Used Car Buying Guide: All You Need to Know About Buying a Used Vehicle

To find a used car near you check out resources like online listings, consumer reports, your local newspaper’s classified section, print buying guides and public auctions. Don’t forget to visit your local dealership to check out their inventory, as they constantly get new stock.

Find out where to shop for a used car.

Not sure if the car you're interested in is priced fairly? Though there are many factors that can influence the value of a car - accident history, maintenance, weather damage - using the CARFAX Canada Value Range tool can help you find the average selling price of similar vehicles in your area, giving you an idea of where to start.

Find the Value Range.

A 30-minute test drive is essential to evaluate how a car runs in a realistic setting. Plan a familiar route and test actions you would typically do; hit the brakes, put it in park, take a corner, accelerate, merge and change lanes. Get a feel for the car’s accessories and ensure they work.

Get the test drive checklist.

A pre-purchase inspection is essential to determine the cosmetic, mechanical and safety condition of a car. A mechanic can help pinpoint any existing conditions as well as highlight potential future issues. This information is critical and can help provide negotiation leverage.

Where to get a pre-purchase inspection.

A VIN check will tell you details about a specific car like year, make, model, and where it was made. When buying a used car, this information is important in order to make a decision with confidence. To decode a VIN, first find the VIN, typically found on the inside of the driver’s door jamb and windshield, and enter it into a free decoder tool, like this one below.

Get a free VIN decode.

A CARFAX Canada Vehicle History Report provides you with important information that’s critical to understand when buying a used car. Most importantly, it uncovers whether the vehicle you’re interested in has been in an accident and if there’s a lien registered against the vehicle. On top of that, you get a free History-Based Value report, which takes the information in the history report, as well as other factors like location, and provides a value based on all these unique pieces.

Get a vehicle history report.

Take the intimidation factor out of buying a used car by asking the right questions. Ask why they are selling the car, if it’s had regular service and maintenance and if it’s still under warranty. Ask for a VIN check and request to take the car for an independent inspection.

10 questions to ask before buying a used car.

Before you negotiate, make sure you know the vehicle’s Value Range, and educate yourself on the other factors that impact a vehicle’s value. This will help you make a confident offer based on your research and budget. Keep your emotions in check and be prepared to walk away – a successful agreement will benefit both parties.

Top used car buying negotiation tips

Upgrading your used car is a great time to explore or reassess your insurance needs to make sure you’re getting the right coverage. You’ll need to provide proof of insurance before finalizing the sale, so shop around and see what’s out there in terms of prices and what your premiums will cover. There are lots of great discount programs out there too. Read more about how to get the right car insurance for you.

Each province has different regulations for finalizing the sale of a used car. We’ve compiled the steps and information that you need to know, as well as provided links to the appropriate websites. When in doubt, contact your provincial government to ensure you and the seller have covered your bases.

Finalizing a car sale (by province).