Zanchin Auto Group is Toronto's preferred auto group, representing several brands in Vaughan, Maple, Concord, Brampton, Mississauga, Greater Toronto Area and Ontario. We know all about the business of buying a used car in Ontario, and this guide is designed to help you get the best results.
Picking your ideal vehicle starts with identifying your needs. The more distance you drive, the more difference fuel economy will make in your budget. The more you have to park in the city, the more convenient it is to conduct a small car park in tight spaces. The more you visit the wilderness or go off-roading, the more you need features like four-wheel drive. And if you need a lot of hauling space, you'll almost certainly want a pickup.
Your budget is a vital consideration. You need to enter the purchasing process with a clear idea of how much you can afford. One rule of thumb is that you should spend no more than 20% of your income on your vehicle.
Your initial purchase will include license plates and other fees, as well as the HST. Your monthly costs will include insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs. Your car will cost you less per month if it's easier to insure, more fuel-efficient, and easier to maintain.
You can research fuel efficiency, reliability, repair costs, and depreciation.
There are two major types of sellers - private sellers and auto dealerships.
A private seller may be able to give you a better price. However, there is little guarantee of quality. Private sellers list their vehicles on websites such as Kijiji and Autotrader, in newspapers and flyers, and even by putting signs in their windshields.
A dealership may not offer you relatively as low a price. However, they test, repair, and clean vehicles before they sell them. Dealerships have a more significant financial and reputational investment in the quality of the vehicles they sell, so they tend to be more reliable.
 Once you've found a car that interests you, arrange to see it in person. Examine it, ask questions, and take it for a test drive. You can even take it to a mechanic you trust to have them check it out and give you an honest opinion on its condition.
The seller is legally required to provide you with a Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP), including the vehicle's registration history, lien information, and other essential details. It would help if you also asked for a Safety Standards Certificate and an Ontario Drive Clean Emissions Test Certificate.
Once it looks like you've found a vehicle that meets your needs, you can begin the process of negotiating your purchase deal. Your previous research should come in handy here, as you'll have a good idea of the appropriate market value.
As part of the legal purchase, ensure that all the appropriate paperwork is provided to you and filled out correctly. It is essential to include the bill of sale, the vehicle permit, and the UVIP.
The next step is the required legal registration. If you're buying from a dealership, The dealership can help you with these details. If you're buying from a private seller, you're responsible for arranging them on your own.
You'll also have to arrange to buy license plates and a validation sticker or transfer your old ones to the new vehicle.
By following this guide, you've made a smart purchase and legalized it. Now take it for a spin!
When you're buying a used car in Ontario, you need a finance centre you can trust. Contact us today! You can fill out a secure online financing application through our finance centre for pre-approval.
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