Have you set yourself one or more resolutions for 2023? It is very good. If you lack inspiration, we would like to suggest three that every used vehicle buyer should consider adopting.
Can you hold them?
1. Do your homework before buying
How to avoid making a bad choice? There are several ways, of course. First, test drives by automotive journalists like those at Car Guide, specialized websites and owner testimonials on social networks and discussion forums can tell you a lot about the strengths and weaknesses of a particular vehicle, including the main problems you can expect. Also, do not hesitate to ask a friend or relative who is familiar with the automobile to accompany you during your visits. Two heads are better than one!
Companies, research firms and trade publications such as JD Power, Consumer Reports and iSeeCars.com help identify the most reliable makes and models on the market year after year. If this is something you’re very concerned about, then you’ll want to steer clear of vehicles that regularly appear at the bottom of the leaderboards and focus on those that have won multiple accolades. Also ask mechanics: they have seen problem cases!
The history of the vehicle, its origin and its maintenance are very important. A Carfax report can provide valuable information on this. If there were repairs as a result of an accident, you need to know about it. Also, consider the recalls and service bulletins that have been issued by the manufacturer. Are there any that relate to the model you are interested in? If so, have all the fixes been made? It’s up to you to get to the bottom of it.
2. Make sure the vehicle is properly inspected
Attention especially to the first buyers and to those who have a crush on what seems to them to be “the rare pearl”: it is when one wants to rush the purchase that errors most often occur. You wouldn’t buy a used home without inspecting it first, right?
A complete mechanical inspection is required before purchasing a used vehicle. It goes through an experienced mechanic who first conducts a test drive, then examines the engine, transmission, exhaust, suspension, brakes, steering, electrical and electronic systems and more. He will not fail to consult the on-board computer or measure the thickness of the paint in order to find out if it is the original one or if the car has been repainted after an accident, for example.
If the seller (or dealer) did not do the inspection themselves before putting the vehicle on the market, ask for an independent inspection. It costs a hundred dollars, sometimes more, and can be done at one of the CAA-Quebec authorized car inspection centers, at a recommended garage, at a mechanic you trust or even at another dealership.
Has the seller had the vehicle inspected? Let him prove it by providing you with a detailed, recent report written by an independent expert. Otherwise, it is better to consider one or other of the avenues listed in the previous paragraph. It is absolutely your right.
3. Don’t neglect post-purchase maintenance
Being up to date with the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance intervals is the duty of every vehicle owner. Everyone seems to understand the importance of oil changes, but brake maintenance, for example, does not. Yet it is the most crucial security element. An annual inspection is in order – a little attention keeps them healthy and performing well in the long run. You don’t have to make one more visit to the garage. Combine this service with one of the regular maintenance of your car.
Then pay attention to the warnings. Modern vehicles are practically computers on wheels. Filled with electronic components, they sometimes send messages, alerts or warnings that we must pay attention to. It could be related to the safety and driver assistance systems, engine operation, multimedia system or something else. If something suddenly turns off, you need to know about it and act accordingly. And if the famous “Check Engine” lights up, don’t ignore it!
In closing, telecommuting or not, we still spend a lot of time on the road. You and your passengers deserve to ride in a clean and tidy vehicle. Regularly clean the passenger compartment, i.e. pick up anything lying around or that is unnecessary, clean stains, remove dust, rocks, crumbs and other dirt, then make sure to correct any unpleasant odors (animals , smoke, food, etc.).
Happy New Year 2023!