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New-car store a good place to buy used auto - December 09, 2006
You know the saying: when you buy a used vehicle, you're buying someone else's problems.
That might have been true 25 years ago, but used vehicles have come a long way in quality, styling, reliability and efficiency.
The used-car market today is a reflection of the vast improvements in automotive design, safety and performance.
Generally speaking, today's autos are a lot more enjoyable and comfortable to drive than those of a generation ago.
They are equipped with more safety features and accessory options. They run more efficiently and they last longer.
With the current generation of used cars for sale, the true winners are buyers. Dollar for dollar, they get more value.
Used vehicles are available from various sources ? private sellers, independent used-car dealers, leasing companies and, of course, new-car dealers.
I'm a new-car dealer, and this column represents the views of new-car dealers across the GTA.
It's no secret that I warn people to be wary of private sellers because of the lack of protection if the deal turns sour.
I can't speak for dealers who don't also sell new cars, but I can tell you about buying from a respected dealership. Are there benefits in choosing a new-car dealer for a used car? Yes, many. First, new-car dealerships have a vested interest in acquiring and selling top-quality vehicles.
Dealers want customers to feel they have purchased the right vehicles at the right prices.
If a dealership fails to deliver on either of these scores, it will earn a poor reputation, which is bad for business. Dealers have access to the "best of the best," selecting vehicles that meet the highest standards, through lease returns and trade-ins or at auctions.
Another factor affecting the quality of used vehicles is the leasing market.
With today's leasing programs, late-model cars are being returned to dealerships after two or three years in excellent condition, with low kilometres and still under factory warranties.
In many cases, these off-lease vehicles have been serviced at the dealerships where they are offered for sale, and service histories can be quickly verified.
Used vehicles for sale at dealerships are rigorously inspected, fully certified and (where necessary) reconditioned to meet all provincial safety standards.
And any outstanding recall issues are addressed before the cars are offered for sale.
Some dealers offer factory-certified used-car programs that give buyers even greater protection than standard vehicle warranties.
One of the most important incentives for choosing a new-car dealer is that buyers get a level of protection that just isn't available when they buy privately.
When you buy from a dealer, you are protected by consumer protection legislation.
Occasionally, I hear about people who have bought cars privately, only to regret their decisions. Some discover that they have purchased stolen vehicles; others find odometer fraud or undisclosed defects.
A private sale may be tempting, but if the deal appears too good to be true, it usually is.
If you plan to buy a car, be aware of people who specialize in selling cars privately. These "curbsiders," as they're sometimes called, leave you unprotected should any problems arise with your vehicle.
Items to watch for when buying a car privately include: total-loss vehicles, flood-damaged vehicles, theft recovery and vehicles originating from the U.S.
I'm not suggesting that you not buy privately; I'm advising you to be diligent and careful.
It has been suggested that 25 per cent of all used vehicles listed for sale privately originate from curbsiders.
When buying a used car from a private seller, there is always an element of risk involved. It's always buyer beware.
When shopping for a used car at a new-car dealership, it's not always about price. Yes, price is important, and nobody wants to overpay. But remember: dealers invest heavily to maintain a fresh inventory of vehicles. Needed repairs are done.
Used-car shoppers should collect as much information as possible about the person or place selling the vehicle. The more you know, the better your chances of making a good decision.
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