Top 6 Tips for Buying a Used Car in Edmonton

Top 6 Tips for Buying a Used Car in Edmonton

Posted on August 7, 2024

The used car market provides a great alternative when you want value for money and unlimited access to various vehicle models. However, navigating the process and owning a car as a first-timer can be challenging. To help you get started, here are the top six tips for buying a used car in Edmonton.

Set a Budget

Before buying a used car, you want to save money while getting a vehicle that meets your needs. Setting a budget can help you narrow down your options, tailor your needs, and determine how much you’ll spend.

Thus, consider the car’s depreciation, fuel economy, and insurance cost. Crafting a budget also helps determine which features are necessities and which ones are luxuries.

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Ask the Seller for a CARFAX Canada Report

What is a CARFAX Canada report?

• CARFAX Canada provides comprehensive vehicle history reporting in Canada

What does CARFAX Canada tell you?

• Whether or not the vehicle was in any reported accidents
• Where the vehicle had been registered
• Whether or not the vehicle is a U.S. vehicle and imported properly
• Odometer records
• and more…

Why ask for a CARFAX Canada report?

• Without a vehicle history report, you really do not know the vehicle's past

Let a CARFAX Canada report help you make an informed purchase decision. Enter your email below to ask the seller to send you a CARFAX Canada report.

Request CARFAX Canada

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Do Your Research and Look Around

Research is paramount when looking for a used car in Edmonton. Online listings, buying guides, consumer reports, and public auctions are excellent resources for researching and deciding which used car to buy. Your friends and family can also be helpful when researching a used car.

When shopping around, you might also consider the less popular brands as you may find an implausible vehicle at a bargain price. The goal is to find a better deal while considering your budget, personal preferences, and needs.

Consider Private Vs Dealership Sales

Private owners and dealerships have a great selection of used cars. If you buy a used car privately, you might find a good deal and negotiate a reasonable price. However, your car may not be covered by extra warranties, or you may run into cagey sellers.

Suppose you buy from a dealership; your car will have a warranty and receive extra services. However, the car can be expensive, or you might be forced into financing or add-ons you don’t need. Thus, weigh the pros and cons of both parties before purchasing.

Perform a Proper Test Drive

Take the vehicle for a test drive for at least 30-45 minutes and see how it drives. Drive through the freeways, highways, parking lots, and bumpy country roads. Keep the windows down to listen for unusual noises and strange engine sounds.

Also, check the wipers, AC system, lights, radio/CD player, the year of manufacture, and mileage, and examine the paint and undercarriage for leaks. The goal is to ensure the vehicle is in perfect condition before paying.

Request a Detailed Vehicle History Report

Websites like Carfax Canada and AutoCheck provide vital information about vehicles. Check these sites about a specific car you’re interested in to understand whether it has been involved in a crash and the lien registered against it. Also, check the VIN and search provisional records for vehicle information.

Book a Professional Inspection

If you decide to purchase a used car, get an experienced mechanic to check it. This will help you notice certain problems you might have missed during a test drive or prior checks. Booking a professional inspection also helps prevent potentially costly repairs and replacements once you own the vehicle.

Book a Test Drive in Edmonton Today!

The main benefits of buying a used car are reduced depression, cost savings, lower insurance premiums, and lower annual registration fees. Contact Rally Subaru to book your test in Edmonton and accomplish your dream of owning a car today.

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