Richmond Auto Mall's Used Car Sale is just around the corner and we wanted to share some car buying recommendations to help with the purchase of a good used vehicle.
Do some research to determine which type of vehicle will best suit your lifestyle, needs, and budget. Narrow your choices to 3 or 4 makes. This is easily accomplished by reading on-line reviews, consumer reports, and chatting with family/friends.
You can buy a used car from a dealer or a private seller. A dealer is anyone who sells or exchanges motor vehicles for profit. Dealers must be licensed by the Motor Vehicle Sales Authority of BC (the VSA) and follow certain rules.
A private seller could be a family friend, co-worker, or just a random individual with a car for sale.The private seller presents a number of risks to the consumer and, in most cases, you have no way of getting your money back if you have a problem. The Canadian Bar Association, British Columbia Branch has an excellent article on Buying A Used Car that addresses potential risks and is well worth the read.
Get a vehicle history report. This is helpful information about the vehicle's registration, insurance, accident and lien history. It is important to know the following;
- whether the car has had damages that, in total, cost over $2000 to repair
- whether it came from another province just to be sold here (because then it may have salt damage)
- whether it was ever used as a taxi, police car, emergency vehicle, and/or a lease or rental vehicle
- whether the odometer accurately records accurate mileage and model year
CarProof at a cost of $69.95 provides this valuable information and helps protect your family from the possibility of purchasing a vehicle that could be unsafe.
Experts agree the most important thing you can do before you buy a used car is get a vehicle inspection and/or a written repair estimate.
Many Dealers offer a "Certified Program" for their used cars. These programs may include;
- CarProof
- Detailed 153 Point Mechanical Inspection
- 3 day / 300 km money back guarantee
- 30 day / 2000 km exchange guarantee
- 90 day / 5000 km powertrain warranty (or balance of factory warranty, whichever is greater)
Gold, Silver and Bronze Used Car Buyer Protection Plans are offered by the Dealerships in the Richmond Auto Mall.
BC's Biggest Used Car Sale! Thursday, May 8 to Sunday, May 11 ONLY
We would love to hear from you. Did you find this information helpful? Do you have a tip you would like to share?