Buying a used car in Canada can be a smart move, but whether you’re buying from a dealership or a private seller, it’s essential to ask the right questions before you hand over any cash.
Asking at least some of the questions below will help you feel certain that you’re buying a car in good, road-worthy condition, and can minimize the risk of nasty surprises.
Questions To Ask When Buying A Used Car In Canada
Here are some of the most important questions to ask when buying a used car in Canada:
1. Do You Have A CARFAX Canada Report?
When buying a used car in Canada, asking for a CARFAX Canada report is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself.
CARFAX provides vehicle history reports that can give you critical information about the history of a car. This report includes information about its accident history, any previous claims, mileage records, liens and title status.
Having that kind of insight helps you avoid buying a car with a rebuilt title or hidden damage. It also allows you to verify the seller’s claims about the car’s condition.
If a CARFAX report is available, a seller can either provide direct access via a weblink, or you can purchase it online for a small fee once you’ve got a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
2. Has The Car Been In An Accident?
Whether you’re buying from a dealership or a private seller, it’s important to ask if there have been any accidents involving the vehicle at all. Even if they don’t give the full picture, it’s still always worth asking.
Even if repaired, an accident can leave lasting effects. Alignment or frame issues, for example, could increase the chances of maintenance being required down the line. Any information you can get here will also allow you to assess how well any repairs were completed.
3. Can I Take The Car Out On A Test Drive?
It’s vital that you are able to test drive any potential used car purchase, and there really shouldn’t be any reason why a seller would refuse a test drive.
Test drives are important because they will reveal any unusual sounds, vibrations, or handling issues that could indicate mechanical problems. It’s also an opportunity for you to judge the quality of the vehicle’s braking and acceleration.
Ultimately, you won’t know whether a car is right for you until you’ve at least had a short test drive.
4. Does The Car Have A Warranty?
It’s also essential to be aware of any coverage that might be still available for repairs or parts. If there’s an existing warranty on the vehicle, that could help you avoid out-of-pocket costs for some repairs after purchase.
Some used cars may still carry a manufacturer’s warranty, or come with a warranty from a dealership. The warranty status will also help assess the car’s overall value since any car that has some coverage will typically be worth more.
5. What’s The Car Mileage?
A car’s mileage refers to the number of miles the car has been driven. The higher the mileage, the more likely there will be signs of wear and tear. You can use the car mileage to see if the car has been appropriately maintained. Generally, oil changes and certain parts of the engine need to be changed and maintained at certain mileage points.
You’ll also want to get a sense of what sort of miles any car has put on, i.e. are they predominantly city miles or highway miles? Driving in a city often means more wear and tear on a vehicle.
This information will also help you gauge whether the car has been heavily used, and along with the vehicle’s age and maintenance history, mileage gives you a decent picture of the overall condition of the vehicle.
6. When And How was the car maintained and serviced? Are There Records?
Most cars should have records of professional maintenance and servicing, so it’s something you will want to ask about. These records can provide crucial information regarding how well the car has been cared for, and whether or not regular, important maintenance, such as oil changes and brake changes, have been made.
A well-documented service history will help you to determine the car’s condition and ultimate value.
7. Can I Do A Separate Inspection?
Asking if you can conduct a separate inspection, either yourself or with a trusted mechanic, is a really smart step.
While a seller may provide maintenance records, CARFAX reports and more, a professional third-party running their own diagnostic tests can help bring an extra level of security and peace of mind.
In some cases they might find slight issues, or evidence of past repairs, that the seller was genuinely unaware of, so it’s always a good idea to do this if you can. Just try to find a mechanic who is well-recommended, so that you know you can trust them with whatever information they provide.
8. Are There Any Damages or Mechanical Problems I Should Be Aware Of?
In some cases, private sellers may be selling a car with slight problems. This can give a buyer more leverage when negotiating a price. The more you, the buyer, know about the problem, the more you can anticipate the costs of repairing it.
Even if it’s already been touched upon, it’s a good idea to double check that you have all the information you can get when it comes to previous damage, repairs or existing problems.
Professional sellers, i.e dealerships are legally required to disclose known issues, so asking this question will help ensure that you’re fully informed prior to making a purchase.
The worst outcome is that you buy a used car that unexpectedly breaks down soon after you’ve bought it, but asking this question will hopefully help you avoid that potential, and allow you to assess whether the asking price is fair.
9. How Did You Arrive At This Price And Is It Negotiable?
Inquiring about the price is obviously a vital piece of the puzzle here, and not something you can afford to shy away from. Being open and upfront about the price will also set a good foundation for any negotiations, so make sure to ask about how the seller has decided on the price quoted.
Knowing their reasoning will indicate if there is anything the seller has missed in terms of key factors, and help you understand whether the price is fair or inflated.
On top of that, asking about the price shows that you are genuinely interested in making a deal, which could encourage an eager seller.
10. Does The Car Come With Winter Tires?
Lastly, it’s a good idea to ask about winter tires especially if you’re in a region where winter conditions are harsh. Winter tires enhance traction on snowy or icy roads, making them a necessity in most parts of Canada. Moreover, if you live in Quebec, it is mandatory that you have winter tires during the winter.
If a car comes with winter tires, that could save you from having to fork out for them later on, but make sure you assess their condition before factoring that into the overall value of the vehicle.
What Are Good Questions To Ask When Buying A Used Car From A Dealership?
While the questions above will be important to ask any used car seller, there are also some further questions you’ll want to consider when you’re buying from a private seller, versus buying from a dealership.
Buying A Used Car From A Private Seller
Can I Verify The Car And Your Identification?
When buying a used car from a private seller, it’s crucial to verify both the car’s registration and the seller’s ID. Checking the seller’s ID ensures they are the legitimate owner, and should help you avoid getting tangled up with a stolen vehicle.
You can also match the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the registration, the CARFAX report, and the car itself to confirm the car’s history and ownership.
This step brings some fundamental security to your purchase and lets you know that this potential sale is a legitimate transaction.
Is The Car Title Clean?
You’ll want to be sure that the car is free of liens, salvage history, or past ownership issues. A clean title generally shows that the car hasn’t been significantly damaged or written off, which reduces the potential for major risks later on.
How long have you owned this car?
It’s a good idea to try and discern how long the seller has owned the car. A longer period might suggest greater reliability, both in terms of the car and general information, while shorter periods might pique your curiosity.
Why are you selling the car?
Lastly, when buying from a private seller you’ll want to inquire as to why they’re selling the car at all. This can reveal their motivation and any potential issues with the car that they might be hoping to pass on.
Buying A Used Car From A Dealership
Is The car certified pre-owned?
Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles are common in dealerships. CPO means that a car has gone through inspections, indicating better reliability than other used cars.
Are There Any Extra Fees?
When buying at a dealership ask about documentation, dealer preparation fees, or any other fees that will add to the total cost. This helps avoid any surprises or confusion when it’s time to sign the deal.
Do You Accept Trade-Ins? (Optional)
If you’re hoping to trade your current car, ask if the dealership accepts trade-ins and about the value they might offer to offset the purchase price.
Conclusion
Overall, purchasing a car is a big decision that requires careful thought and consideration. Asking the right questions can help you determine if you’re comfortable purchasing a specific vehicle, whether from a dealership or a private seller. Whether it’s with a dealership or a private sale, these questions will give you a reliable picture of any used car you’re considering.
