THE USED-CAR MARKETPLACE
The essential advice for purchasing a used car has always been “Buyer beware.” That advice still holds true, but over the past few years,
the prices of new cars and light trucks have outpaced many consumers’ incomes, sending demand for used cars up. While buying a used
car is still filled with uncertainty, there are ways to increase your chances of making a satisfactory purchase.
Doug Mayhew, manager of public relations for the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), suggests that would-be buyers consult the CAA’
s annual Autopinion magazine. Published each December, and based on members’ appraisals of their own cars, it gives very useful general
information and details about problems with specific models, the cost of repairs, and overall satisfaction. Autopinion also contains articles by
automotive journalists on subjects ranging from car-buying trends, leasing, and the latest features.
Inspecting The Used Car
The scariest part of buying a used car is not being completely sure of what condition it’s in. A car that’s been in a major accident is always a
bigger risk, but sellers often try to hide this information. Andrew Bleakley, evaluator-inspector, runs a mobile vehicle inspection service in
Montreal. For about $80 he will perform a full, unbiased inspection on a used vehicle. In his 10 years as a professional inspector, Bleakley
has seen a lot. He warns, “Watch out for dealer demonstration vehicles which are used, not new. They may have been in a collision.” He
adds that it is not uncommon in Ontario and Quebec especially for unscrupulous sellers to roll back the odometer or to even disengage it.
Bleakley has special tools to check for this.
Bleakley always recommends hiring an independent technician to inspect the condition of a used car before you buy it. The problem is
finding someone qualified to do the inspection, which he says generally doesn’t mean just any mechanic. A thorough mechanical inspection
includes checking the compression, all major systems, including the engine, electrical and charging systems, transmission and drive line,
fluids, brakes, suspension, and steering. Essential, too, is an inspection of the car’s body and finally a road test. There are, however, a few
things everyone can do before buying a used car:
- Do a visual check of the car. Look at the right rear door hinges. If they are very worn, or the door doesn’t close well, the car may have
been used as a taxi. Holes in the roof could mean the car was used for deliveries.
- Check for oil leaks on the pavement. Note that leaks are not necessarily a significant problem -- it depends on the cause.
- Don’t assume that new-looking brake and accelerator pedals mean the car hasn’t been driven much. Resellers know people check
these details and can buy new pads for around $6.
- Copy down the vehicle identification number (VIN), a 17-character combination of numbers and letters, from the vehicle’s dashboard.
In Ontario, ask the dealer or seller for the Used Vehicle Information Package. This gives details of previous owners, any outstanding
liens on the car, and the fair market value of the vehicle.
Determining The Best Used Car
Bob Beattie, executive director of the Ontario Used Car Dealers Association (www.ucda.org), offers his advice for buying a used car:
- Once you have decided on a car, have it checked by your own mechanic. It will be money well spent.
- During negotiations, look closely at any guarantee offered by a dealership. Ask if an extended warranty is available. This could be for
a period of three months or up to three years.
- Check the quality of the car, not the odometer. At the end of the day, a guarantee, warranty, and inspection, are more important than
other factors such as the odometer reading, or whether a car has had just one owner. How well a car’s been cared for is critical. For
example, if one car has low mileage but was not well serviced and another car has higher mileage but was well cared for, the second
car may be a better deal.
- If you are buying a used car privately, beware of “curbsiders.” These individuals pass themselves off as private sellers of their own
vehicles. In fact, a curbsider is in the business of selling cars. If you are looking for a used car in the classified section of a newspaper,
cast your eye down the ads. Does one phone number appear alongside more than one ad? If so, it is probably a curbsider. Beattie
says his organization has found that about 20 percent of so-called private sellers in Canada are actually curbsiders. In Ontario, go to
the Ministry of Transport, License Office, and ask for a Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP). This gives you vital information and
history about a used car.
- Be suspicious of any car that has signs of being freshly painted. This may indicate serious damage from an accident.
BUYING A USED CAR
The Used Car Marketplace
The essential advice for purchasing a used car has always been “Buyer
beware.” That advice still holds true, but over the past few years, the prices
of new cars and light trucks have outpaced many consumers’ incomes,
sending demand for used cars up. While buying a used car is still filled with
uncertainty, there are ways to increase your chances of making a
satisfactory purchase.
Doug Mayhew, manager of public relations for the Canadian Automobile
Association (CAA), suggests that would-be buyers consult the CAA’s annual
Autopinion magazine. Published each December, and based on members’
appraisals of their own cars, it gives very useful general information and
details about problems with specific models, the cost of repairs, and overall
satisfaction. Autopinion also contains articles by automotive journalists on
subjects ranging from car-buying trends, leasing, and the latest features.
