Used Car Inspections: Things to Look Out For With a Used Car Purchase or Lease

The rules for leasing in Toronto still apply when it comes to a used vehicle, but in addition to making sure you’re getting a great deal on your lease or purchase, you also need to take extra care to make sure the previously owned vehicle has a clean history.

Here are a few things to watch out for when surveying the used car market in Toronto:

1) The most important thing is to make sure that the used vehicle has all the necessary paperwork showing the proper ownership and vehicle history. If your used car dealer or private seller says that the paperwork is in process or if the owner name is different that who you think it should be, proceed only with the utmost caution. Unfortunately, Toronto and the GTA is inundated with unethical used car transactions and the unsuspecting buyer always gets the brunt of it. Confirm the VIN, check the registration, make sure the vehicle history is accident free and ensure that there are no liens against the vehicle. If something seems fishy, it probably is.

2) Consider getting a 3rd party assessment of the vehicle from a trusted mechanic. If it’s a private sale, avoid trusting the seller’s recommendation for a mechanic or already-completed assessment, as the Toronto police report numerous botched service reports when it comes to private used vehicle sales. At the very least, here’s a handy checklist offered by Popular Mechanics on what to look for with a used vehicle.

3) Know the value of working with a licensed car dealership. Many people, understandably so, think that they will get a better deal when purchasing a used car privately, but what most people don’t know is that if you purchase a used car through a licensed dealership, like at Somerville Auto, your purchase is protected.

For some more tips on buying a used vehicle in Toronto or the GTA, check out our blog post on how to find the best used car and avoid getting scammed. At Somerville Auto, your best interest is the first thing on our mind, and we’d be happy to discuss the ins and outs of ensuring that a used vehicle deal is as good as it sounds.