Buying a used car is usually the best decision you can make when it comes to car ownership. You get to avoid the depreciation, and if you choose your model correctly, you could get a car that looks brand new for a fraction of the price. With that being said, you are always taking a risk when buying a used car, and it’s easy to get swindled. Make the wrong decision and you could end up with an unsellable lemon on your hands, so you need to be careful. Let’s take a look at a few mistakes to avoid when buying a used vehicle.
Buying from a Random Person
If you’re going to buy a used car from a private seller, you’ll need to understand cars inside and out. You won’t be able to take the car for a full inspection before you buy it and there are so many things that can go wrong with a car.
A car could have rust issues, alignment issues, issues with major engine components, or issues with its wiring, among other things. You can never truly tell what’s in front of you unless you know how to conduct a good summary inspection and know how to test drive a vehicle properly.
It’s always better to go with a trusted supplier in your area instead of going with a private seller. Good dealers will allow you to take the vehicle for an inspection with an independent mechanic before you finalise the sale, and you’ll never get that with a private seller.
If you live in Ottawa and are looking for a great dealer near you, we suggest you check out mycar.ca. All of their vehicles are pre-inspected and they have one of the largest selections of pre used cars Ottawa based. They’ll be able to sit down with you and look at financing options and you’ll get a full rundown of the car’s history so you know exactly what to expect with it.
Not Taking the Car on the Highway
This is one of the biggest mistakes people make when they test drive a car. You absolutely have to take it on the highway as some issues may only start manifesting at high speeds, and these issues could be very dangerous. If you notice weird noises at high speeds or that the car feels unstable or vibrates, then these are definite signs that there’s something wrong with it.
Buying the Car at the Wrong Time
You also have to time your purchase properly if you want to get all the benefits of buying a used car. While a car will start depreciating as soon as it leaves the lot, it’s always better to wait about two to three years, especially if the model’s design has largely been unchanged. This will allow you to get in right when depreciation is decelerating, and you’ll still be able to benefit from the warranty.
Buying a car that’s too old is also very tricky. There are a few cases when this could work, but if you’re buying an old luxury vehicle, you’re asking for trouble. You might think that it’s a great deal right now, but wait to see how much it costs to repair. Things might be even worse if the vehicle has been discontinued and parts are virtually impossible to find, so think again before you do this.
These are all mistakes you should avoid at all costs when you’re on the market for a used vehicle. Have the vehicle checked before you buy it and know exactly how much it will cost to maintain before you make your decision.
