What To Look For When Buying a Used Vehicle
Buying a used car is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Finding a trustworthy seller, knowing fair prices and deciding what vehicle model is best for you – these are just a few things to consider.
It’s important to find a car that fits you perfectly, but also one that makes you feel safe behind the wheel. If you’re thinking about buying a used car and don’t know where to start, we’ve put together 8 steps to help you have some peace of mind throughout the process.
1. DECIDE ON YOUR NEEDS
First, you need to know what you want to buy. Consider your lifestyle, cargo space needed and how often you will be using your car. Do you prefer an SUV or a sedan? Narrow down your search and choose some specific models with the features you’re looking for.
2. SET A BUDGET
It’s important to know your budget. How much can you actually afford to spend? What is realistic for you when it comes to weekly or bi-weekly payments? Birchwood Credit offers a great Auto Loan Calculator that can help you figure that part out.
3. START SHOPPING AROUND
Visit local trusted dealerships rather than private sellers. Dealerships are obligated to hold a set of standards and every used car goes through a rigorous inspection. Another advantage of buying from a dealership is that you can have the history disclaimed for free. Knowing how many owners and what type of damage the car has had is helpful for making a decision.
4. TAKE A TEST DRIVE
So, you’ve decided on the car that you want. You know your budget and you’ve researched the dealerships. Now, it’s time for the fun part – taking it for a test drive! Use this moment to ask all the questions you want and to inspect the car. See how it feels to drive, decide if it’s what you’re expecting and test out other similar models if needed.
5. GET AN INSPECTION
Once you know what car you want to buy, it;’s important to get a pre-purchase inspection. A mechanic can help determine the cosmetic, mechanical and safety conditions of the car. They’ll be able to pinpoint any existing conditions and highlight potential future issues. This information can help provide negotiation leverage when you finalize the sale.
6. NEGOTIATE IF NEEDED
Now that you’ve decided on exactly which car you want, it’s important to research the value of the vehicle and the factors that can impact its value. Doing this will ensure you can make a confident offer and negotiate with the dealership if needed. Don’t settle on something that doesn’t fit with your original budget.
7. GET INSURANCE
Because you’ll need to provide proof of insurance before finalizing the sale, the last step is to make sure you have the right coverage. Contact MPI to find out exactly what you need or if anything needs to change with your current coverage.
8. FINALIZE THE SALE
It’s time to make it official! Each province has different regulations for finalizing the sale of a used car – Manitoba’s regulations can be found here. When in doubt, contact the Province of Manitoba to ensure you and the seller have covered all your bases.
BUYING A CAR IN WINNIPEG – MADE EASY
Did you know? Birchwood Credit offers in-house financing services! We find ways to work with you, regardless of your credit score, to help you purchase a vehicle.
We are one of the few car loan companies in Manitoba that offer true in-house financing without relying on outside brokers or lenders. If you decide to finance your new vehicle through Birchwood Credit, you are dealing with a name you can trust.
Get in touch today to get the car-buying process started! It takes as little as three minutes to complete our online application form.
