Pre-Purchase Inspection

Buying a previously loved vehicle? Used vehicles you see in ads online or from a 'friend of a friend' can be a great deal, and a great way to stretch your dollar. But there are a few things to consider prior to purchasing. Most private vehicles are sold "As is". Meaning that there is NO warranty. The seller does NOT have to provide you a refund if it breaks down a week after you buy it.

Here are our tips for buying used vehicles:

1. Get a pre-purchase inspection. This is a small price to pay for valuable knowledge. Unless the person you are buying the car from has mechanical training, they may not be aware of repairs needed. A full quote will be provided after the inspection if any repairs are suggested.
2. Utilize CARFAX, for a small fee you can search the vehicle's VIN for a report on previous collision or automotive repairs.
3. Be aware of where the vehicle was last registered. If it was last registered in another province it will have to go through an Out of Province Inspection. Until all failed components of the inspection report have been repaired and pass a re-inspection, the vehicle won't be able to be registered. Here is a link for more information.
4. Have a lien search done at your local registry office. A lien search will ensure that the vehicle doesn't have any outstanding debts against it.
5. Price out the costs of replacing certain maintenance parts. ie Brakes, front end components, windshield, etc. All of these parts will require replacing at some point, so it's good to be prepared.
6. When buying foreign makes, find out if your mechanic has the capability to perform the repairs. Some makes require specialty tooling to perform repairs and be aware some parts often take longer to order in, or may be unavailable.

Remember, an older vehicle can be a great purchase. Use our tips to help you find the right vehicle for you.