Thinking of a new or used car in 2009? For most of us it's a nerve wracking experience. We don't want to pay too much or buy a lemon. So here's how to get the best deal.
"The internet is a gift for everyone buying a car these days, "said Ken Smith of the Vehicle Sales Authority, which oversees car dealers in B.C.
He says websites like Driving.ca and AutoTrader help you establish fair prices for vehicles even before you start searching. He says the average B.C. car buyer is now taking three weeks to make a decision
"And that's a good idea," he said.
"I would say, most of the time we see a problem it's somebody who made up their mind to buy a car, went to a certain place and bought it on the same day or within a couple of days," Smith said.
Time is your ally when buying a car. To protect yourself you should pay to have the vehicle independently inspected by a mechanic of your choice. But some people think it's too expensive.
"And a mistake can cost you a lot more money," warned Smith.
According to a survey done for the VSA, one-third of used car buyers skip an inspection -- and guess what? The number one complaint -- after the sale -- is mechanical issues, problems an inspection may have uncovered.
"There is more to the car than the car, you want to buy the history of the car," noted Jim Murray of Brian Jessel BMW.
That means if you are buying it privately you want to speak to the owner whose name is on the vehicle documents -- you want to see full maintenance records.
"If you are buying from a retailer who has reconditioned it you should ask to see the reconditioning report, their inspection in the vehicle, the ICBC report and or CarProof," said Murray.
A CarProof report can tell you where the vehicle has been owned anywhere in North America as well as reported accidents and warnings. It'll cost 60 dollars but it's worth it.
And with all the incentives on vehicles these days -- your financing options may be more complicated than ever.
"There's a lot of things to worry about. We get a lot of people who are surprised that it's not a loan it's a lease and the taxes are paid on top of the lease payment and things like that and it's all because they didn't ask," warned Murray.
So ask questions and resist the temptation to buy more that you can afford.
Stick to your budget. And if you are thinking of a near new vehicle -- a demonstrator may be the way to go. It has near used car prices with new car manufacturer incentives.
"Particularly if you are leasing it," said Murray. "You may find that the payment on the demonstrator vehicle is less than the pre-owned vehicle,"
No matter what your budget is if you buy a car better, you'll end up with a better car.
