Buying a used car in Ottawa

Time to shop for a car? Here are a few tips to help steer you in the right direction!

Buying a used car in Ottawa can be an overwhelming task at times. From battling the winter weather, to narrowing down the right model for your needs, there are a lot of points to consider. Here are a few tips to help you navigate your used car purchase!

  1. Narrow your search. Your time is valuable, having an idea of what your wants/needs are before making the rounds will not only help you save time, but will make the process a lot less stressful. What size of vehicle do you need? Are you looking for fuel efficiency, or are you more concerned with power? Would you like a dedicated navigation system, or would you prefer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto with maps functionality? Make a short list of the features that are important to you, and try to find one that “checks all the right boxes”.
  2. Schedule an appointment. Letting a dealership know you’re coming on a specific date and time will not only guarantee the vehicle will be available when you arrive, but it will also ensure the vehicle is ready for your test drive. During the winter months, having an appointment ensures the vehicle will be warmed up, cleared of ice and snow and will be much easier to inspect the exterior condition.
  3. Ask the right questions. Once you’ve narrowed down your search and taken your potential vehicle for a test drive, there are some important questions to ask; Has the vehicle ever been involved in an accident? If so, what was the total value of the damage? Is the vehicle covered by manufacturers warranty and is any other warranty provided? Does the price of the vehicle include the safety inspection? What costs, other than the purchase price and tax, are you going to have to pay?
  4. Do your research. When it comes to price, research what other comparable, similarly equipped vehicles are selling for. Keeping in mind that things like kilometers driven, trim level(features), and overall condition(has the vehicle been in an accident) all play a part in how a vehicle is priced for sale.

Don’t let buying a used car in Ottawa stress you out. Have an idea of what you’re looking for, confirm the vehicle is available for a test drive, don’t be afraid to ask the important questions and research your price point to get the most out of your used vehicle purchase.