If you are in the market for used cars in Calgary, you aren’t the only one. The used car business has been on fire lately and for excellent reason. There are tons of practically brand-new cars available for a fraction of the price of a new car. However, finding the right used car for your needs from reputable Calgary used car dealerships can be overwhelming and challenging. How do you know what to look for? How do you know if you are being scammed? How do you know if you are getting a good deal?
It is not always easy to figure out the right used car to buy, and you may face many obstacles along the way. This is why it is important to know exactly what to look for when you begin looking for a used car. In this blog post, our team at Double L Motors gives you our top tips for making a smart investment in a used car.
Preparation
Before you start checking out Calgary used cars for sale on the web and at dealerships, you should start by ensuring you are on the right track from the beginning of your car search.
Firstly, you will need to determine which car you are looking for. If you are planning to use your car mainly to get around your hometown, you may want a smaller car that is easier to fit in parking spaces and side streets. However, if you plan to take many drives out on the highway or off-roading, you should consider purchasing something larger and sturdier.
Secondly, you need to consider your budget. Remember that your budget should include the initial price of the vehicle and take into account factors such as gas mileage, insurance, and maintenance costs. A general rule of thumb is not to spend more than 20% of your income on your car.
Finding a Car
When you find a potential used car, there are a few things you should do before purchasing it:
#1 Check the Interior and Exterior
You will need to perform a comprehensive check of the interior and exterior of the car. The interior of the car should have mint condition seats and upholstery. Additionally, there should be no signs of dirt and rust under the hood. On the car’s exterior, you should ensure that there are no major dents, rust patches, or scratches. Keep an eye out for waviness on the car’s body, which can indicate previous damage. Finally, check the tires to ensure that the tread is even and not worn down.
It may help to get a mechanic to do an in-depth inspection of the engine and other components of the vehicle.
#2 Consider the Value
Some Calgary car dealers can attempt to rip buyers off, so to ensure this doesn’t happen to you, make sure to check out the official value of your vehicle. Consider the accident history, maintenance, and servicing. You can use the vehicle identification number (VIN) to do a background check on your vehicle and ensure that it is in good shape.
#3 Test Drive
Ensure that you take your potential new car for a drive before purchasing it. You should feel comfortable behind the wheel, check the alignment, stop and start power, and ensure that all lights are working.
#4 Get an Official Inspection
If you are interested in a used car, tell the dealer that you will consider purchasing it if they allow you to get the car thoroughly inspected by an independent professional mechanic. If the dealer is unwilling to do this, you shouldn’t buy the vehicle.
If you have any further questions about buying a used car, our team at Double L Motors is happy to help. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today!