If you haven’t done so as yet, it’s probably a good time to file your taxes. Every year if we’re lucky, the man’s nice enough to give us back a chunk of change. Some people choose to spend the money shopping or pay off outstanding debts. However, if you’re in the market for a new vehicle, I might have a have a few tips to help you get the most motor for your money.
With all the advancements in automotive technology over the past 10 years, cars are now built better and last longer. The used car market is no longer a sea of slick and sly salesmen with “inside knowledge”. With countless resources from both the manufacturers and the web, we now know more than we ever have about what to look for when buying a used car. Sites like autotrader.ca and kijiji.ca make it easy for us to browse through thousands of great vehicles.
So here’s what to do to make sure you get a great car at an even greater price:
1. Figure out your budget and stick to it
2. Do your research – are you buying a daily commuter, work truck, etc.
3. IMO Buy Japanese – greater resale value, gas mileage, and low maintenance costs make Hondas and Toyotas a great choice
4. Try to stay away from cars over 200K kms – cars tend to deteriorate more rapidly after this mark
5. Look for cars with only 1 or 2 previous owners and have been rust proofed
6. Find out the market value - also check to see if there are any issues or recalls with that specific model and year
7. Cash is king – when you go to put in an offer having the money of certified cheque shows the seller you mean business
Once you find the car you’re looking for, keep up with regular maintenance to prolong the life of your car. With gas prices climbing even higher, you’ll need to make every penny count.
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