1. Do Your Research Before You Shop
Walking onto a lot without a clear idea of what you want is one of the easiest ways to end up with the wrong vehicle at the wrong price. A little homework before you visit goes a long way.
Start by thinking honestly about your needs, not just your wants:
- How many passengers do you regularly carry?
- Do you need towing capacity? Does fuel economy matter for a long daily commute?Â
- What's your realistic monthly budget, including insurance, fuel, and maintenance?
Answering these questions first narrows your search considerably and keeps you from being swayed by a vehicle that looks great but doesn't fit your life.
Once you know what you need, research specific makes and models that fit. Look up reliability records, common maintenance issues, and ownership costs for the vehicles on your shortlist. The Canadian Black Book is a useful resource for understanding fair market values, so you know whether a price is reasonable before you start negotiating.
2. Inspect the Vehicle Thoroughly Inside and Out
If you're shopping for a used vehicle privately, taking the time to inspect the vehicle carefully is especially important, since private-sale vehicles may not go through the same inspection and reconditioning process you’d find at a dealership.
Once you've found a vehicle that interests you, don't rush past the inspection. A careful look at the car before you drive it can reveal a lot about its overall condition and how well it has been maintained.
Here’s what to check in the vehicle’s exterior:
- Consistent panel fit
- Clean paint condition
- Excessive rust around the wheel arches, rocker panels, and underneath the vehicle.
Here’s what to check in the vehicle’s interior:
- Excessive wear
- Unusual odours
- Working electronics, gauges, controls
Here’s what to look for under the hood of the vehicle:
- Signs of fluid leaks
- Worn belts
- Corrosion on the battery terminals
Ask for the vehicle's maintenance history and compare service records to the manufacturer's recommended intervals. A well-documented history is a strong sign.
Always request a vehicle history report (such as a CARFAX Canada report) to check for previous accidents, the number of previous owners, and any reported liens on the vehicle. A clean history doesn't guarantee a perfect vehicle, but it removes a significant layer of uncertainty.
At Barry Cullen Chevrolet, every used vehicle is thoroughly inspected before it reaches our lot, helping give drivers added confidence in the quality and condition of the vehicle they choose.
3. Always Test Drive
No amount of research replaces time behind the wheel. A test drive reveals things that a parked inspection never will, and the more varied the route, the better.
On the highway, get the vehicle up to highway speeds to check for vibrations, unusual noises, and how the transmission behaves under sustained load. In city traffic, test the brakes, acceleration from a stop, and how the steering feels in tighter turns. On a rough road or speed bump, listen for suspension noise, rattles, or any unusual movement in the chassis. These are among the most reliable indicators of wear.
While driving, pay attention to how smoothly the transmission shifts, whether the engine pulls evenly throughout the rev range, and whether any warning lights appear on the instrument cluster. Test the air conditioning, heating, audio system, and all powered features.
Shop Used at Barry Cullen Chevrolet in Guelph, ON
Every used vehicle in our inventory has been thoroughly inspected before it reaches our lot. Visit Barry Cullen Chevrolet in Guelph, ON, explore our financing options, or call us at 519-824-0210 so we can answer more of your questions!
