True Story … Had a lady come into our dealership who was looking for a XC90. She wasn’t sure if she wanted a new or used one, but had always liked the look and knew that was what she wanted.

We scheduled a time for her to come in and she took both a new and the used one I had out for a test drive. She liked both but what it really boiled down to was getting into a monthly payment that would work for her without having to worry. We spent a couple of hours together and by the time she left had all the information she needed on both vehicles.

She didn’t end up buying from me and the only reason was due to the monthly payment she wanted to be at. She decided to go to a used car lot instead because she found a XC90 there that was cheaper than the one I had for sale. It happens, but … if you are going to look at a vehicle on a used car lot, OTHER THAN a dealership … keep these things in mind:

We (meaning dealerships and used car lots) all buy vehicles for our used car lots at the same place, the auction. Right now there is a huge demand for used Volvos and a very limited supply, so it stands to reason that we would give a long hard look at ALL Volvos that go through.

You really need to keep that in mind, when you see a vehicle, like a Volvo on a used car lot and ask yourself why? Why, if there is such a huge demand and a short supply of good Volvos would a car like that be on a used car lot rather than at a dealership?

There could very well be a reason, like:

1. It was in an accident. I am talking considerable damage, or

2. It was a vehicle brought in from the US. Some might not mind the fact that it is a US car, because it is a great deal, but is it really? Think in terms of the type of weather conditions the US has had with flooding, etc. ALL those vehicles didn’t just get gathered up crushed never to be seen again. They were cleaned up, fixed and sent somewhere. Also think in terms of warranties. If having some sort of vehicle service plan is important to you, you might want to check first to see if there is something available for you.

I am not saying that buying a used car from a lot other than a dealership is bad. Just make sure you do your homework. The car looks fantastic and it is at an awesome price to boot … WHY??

The XC90 my customer purchased was a US vehicle. She said she had it checked (which is a good thing). She came into the Parts Department because the Rear DVD didn’t have the Remote or the Wireless Headsets that were suppose to be with it … hmmmm

Cars Used Ontario Buying From a Dealership Instead of a Used Car Lot This post via: Cars Canada For Sale The help you need when buying a new or used car in Canada!. Just Ask Ryder

Similar Canada cars for sale buying tips:

1. News Happening Now Cars Canada For Sale February 7, 2011 North American Car and Truck of the Year Awarded January...
2. News Happening Now Cars Canada For Sale March 2, 2011 Ontario man hits 1 million kilometres in Mercedes-Benz February 28,...
3. News Happening Now Cars Canada For Sale March 9, 2011 Woman Crushed To Death By Her Own Car During Repossession...
4. News Happening Now Cars Canada For Sale June 7, 2011 Japanese automakers see sales decline in May due to Japanese...

The how to buy a used car is a process, just like anything. One thing that I usually suggest to my customers is that they break the process down into steps. It makes things a little easier and the task doesn’t seem as daunting or stressful.

The whole process of how to buy a used car pretty much starts with you, and looking at things like:

1. Is there a brand or a specific car I have seen on the road that appeals to me right now?

2. Is terms of options what MUST I have in my next used vehicle? (keep in mind that buying a used car isn’t like buying a new car where there are several different colours available with specific option groups etc.)

Next you want to do some research on used cars and the best place to go is online. The internet has certainly helped us on the “how to buy a used car” by providing us with some great sources of information and allows us to do a little price comparisons as well. Places you want to visit would be sites like:

1. Canadian Driver This site is excellent for gaining some real insight into the used car(s) you are considering. They also provide you with some other helpful likes as it relates to a brand itself. It is a site that I use on a regular basis and I like because it is based on Canada used cars.

2. Car Insurance Canada Canadian auto insurance companies differ by as much as $900 based on the same coverage. We tend to call maybe one or two Canadian auto insurance companies, at best, and use that as a guage.

This site provides you with insurance quotes Canada for up to ten insurance companies. It will give you an idea as to what your insurance premium will be based on the used car you a looking at. When you go through the list they give you, don’t forget to capture the phone number of the insurance company and the quote number, that way you have it later when it comes time to insuring your use car.

3. Auto Trader Trader is a good site to use for not only cost comparisons between dealers but if narrows the search down. Instead of going from dealership to dealership to see if they have the car you are looking for, you know who has it specifically. Saves a lot on time and certainly helps you with your budget as well in knowing what the going asking price is for the used car you are interested in.

The whole “how to buy a used car” process truly does start with you and the used car you want to buy, your budget and of course taking your car insurance premium into account.

You might have read this and thought “well, ya” but you would be surprised how many people come onto a dealership lot and really have no idea what sort of car they want, let alone how much they want to pay or even what the insurance is going to be.

These are all things that tie together and make the used car buying experience more enjoyable (yes, for real!!). When you take the time to do your research you are that much more informed and reduce your risks greatly!

Next time we will look at visiting the dealership!

Cars Used Ontario – How to Buy a Used Car This post via: Cars Canada For Sale The help you need when buying a new or used car in Canada!. Just Ask Ryder

Similar Canada cars for sale buying tips:

1. News Happening Now Cars Canada For Sale February 14, 2011 Driver charged with stunt driving after going 155 km/h on...
2. News Happening Now Cars Canada For Sale February 14, 2011 Driver charged with stunt driving after going 155 km/h on...
3. News Happening Now Cars Canada For Sale June 14, 2011 New vehicles could offer more value than used cars May...