Ask Our Edmonton Dealership Experts: How to Get the Best Deal When Buying a Used Car

Buying a used vehicle can be daunting. You may worry about the condition of the car you’re buying and whether you’re getting a good deal. These feelings are perfectly natural, but the good news is that with a bit of research, you can put your fears aside and feel confident in your choice. 

Do Some Online Research

There’s almost nothing you can’t buy online these days, and this is certainly true for cars. The internet has changed how we shop for goods, and it’s just as easy to buy a car online as it is to buy one on a lot. Reputable dealerships with online portals often have detailed reports on the vehicle's condition and history so you can make an informed choice before you buy. 

Browse Photos of the Car

Most online sites will have several photos of each vehicle. At Insta Auto Solutions, we provide photos of all sides of the exterior as well as several photos of the interior of the car. These detailed photos provide a good representation of the car, so you know the condition before you buy. 

Check Out the CARFAX Report

Each vehicle listed comes with a free CARFAX vehicle history report. This report is a great resource as it provides registration information, accident history, detailed service records, and alerts of any open recalls. The service records are useful as you can gauge how well the vehicle was cared for. 

Check Other Dealer Sites for Price Comparisons

If you have your eye on a particular car, check out other websites for the same vehicle. This will help you to determine the price range so you can feel confident that you’re getting a good deal. You can also check the Kelley Blue Book value of the car you wish to buy to get an average price. 

Figure Out Your Maximum Price

It’s easy to get carried away when you’re shopping online, so determine the maximum price you are willing to pay. If you plan to finance your car and make monthly payments, factor in the cost of gasoline, insurance, and maintenance to figure out the monthly payment you can afford. You don’t want to work with a tight budget, so it’s best to be realistic about what you can afford. 

How to Find a Dealership You Can Trust

Good dealerships don’t pressure you into a sale. Good salespeople prioritize your needs and are committed to helping you find a car that’s right for you. Trust is important, so if they don’t earn your trust, move on!

How Do They Make You Feel?

Go into the dealership or give them a call. It’s essential to talk about your needs to get a feel for how they do business. How helpful are they? Do you feel comfortable with the dealer, or did they make you feel pressured? 

What Do the Google Reviews Say?

Independent review sites such as Google Reviews are a great resource to research the customer experience. While you want to choose a company with many great reviews, take a closer look at any bad reviews and see how the company responds. A hostile response would be worrying, while an offer to help and remedy the situation reflects a good level of customer service and commitment to satisfaction. 

What Kind of Vehicle Inspection and Safety Checks Do They Do?

It’s important to ask your dealer what safety checks they do; a good dealer will be prepared to answer and give you detailed information about their process. Reputable car dealers pride themselves on selling only good quality used vehicles that have been thoroughly inspected, maintained, and repaired before they are put on the lot. 

Test Drive Your Car

The benefit of walking into a dealership is that you have the ability to test drive your car. It’s a good idea to test drive a few vehicles so you can get an idea of what feels right for you. 

Is There a Warranty? 

While newer used vehicles may still have a manufacturer’s warranty in place, most dealerships offer some type of warranty on the older vehicles they sell. It’s also good to know if you can return the vehicle if you don’t like it, and good dealerships usually allow a small window to make a return.  

Do They Have a Servicing Department? 

While it’s not essential that your dealership has a service department, it is very convenient. At Insta Auto Solutions, we have a servicing bay for maintenance and repairs and an autobody department that can take care of everything from rust spots to major damage. 

Beware of ‘Rebuilt’ Vehicles

If you come across any rebuilt vehicles, it’s best to be cautious. Rebuilt vehicles are actually cars that have been declared as salvage by an insurance company. These cars can be rebuilt and then undergo a Salvage Vehicle Inspection, after which their status moves from 'salvage' to 'rebuilt' if it passes the inspection. At this point, the vehicle can be re-registered and sold to a new owner. At Insta Auto Solutions, we only sell active vehicles, not rebuilt ones. You can run into problems with the banks if you try to purchase a rebuilt vehicle, so it’s best to exercise some caution. 

Get Vehicle Financing with Insta Auto Solutions

If you are looking for auto financing for your new car, we recommend working with a dealership that works with several lenders. This way, you can see what each lender offers and negotiate the best deal. 

Options For Vehicle Financing

At Insta Auto Solutions, we’ve made it easy to get financing for your car. Our finance team is highly experienced and will work with you to get a car loan. Our finance managers have developed strong relationships with several lenders; we can call our lenders to discuss your case so we know which lenders will give you the best terms.

What Are Bad Credit Car Loans?

If you have a low credit score or a limited credit history, we can still get you a car loan. This type of loan is known as a bad credit car loan and is ideal for students and newcomers to Canada, as well as individuals who have claimed bankruptcy or have poor credit. 

What Is the Difference Between a Regular Loan and a Bad Credit Car Loan?

The main difference between a regular loan and a bad credit loan is the loan terms. Individuals with an established record of credit and a high credit score are viewed favourably by the banks and given preferable loan terms such as lower interest rates. Individuals with a limited credit history and a low credit score are often seen as riskier, resulting in loan terms that typically come with higher interest rates. 

What Are the Benefits of a Bad Credit Car Loan?

By taking out a bad credit car loan, you can get the car you need and also build up credit. Building your credit is essential so you can get better loan terms when you buy your next car, or when you start shopping for a mortgage. For this reason, it is vital that you make your monthly loan payments in full and on time so you can start watching your credit score increase. 

Refinance When Your Credit Score Improves

When you take out a bad credit car loan with higher interest rates, you do have the option to refinance. This is a great strategy after one to two years of making your monthly payments, as you may qualify for better loan terms to lower your costs of borrowing. Our finance team will negotiate on your behalf so you can be sure you’ll get the best loan terms. 

Visit Insta Auto Solutions for Used Cars in Edmonton

At Insta Auto Solutions, we know all the questions you’ll have when buying a used car and are here to help you feel at ease. We have a great selection of used cars and offer car financing online and at our dealership. If you would like to talk to a member of our team about purchasing a used car, we would love to hear from you! Contact us today, and let us help you find a vehicle you love.