Questions You Should Ask When Buying a Used Car

If you’ve never purchased a used car before, there’s a good chance you may have reservations about doing so. Though some may insist that buying new is always the best way to go, purchasing a used car can be a great way to save while still getting you into a safe and reliable car that you love. If you’ve been looking for a used car for sale in Toronto, you might have questions about what to ask when buying a used car. Thankfully, once you’ve done a bit of research, finding a used car that you love is simple.

At Ontario Chrysler, we are the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram dealer Toronto residents turn to when looking for a trusted used car dealership. We carry an extensive selection of used cars for sale within our inventory from all manufacturers. Family-owned since 1975, we pride ourselves on helping you find high-quality used vehicles at great prices. Whether you are curious about buying a used vehicle or simply want to prepare yourself for a smooth transaction, we can help. In this post, we explore what to look for when buying a used car to help you feel more confident about purchasing a pre-owned vehicle.

What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

Are you unsure about what questions to ask when buying a used car? You’re not alone. Knowing what to check when buying a used car can help you feel more confident in your purchase and help you steer clear of any vehicles that don’t meet your expectations. For the most part, you’ll want to ask questions about the condition of the vehicle. We’ve broken down the basic categories of what questions to ask a dealer when buying a used car​. Use this as a guide, and don’t be afraid to ask any questions that you have outside of these considerations.

• Understanding CarFax Report – a CarFax or CarProof report contains information you’ll want to know when buying a used car. Many car dealerships will provide you with access to a vehicle’s CarFax report, though some may charge you a fee to do so. The CarFax will provide information on accident history, title history, service records, number of owners, open recalls, lien status, stolen vehicle check, and even suspected odometer rollback concerns. A CarFax report will cover many of the questions you may have, so be sure to ask for one. Ask a dealership about the CarFax report if you’re not sure what something means. A trusted used car dealership will help you navigate all the details of the report and answer questions honestly.
• Warranties – It is a good idea to ask if there are any manufacturer warranties still in effect for the car you are considering. If the car you’re interested in does not have a warranty, you might have wondered, can I buy a warranty for my used car​? We’re happy to say that, yes, you can buy a warranty for a used car! Ask your dealership about available warranty options for extra peace of mind when buying a used vehicle.
• Financing Information – Financing a used vehicle is simple. However, it is important to ask questions about the financing rate, down payments, and the trade-in value of your current vehicle. Though used vehicles are often cheaper than new vehicles, they typically are financed at higher, non-promotional rates. Work with a dealership that is committed to getting you the best financing rate as well as the best trade-in value. At Ontario Chrysler, we use vAuto to ensure that we give you the highest trade valuation. Contact us today to have your trade-in evaluated. We buy cars even when you’re not looking to buy from us.
• Used Vehicle Information Package – if you plan to purchase a used vehicle from a private seller in Ontario, you should ask them to provide you with a Used Vehicle Information Package for the vehicle. But what is a Used Vehicle Information Package anyways? A UVIP contains important information about the vehicle, such as its VIN, make, year, and model. Most importantly, it will also contain registration history, vehicle status, valuation, and lien information. If the UVIP is not provided at the time of sale, you will need to purchase one when you register the vehicle. However, not having one at the time of sale puts you at risk as a buyer.
• Test Drive the Vehicle – Not sure what to look for on a used car test drive? Don’t stress too much. The test drive is your chance to see how the vehicle drives, sounds, smells, and functions, as well as any other exterior or interior concerns. It is important to take note of any concerns you have while driving. Give yourself time to ask any questions you have along the way, or after the test drive has concluded. A used car dealership will make the process of test-driving a car simple. On the other hand, the experience of test driving a car from a private seller can be awkward.

Always ask any questions about the vehicle that come to mind, including any issues you may have experienced during the drive. You may wish to ask the seller about dents, scratches or any other repairs that you feel should take place before a purchase. Any seller, private or dealership, should be transparent and willing to answer any questions you may have.

Common Red Flags When Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car is often a rewarding experience. However, you’ll want to be wary of common red flags to protect yourself. Be sure to watch out for the following issues when test-driving, or searching for your next used car.

• Missing or incomplete service records
• Salvage or rebuild title
• Signs of odometer tampering
• Signs of flood damage, smells, stains
• A lien on the title of the car
• Obvious exterior signs of repair
• Warning lights on inside the vehicle
• Rust and exterior damage
• Leaking fluid
• Poor handling, odd noises

A trusted used car dealership will fix issues with a vehicle and also be transparent about its status. When buying from a private seller, it is best to have a mechanic inspect the car before you make a purchase.

What You Need to Know About Used Car Financing

If you’ve never purchased a used car before, you might wonder, can I get a loan to buy a used car? You certainly can. Though some choose to get a loan through a bank to purchase a used car, financing through a dealership is often a favourable option. Ask your dealership about financing solutions to see if financing a used car could be a better choice compared to a private loan.

If you’ve ever wondered, can you buy a used car with cash? The answer is yes, you can! Buying a used car with cash is simple. When looking to buy with cash, check with your dealership about how they intend to receive the payment. A certified cheque is often the most straightforward way to buy a car with cash.

Private Sale vs Dealership Used Car: Pros and Cons

When trying to decide between a private sale vs dealership used car in Ontario, know that there are pros and cons to each. In many instances, buying a used car from a private seller may be the more affordable option. However, the process of buying privately can be awkward and uncomfortable. Buying from a used car dealership is the best way to ensure that your vehicle is in good condition and also to have a seamless and comfortable transaction.

Buying a used car can be a fantastic way to save on the purchase of your next vehicle. Remember to always ask any questions you may have, not just the ones listed above. A trustworthy dealership will be transparent and will walk you through the process of buying a used vehicle with confidence.