The Art of Buying a Used Car

Well I have just recently joined the world of motorists... in style! (a quick apology to Mother Earth, I am sorry, but I regret nothing!)

I had a great experience buying my car, and driving my car is a wonderful experience but the one thing I lacked, ironically, was experience in buying a car (wow quite a mix of verb tenses there!).

So 5 months ago, sometime before the Xmas holidays, I decided to that I was going to fulfill my childhood dream to own my very own Bavarian Motor Werks vehicle... so I took my single-minded nature (thank you Babca for that!), put my down and started learning everything about how to buy a used car, and everything I could about the brand and model of the used car of my affection.

Here is what I learned and what I think you should know when buying a car: TREAT IT AS THOUGH YOU WERE BUYING A HOUSE

You have to know going in that the perfect car or house speaks first to your heart, but sooner or later it has to satisfy your head!

Here is a list of things I did when buying my car:

1. Visit: www.edmunds.com and www.usedcartips.org

2. Read everything there!
2.1 Definitely read: Confessions of a Car Salesman (http://www.edmunds.com/advice/buying/articles/42962/page003.html)

3. The 2 best car search web sites (in my opinion):
www.auto123.com
www.kijiji.com
www.lespac.com

4. Search often to get an idea of what you're looking for is going for.

5. DO YOUR MATH!! It's amazing how often you see a weekly or monthly payment option and you end up paying way too much!!

6. Talk to your bank and one other about loans

7. Talk to at least 2 or 3 insurance companys

8. If at all possible, when you finally decide to test drive a car, bring someone with you... I was amazed at how un-level-headed I got once I got behind the wheel...

9. Get any car you are very interested in Inspected (in Quebec Canada visit: http://www.caaquebec.com/Automobile/InspectionEvaluationVehicules/Centre-Verification-Technique.htm?lang=en)

Trust me, even if the car is tip top (like mine was) it is worth the peace of mind, and trust me, you will be able to use the results to negotiate a couple of hundred bucks off, not to mention when you take it to the garage you know exactly what needs to worked on (if you decide to buy it, of course).

10. Knowing the history of the car is the basis of trust... if you doubt what the person selling you car is telling you, walk away.


Well, I guess that's it. Nearly six months of work summed up in a few short paragraphs...

Here are some other sites you might find useful:

GD Auto - Marc Marc Beaudoin perhaps the most trustworthy used car salesman on the planet: www.autogd.ca

Tire Rack - Your performance experts for tires and wheels: www.tirerack.com

CARFAX Record Check: www.carfax.com

Car Financing Tips, How to Avoid Being Ripped-Off

Cost of the Registration for the Current Year | Vehicle Registration | SAAQ:


Finding a great Garage is sooooo hard... not anymore, I found it and here it is:

Adriatique Auto
3300 Jean Talon Ouest
Montreal, Quebec
(514) 278-9129
www.adriatique.com