Buying a used car can be a stressful proposition, especially for those who don't know vehicles inside and out. Read on for what you need to do before and after buying a used car, and contact the experts at Hansma Automotive for all your repair and maintenance needs. We use quality CARQUEST auto parts - guaranteed coast to coast - and we stand on sound business principles while upholding high ethical standards. Our goal is to make your automotive repair experience friendly and successful.
Before You Buy a Used Car ...
The first thing you want to do before setting out to buy a used car is set a budget. It's important not only to set a maximum amount you're willing to spend on the vehicle but also to factor in additional costs that come with such a purchase. This immediately includes registration, license plates, insurance, and fuel, but could also involve maintenance and repairs.
Trust The Process
Next comes the search for a used car, and it's worth considering a few options:
3rd Party Websites - Kijiji and autoTRADER show used vehicles for sale in your area from private sellers and dealerships
Print Listings and Ads - A more traditional method - magazines, newspapers, classifieds, and others
Car Dealerships - Go directly to a used car dealer’s website or lot to see what they have available.
Once you've found a used car that suits your preference and budget, it's time for a personal inspection. First, give the vehicle a thorough once-over, looking at the exterior, interior and engine to see if there are any signs of damage. If everything looks okay, ask to take it for a test drive to make sure that it feels comfortable and runs smoothly. If the seller of the used car is reluctant to let you take a closer look or test it out on the road, consider that a red flag.
Take the car for a test drive to make sure it’s a good fit for you.
Next, ask to see the proper documentation. These should include the following:
Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) - This has all the important details about the vehicle as well as its registration history and lien information
Safety Standards Certificate - Shows that the vehicle was deemed safe to drive under Ontario’s legal standards
Ontario Drive Clean Emissions Test - Proof that vehicle meets Ontario’s emissions standards
As the Humberview Group points, out, "the UVIP is absolutely necessary, as it contains all the relevant paperwork to be filled out and signed in order to transfer legal ownership. The other two are not legally necessary, but without them there is far more risk and uncertainty for you as the buyer. Make sure you insist that they are done before you purchase the vehicle."
Once you're satisfied with the state of the used car and have agreed on a price, there's some final paperwork to fill out and documents to exchange.
UVIP - Already mentioned above, the seller must give you the package after the sale has been completed
Vehicle Permit - Part of the Application for Transfer in the UVIP that the seller and buyer must sign
Bill of Sale - Seller must fill out their name with a signature, the date of purchase, and the selling price
Full legal ownership of the vehicle transfers to the buyer once the ownership is signed, but there are still some things that may or may not need to be done next.
There’s a lot of paperwork involved in buying a used car, but it’s all necessary.
... After You Buy a Used Car
In order to register your used car, you must be able to submit proof of insurance, so be sure to get that in place as quickly as possible; driving around in an uninsured and unregistered vehicle is strictly prohibited. Once insurance is settled, here's what you need to bring with you in order to register the vehicle with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO):
Safety and Emissions Test Certificates - If the seller did not provide them then you will have to pay to have them done. If you need to get a Drive Clean test done, trust the experts at Hansma Automotive to do it right.
Driver’s License
Completed UVIP Forms
Proof of Purchase - receipt from the purchase or Bill of Sale from the UVIP
Original Vehicle Permit - Get this from the seller.
While at the MTO, you'll also need to acquire valid license plates and validation stickers. You will need two license plates, one for the front and back of the vehicle. As plates are relevant to the owner and not the vehicle, you will have to get your own set after purchase. Validation stickers must be renewed every one or two years and expire on your birthday.
General Maintenance
We already mentioned you may need to get a drive clean test, but even if that's already been taken care of, you should still visit a mechanic to get some general maintenance to ensure everything is up to date. This a broad category that can encompass many different parts of your used car. If you are unsure what repairs - if any - your "new to you" vehicle needs, simply take it to a mechanic and have them check it out. A routine tune up and safety check is probably in order, and it's also a good idea to get the tires and brakes looked at and to consider rust proofing. Hansma Automotive can also quickly and economically change your oil for you; book an appointment for your next scheduled oil change, or to have any of the above maintenance performed.
Consult your owner's manual, but if you are unsure what the proper routine maintenance is for your vehicle, contact Hansma Automotive now and we would be happy to inform you what it is for your make and model of car. A properly maintained used car will last years longer, and drive many thousands of kilometers farther. If you're concerned about dropping more cash after already purchasing the vehicle, know that as a Tech-Net professional auto repair facility, Hansma Automotive is committed to serving you, our customer, with professional auto service repair at a reasonable cost.
Trust the Hansma Difference When Buying a Used Car
"I have been taking my vehicles to Hansma's for over 20 years. Pete has always given good advice, hasn't done unnecessary repairs. They do great work, and if something needs correcting they are quick to do so. A few years ago, when debating about repairing an older model car, Pete recommended not fixing it and moving on, even though this meant less income for the shop. I have personally recommended Hansma's to several friends, who have been extremely satisfied with the service there." - Doug
Read more testimonials here.
At Hansma, we offer service with a difference. We have worked hard to gain a reputation for honesty and quality work. Trust the professionals at Hansma to only recommend and carry out the repairs that your used car actually needs. Our customers have come to consider us as their mechanic friend, and as such, we promise to give you top-notch service at reasonable and competitive rates.
Click here to meet our friendly team or contact us today and find out about the Hansma service difference for yourself.
We are open every weekday from 8 AM to 6 PM. Come see us at 88 Shoemaker St. in Kitchener, Ontario.
Sources:
https://www.humberviewgroup.com/guide/buying-a-used-car
https://jalopnik.com/ten-things-you-need-to-do-after-you-buy-a-used-car-1656798249