Buy a used vehicle without being ripped off

Buy a used vehicle without being ripped off


 
Buy a used vehicle without being ripped off
Buying a vehicle takes time and patience, especially patience. Going too fast risks spending a lot more than the few dollars saved in the transaction. Here are some tips to help you avoid unpleasant surprises.

ASK ABOUT THE PRICE
You are looking for a used vehicle. Before you even go on the tour, go online to check the classifieds to see how much the model you want to buy is worth in the market.

MAKE YOUR BUDGET
Just like with a new car, it's easy to get carried away and go over budget. Make a list of your needs and after getting a fair assessment of your model, make a budget for yourself, taking into account the cost of insurance and maintenance, leaving yourself a little cushion for the unexpected.

GET THE HISTORY OF THE CAR
Here is a crucial part of your approach. In an ideal world, you'll have the chance to get your hands on vehicle maintenance bills or better yet get to know the seller. Dealers always keep the papers of the vehicles they have serviced as some individuals do when reselling. This gives you a history of repairs and mileage authentication. Otherwise, there are organizations like CarProof that do not say everything, however. For a dozen dollars, you can request a file from the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). This will require the identification number of the vehicle you are interested in.

WHO IS THE SELLER
You have to take precautions and know who you are buying from. There are bad guys in all fields, including the automotive industry. The lure of quick wins makes people greedy. Ask people you know about a merchant's reputation. It is always preferable to do business with car dealerships or merchant members of associations like AMVOQ, which dictates a code of ethics to its members. Otherwise, you can check with the Consumer Protection Office (OPC) to see if your merchant has been the subject of a complaint.

THE RDPRM
A final step before thinking about making a purchase is the RDPRM, the Register of Personal and Movable Real Rights. This body under the Department of Justice will tell you if the seller still has a debt owed on the vehicle they want to sell. This is important because the debt on a vehicle is always tied to its owner. If you buy a car that is unpaid, you are the new owner who will be seized in the event of non-payment. For a few dollars, the RDPRM will tell you if your vehicle is debt free.

INSPECTION
Once you have taken all of your pre-purchase precautions, it is time to proceed to the inspection. You have to go to an independent workshop, your trusted mechanic or a CAA-Quebec certified workshop. It is very important that you choose the location. Do not trust someone who tells you that the car has already been inspected or that the dealer has the choice of the workshop. If there is resistance from the seller, go elsewhere.

THE ROAD TEST
It's important to take a test drive, not just a few laps. You should take 15 to 20 minutes to soak up the ambience of the car and walk around the owner. Get around the city and the freeway, listen to suspicious noises, the suspension, and pay attention to the little things that could say a lot about the car's condition.

NEGOTIATE THE PRICE
I know it isn’t easy for everyone, but if the previous steps have been taken successfully, now is the time to make a price. Depending on the information obtained during the inspection and the evidence of maintenance and repairs, it is possible to adjust the price. The more information you have, the more negotiating power you have.

A WRITTEN CONTRACT
If you buy from a new or used vehicle dealer, you will have a contract. Just make sure that the latter corresponds in every way to your requests. If you are buying from an individual, it is important to have a written agreement, although it is not legally binding.