the long run. Not only does it mean avoiding monthly payments, but it also means no added interest and vehicle ownership immediately. With all the above options, you don't own the vehicle until you've paid off the loan or choose to buy it at the end of the term. However, cars are expensive and not many people have the funds to buy one outright.

The financing option you choose will depend entirely on your financial circumstances. Remember that buying a car is expensive, and you must ensure you have budgeted for all aspects of car ownership.

Looking for a Used Car For Sale in Blainville? Check Out the Entire Inventory at Blainville Chrysler Today!

Buying a used vehicle is a cost-effective solution when you need an upgrade. We've covered our top tips for ensuring you get the best out of your vehicle purchase based on our experience in the industry. Remember to research and set a firm budget before beginning the buying process.

If you've been looking for a used car for sale in Blainville, you've come to the right place. Blainville Chrysler has many used cars for sale, including makes like Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and RAM. Check out our online inventory, or contact our team today to learn more.