Is it better to buy from a dealer, a used car dealer, or an individual? An Expert believes that it is improved to do business with a person if likely the first owner of the vehicle.  Be aware, however, that if you buy from an individual, you will not benefit from the protection offered by the Consumer Protection Act (Beware of “fake individuals”, that is to say, dealers who pretend to be car owners, thus avoiding obtaining a license to sell used vehicles from the Consumer Protection Office (OPC). Certain ways of acting may indicate that there is an eel under the rock: the person gives you an appointment in an anonymous place (such as a shopping center parking lot); she only gives you her cell number; it seems to have several vehicles for sale “These are sellers who trade in vehicles illegally, and whose cars may have been damaged; the tampered odometer, in particular. In case of problems, the remedies against them will be more limited.

Examine and test the vehicle

Here you are: you found a vehicle that seems to meet your expectations and made an appointment with the seller. First, make a good visual inspection of the vehicle. Look for signs of corrosion as well as traces of paint and welding, suggesting that he was involved in an accident. Open all the doors, lift the carpets, and try on the various accessories (electric windows, central locking, air conditioning, etc.).

Scan the files

Ask the seller questions to find out how the vehicle was used; if he has suffered accidents, what is the condition of the tires? Ask to see the maintenance file, that is to say, the invoices relating to maintenance and repairs. Aren’t their invoices for a long period of time? For around $ 40, any company can provide you with a vehicle history report (accidents, claims, safety recall not carried out, etc.). However, according to an expert, honda fresno about 40% of the information in such documents is missing, since). Using the vehicle’s serial number, you can also contact the dealer and inquire about the maintenance that was performed on-site. However, in the absence of invoices, you will never know with certainty what was done elsewhere than at the dealership.

Request an inspection

Do you like the vehicle and seem to meet all the criteria you are looking for? Before signing, have it inspected by the mechanic of your choice, not that of the seller. It will cost you around a hundred dollars to find out what repairs are needed.