Purchasing a new vehicle is one of the most important decisions you are going to make in your life. No matter how often you change your cars, and how often you buy a new one, every time you choose a new auto, you are trusting that vehicle with your life and the lives of your loved ones. In case you decide to buy a brand-new automobile, then you need to worry about the make, model, and additional features. It is said that brand new cars are less likely to get broken, but they are expensive, and you need to spend a lot of money for their upkeep. There are a lot of positive and negative sides to buying a used auto, but if you make the right decisions, you will invest less and use the car for years to come.
There are almost 40 million vehicles in Canada, and nowadays people realized that it is better to sell the car they’ve used before it breaks than to wait for it to lose all its value. Because of this, many homeowners sell the vehicle no more than 5 years after purchasing it. This helps other buyers find automobiles in mint condition that cost a lot less than a new car. If you are located in Canada, or if you are looking to purchase a new auto in this beautiful country, you’ve come to the right place. In this 2024 guide, we are going to give you some tips on how to choose the best one, and the things you need to pay attention to so you can walk away with the car of your dreams and the best deal possible.
1. Prices vary depending on location
The first thing you need to know is that depending on the location, the same make and model price can vary. This means that you need to do your research, and if you are willing to save up some money, you may need to travel hundreds of kilometers to get the best offer possible.
To save up your time, you should do as much as you can online. If you have your mind set to a specific model, and if you know what you are looking for, then compare prices depending on the cities. See if the price differs enough so that it makes the trip worthwhile. Consider the costs of gas and transport if the auto is not registered. Call the dealerships up and ask for as much information as you can to find out if the vehicle is right for you.
2. You need to have a budget
You always have to have a budget if you want to get the best deal. When buying a used car the prices can differ a lot, so know what you are looking for, and how much you are willing to spend on it. This way it is going to be easier for you to stay away from vehicles that you cannot afford, and you might be able to lower the final price.
Nowadays there are a lot of different types of automobile loans, so if you are missing a few thousand, you can easily get them from a lender. These loans usually offer better rates, and you can pay them back faster without paying any additional fees or taxes.
3. Ask several dealerships to give you an offer
Always remember that you are the person who is looking to make a purchase, so the dealerships are supposed to give you an offer to buy the auto from them. The first thing you want to do is find a place that is rated as one of the best, and start from there. For example, if you are looking for dealerships in Edmonton, you can check this and see why these places may be better than others.
Contact the places that offer the vehicle you want, and ask them to make you an offer. If you like what you are seeing, then you should go and take the auto for a test drive. If not, continue searching.
4. Never buy an auto before you test drive it
Last, but not least, and this is probably the most important tip we are going to share with you. You should never buy a vehicle before you test drive it. This way, you will know if you like how it drives; if you think it is comfortable enough and if it is the right type for you. Sometimes we think we like something until we get it, and later on, we realize that it is not the right thing for us.
If possible, take it to the mechanic, or take your mechanic with you. This way, you will be able to get an expert’s opinion before you make the purchase, and you will know what you are getting yourself into. Most used vehicles require some sort of work, but if you have to spend thousands to fix it, it is just not worth it.
Know that the price you are hearing first is not usually the final price, and there is always room for negotiation. When you contact several dealerships, chances are, they will try to fight and get you as a client. If someone offers a lot lower price, but you like a car from a different place, call the second dealership, and ask them to match the lower price someone else offered to you. This will not work every time, but you are more likely to get a better deal if you say someone else is giving you better conditions.
Stay focused and do your research. If you don’t know what you are looking to get, then spend some time looking for makes and models depending on your budget. When you find out the model of the vehicle you want to purchase, then do another search looking for the exact car. Don’t forget to check the additional deals you may get, and know that Canada is a huge place and you will find the perfect auto if you are persistent.
