When shopping for a used SUV in Canada, there is a lot to think about. You need to find a car that’s reasonably priced, located near you, and that is a reliable make and model. The process can be frustrating – whether you’re buying from a dealer, or from an independent third-party seller.
So, to help make things easier for you, we’ve put together a list of the top X deal breakers you should be on the lookout for when buying a used SUV in Canada. If you come across one of these issues, you should walk away from the deal – it’s just that simple. Read on, and learn with us.
- The Owner Won’t Let You Take A Test Drive
This is an enormous red flag. After all, this SUV is meant to drive – so you should be able to drive it before you sign a purchase agreement and write a big check to an individual or an auto dealer!
This is more common among third-party sellers of vehicles – almost all car dealers will let you test-drive a car. But if the owner of a car insists you buy it “as-is” without a test drive, you should walk away – even if the price is great. It’s probably too good to be true.
- The SUV Has Not Been Professionally Inspected
Many third-party sellers and Langley used vehicle dealers will have a professional inspection of the SUV done before they sell it, so that they can alert you to any potential issues with the vehicle. But not everyone does this.If you are interested in an SUV and it has not been professionally inspected, you shouldn’t buy it – unless the dealer or third-party seller allows you to take to a mechanic for a full-point inspection. A full-point inspection usually costs $100+, but it will help you make sure that the car is in good condition, and could save you thousands in the long run.
- Major Damage In The Vehicle History Report
You should get a vehicle history report from a website like CarProof before you buy a car. Some sellers will have this on-hand, but many won’t.
Just ask the dealer or the seller to provide you with the VIN, and you’ll be able to check the car history report. If they refuse to give you the VIN, that is a big warning sign.
Major accidents – especially if they are recent – could indicate that the vehicle has unrepaired damage, or issues caused by the accident that have not yet become obvious. A fender bender or two is not a huge deal, but if the car has had major damage and repairs, it may not be worth it.
- An Improper VIN Or A VIN That Doesn’t Match
If you check the VIN of a car, and it doesn’t match the make and model of the car properly, there is almost certainly something fishy going on. The car could be a rebuild from multiple damaged vehicles, or it could even have been stolen.
If the VIN you look up doesn’t match the expected model and manufacturer of the car, walk away. You don’t want to deal with that kind of issue.
- Salvage Titled Vehicles
A “salvage title” is issued when a car is totaled, but the owner or insurer still chooses to repair it, and put it back into some kind of working order. Salvage titled vehicles are typically really cheap – but for a good reason. They could have multiple mechanical failures that have not yet been identified, and you could end up pouring thousands into repairs.
In general, you should avoid a salvage titled vehicle unless you are an expert mechanic yourself. They almost always have serious and expensive problems that need to be repaired.
Follow These Tips – Avoid Getting A “Lemon” SUV!
If you need a used SUV for sale in Canada, these tips are sure to help you pick out the right car. So don’t wait – get started now, and make sure that you get a great deal on a high-quality used vehicle.