How to Buy a Car or Truck in Ontario

So you have decided it is time to buy your first car. Want to be independent, and give it a shot on your own. Well here are a few pieces of advice. Your first car does not have to be a lemon. With the amount of information available on the Internet, and the ease of being able to compare prices, knowledge no longer has to be learned through experience, it can be gained through research. You don’t have to buy a number of lemons to finally get a good car; it can be done on your first try. To ensure that you are not buying a lemon, read the following six steps to help you with your decision making process when purchasing a used car.

Private Sales

1) Flood Damage - Look for rust on:

door hinges
spare tire
crowbar
jack
metal holdings under the seats

If you find any rusting in these places, it may have had extensive water damage and it is best to move on.

2) Why are you Selling? - The first thing you want to do is ask the seller why they are selling their used car. Why don’t they like it anymore? Is it not good enough for them? And for that matter what’s so great about their new car? Put them on the defense, this way they will have to come up with a quick answer, if they hesitate they may have something to hide. It is best to ask this in person, so you can judge not only their tone, but also their body language. Most people are terrible liars. Also be wary if the seller tries to close the deal too quickly – it could be a good sign they are trying to offload a piece of junk on you.

3) Stains, Leaks & Puddles - Look for stains and leaks in the driveway and garage.

Rust colored stains indicate a leaking radiator.
Black or Brown puddles and stains indicate an oil or transmission fluid leak.
Purple puddles indicate transmission fluid leaks.

4) Known Problems - Ask the seller to point out all known defects and problems. When doing your own inspection if you find obvious problems that the seller did not mention there might be more wrong with the vehicle then they are letting on.

5) Rebuilt Junkers - Look at all the seams in the car, the gaps should be the same distance apart at the top of a panel as they are at the bottom. Uneven gaps or small dents can suggest accident damage. The paint should match on all panels, and beware of body-kits and custom paint jobs. They may look cool, but they could be hiding damage to the chassis below. Look for over spray on plastic parts, around lights, mirrors and edges of the engine bay.

6) Proof-of-Service - Ask for all the maintenance records, proof of oil changes and tune-ups. If they don’t have it, for all you know the oil has never been changed. Taking the used car to get a proper inspection by a mechanic prior to purchasing it is the most effective way of ensuring you won’t get stuck with a lemon.
Remember the best way of protecting yourself from buying a lemon is to go through a reputable dealership. Find a dealer that has good standing or that can provide references. If their previous customers are satisfied, you too may find a hassle free used car.

Written by Car Enthusiast on April 29th, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on Automotive.

Related articles

No comments

There are still no comments on this article.

Leave your comment...

If you want to leave your comment on this article, simply fill out the next form:

You have to be identified to write a comment.

Diminished Value- The Biggest Secret in the Insurance Company

Portland, Ore., 2008 – The Appraisal Group of America is an expert in the field of Diminished Value. If you’ve never heard of it before it’s important to know because it could cost you thousands of dollars. Any consumer seeking to recovery the maximum possible from automobile accident appraisals should find out all they can about this hidden fact.

If your car is newer than 2002 and the accident was not your fault, Diminished Value is due to you and can be paid nationally by every insurance company. Diminished Value Claims can be worth 20-50% of the vehicle’s resale value, typically worth in the thousands. Typical claims for Diminished Value scenarios can run around $4,000 -$15,000 for a single claim and estimates on luxury high end vehicles can get even higher amounts.

Research shows that 55% of consumers would not buy a car if had been in an accident and over 80% would want a huge discount on the price before they would consider such a purchase. A study completed by the State of Florida determined “uncompensated losses” due to “decreased value” were estimated to be worth over twenty billion dollars in the United States.

When a demand for diminished value is made, insurance companies may deny diminished value has happened. Claimants need to support their diminished value claims with an expert appraisal that can determine that diminished value has occurred. Appraisal Group of America fights to get you the settlement that you’re entitled to – all across the nation.

Jack Donnelly – LTC US Army (Ret) a total loss client says it all -

“Thanks for your tenacious persistence in prosecuting my claim with USAA… Without your expertise I never would have gotten the over $21K plus tax from them. I have recommended you to friends and will continue to do so in the future.”

Terry Fisher, Automobile Diminished Value Expert gets consumers millions of dollars for Diminished Value Claims. Even if your claim has already been settled, you can still file a separate Diminished Value claim as long as the repairs are recent.

You can contact Terry Fisher at Autoloss.com and get a free quote online for your diminished value appraisal. Call them Toll-Free at (877) 655-1661.

Written by Car Enthusiast on August 20th, 2008 with comments disabled.
Read more articles on Automotive.

Related articles

Comments disabled

Comments on this article have been disabled.