How to purchase a used car in 5 easy steps

Purchasing a used car is quite simple but, contrary to a new model, a pre-owned vehicle requires a little bit more work since it brings with it a bit of history.

How to buy a used car without any bad surprises? Brossard Cadillac, close to Candiac, gives you 5 crucial steps you should follow when you are thinking about purchasing a used car!

1. Determine your needs and your budget.

By establishing straight away your budget and the type of used car you need, you will significantly reduce the scope of results in your research, which will allow you to focus on vehicles that are perfectly catered to your needs.

This way, you will save precious time (and also a few disappointments!).

2. Ask for a test drive

Have you found a model you like? No matter if you are purchasing straight from a dealership, a used car salesman or a private sale, you should ask for a test drive. In fact, this might allow you to notice directional problems, strange or abnormal noises or even accessories that are not working properly.

We recommend trying the vehicle for at least 30 minutes and to drive it the same way you normally would. This will allow you to get a real idea of what condition this used car is in and to quickly detect possible defects. Should you find any, then you can try to negotiate the price down or simply choose another vehicle!

3. Get the vehicle inspected and ask for its history

Another essential step before purchasing a used car is to have it inspected by a mechanic of your own choosing. This will allow you to get a better idea of the state the vehicle is in and what parts will need to be replaced in the short or medium term. This will also allow you to have important information in hand so that you can better negotiate price in the event that there are mechanical problems or potential ones.

Moreover, the vehicle’s history will also tell you if it has been involved in an accident or if the odometer has been modified to lower numbers, for example. Finally, the best would be to get a report from the RDPRM (Register of Personal and Movable Real Rights) which will inform you if there is still an active debt on the vehicle.

In fact, purchasing a pre-owned vehicle that is still under active debt can be used against you, as you will be held accountable for that debt or you might have your vehicle seized! Either possibility is not one you want to have to deal with.

4. Finalize the transaction

Put in your requests with your insurance company and your financing institution. If you are dealing with a private sale, then you will only have to pay once you receive the vehicle. But with a commercial sale, you might have to complete a financing request in the event that you cannot pay for the full amount in cash.

5. Verify the state your vehicle is in before you finalize the sale!

It is important to make sure that the vehicle is in the same state it was in during your test drive. In fact, it could have several thousands of extra kilometers on the odometer or have been implicated in an accident (even a small one), which could have caused unforeseen damages to accessories and such.

Conclusion

In short, it is important to be vigilant when shopping for a used car; but by following these easy steps, your transaction should be a happy one!

To find out more about how to purchase a used car, or to learn more about our Cadillac used car financing options, come and visit us at your used Cadillac dealership in Brossard, close to Candiac, today!