Hi,

I am in the Market now searching for a used Mini-Van. I compiled some of the checks to make while buying used car and publishing it here. If any of you feel some additional details need to be included, Please post, I will update the thread so that the helpful information stay at top of this post..

Ministry of Transporation WebSite for Buying / Selling Cars.
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LINK
mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/vehicle/used.htm

General
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- Year Make
- Mileage.


Reports & Docs
------------------
- VIN Number, VIN in the Car body should match the Reports/Registration.
- Report from CARFAX
- GET current market value / Blue book values (based on year, make, model, mileage, features).
- Ontario's Mandatory UVIP Report (Used Vehicle Information Report), $20 should be paid by the Seller.
- Govt. Mandotory Vehicle History Report .
- Govt. Mandatory Safety Report.
- Govt. Mandatory Emission test Report.
- Is there factory Warranty remaining.
- Is there dealer warranty.
- There is something called "Used Car Dealer" report about Vehicle, I am not sure whether it is going to show any information more than Carfax such as any exclusive information about Accidents.
- Used Car Black Book for value, Dealer price may be little higher http://www.usedcarsontario.com/blackbook.php

Body Condition:
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- Accidents
- Dents.
- Rust.
- Major / Servicing Repair Work history.
- Ripples in the body means more body work done.


Engine Condition
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- Service history and reacords.
- number of owners/regiatrations etc.
- Engine Health.
- Remaining life in Timing Belt.
- Transmission Quality (No sound while engaging).
- Blue smoke coming from the tail pipe can mean costly engine repairs are necessary.
- Get a dealer's / mechanic's inspection done (Recommended for Private party sale).
- No Downtown Car & No Commercial Car.

Inspection & Test Drive
--------------------------
- Take a Professional Inspector to Inspect . Prof. Inspectors can find lots of hidden details. One useful Link http://www.apa.ca/template.asp?lang=english
- Take a test drive and Drive at different Speed.
- Feel the Steering wheel, Brake, Shock absorbers and alignment.
- Take the Vehicle to the Diagnostic Center / Mechanic.

Brakes, Tyres & Suspension
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- Tire Health.
- Wheel Balancing.
- Quality of Suspension.
- Brake quality, any noise while applying, Brake pad life, Pedal.


Transmission
----------------
- Automatic Transmission.

Heating
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- Air Conditioning
- Rear a/c & heat
- Heated Seat
- Heated Mirrors.

Music
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- AM-FM Stereo
- Compact Disc

Power Options
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- Power Windows
- Power Locks
- Power Seats.
- Power Mirrors

Seat Option
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- Bucket Seats
- Captains Chairs

Safety & Security
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- Vehicles Crash test & Safety Rating
- Drivers Air Bag
- Passenger Air Bag
- Anti-Lock Brakes
- Anti-Theft
- Keyless Entry

Essential tools to carry
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- A 1- or 2-foot square piece of 1/2-inch plywood to support the vehicle jack
- Wheel chocks
- Flares or reflective triangles
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Gloves and coveralls
- Ice scraper
- Jumper cables
- One quart of motor oil
- One gallon of fresh water
- First aid kit
- Small shovel
- Tire pressure gauge
- Duct tape
- A small tool kit containing:
- Assorted open-end and box wrenches
- Adjustable wrenches
- Screwdrivers
- Pliers
- Socket set


General
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- Cruise Control
- Tilt Wheel
- Alloy Wheels
- Tinted Windows
- Roof Rack
- Power/Manual Sliding Door.



Important Traffic Regulations to remember
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1) Turning right on a red stop light - allowed except in Quebec, must pull up to a full stop before proceeding if clear.

2) STOP when you see a yellow school bus flashing it's red lights, even if it's on the other side of the road.

3) All-way stop - crossings where the first to arrive has priority, cross in order of arrival at the crossing.

4) Speed limits - 100kph on highways = ~65MPH, quite strict.

5) Drive on the right! But be prepared to be overtaken on either side.




Auto Insurance Companies for the new comers.
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TD bank
PC Financial
Belair Direct.
Royal Bank of Canada.

Tips to Importing car from USA (new / used):
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http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=307601&highlight=car+import+usa




New Immigrants - Helpful Insurance/Driving documents
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- Driver License from your Country
- Driver's History (Documentation from Licnese issuing Authority).
- Insurance Record (Is your name listed in the Policy).


Maintenance (shops) section:
--------------------------------

Read the thread below where the CD community has discussed about the mechanics.
http://canadiandesi.com/read.php?TID=24716


Any additional comments please let me know, I will add it my post..

Regards,
JRF.

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The cowards never started,
The weak died on the way,
Only the strong arrived.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yK1i9cLAMM

I was in the market looking for a used car and one addition to the list I would make is VEHICLE INSPECTION from a professional inspector. Here is why.

1) Saw a really good 2002 toyota and put a down payment on it. Called the inspector for inspection...told him the name of the lot(reputed lot selling only 2001 and above models)) and the inspected told me that he was there 4 times in a month and all 4 cars failed inspection. One of the car.. a Nissan wasnt even on Nissans records(inspector called nissan customer service because inspector discovered that the bodywork paint was not original)) and the car was apparently written off in an accident.

I got back my deposit.

2) Found another toyota from a private seller. The seller had all records and had taken great care of the car. However on inspection the inspector found out major problems with the car. The power steering sensor was knowingly disconnected(probably by the service center). So my option was to buy the car for 10k and put another 2k on repairs(which inspector found and gave estimate for)...and about that disconnected steering sensor...see what the service center said. I backed out of that deal

3) Finally I decided I was running out of time and needed the car asap so I found a used 'certified' honda civic lx sport 2003 on manuf warranty. Thought i could not go wrong especially when my inspector himself told me that that garage had the best record in his books and also according to honda CS.
When the inspector walked in to inspect the car the salesman got visibly nervous and told me he had expected a 'friend' of mine to inspect the car and not a professional( who they knew from w5 exposes on ctv). The inspector found about 3k of repairs needed. I asked the 'certified' salesmen if they would fix the problems and they said they are writing off the car and are taking it off the lot.
So much for a 'certified' used car.

So after a month...I purchased a brand new toyota .

So I highly recommend a vehicle inspection even if you have heard great things about the dealer. My inspector was from the APA( http://www.apa.ca)." rel="nofollow">LINK Their services are available in Toronto too. Read up on the site about their investigations they did for CTV about used car dealer scams.

All the best. Hope you have better luck than I did in the used car market.

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Recommended Services- Servicedomino.com
http://www.servicedomino.com

A helpful link. For black book values...the dealers price will usually be about 1-2k above at a minimum.

http://www.usedcarsontario.com/blackbook.php

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Recommended Services- Servicedomino.com
http://www.servicedomino.com

Hi,

Thanks for your contribution, I've added your comments.

As summer is right around the cornor, we could expect more inward immigration, I hope the details we've added will help them when going for Used Vehicle purchase.

I am planning to change the title as Used Car FAQ, so that it easy for members to search.

Similarly, I am considering to start a FAQ thread to discuss information about schools and other important details.

CD Members, Please contribute your comments.


- JRF.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
The cowards never started,
The weak died on the way,
Only the strong arrived.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yK1i9cLAMM

Jake,

I can't agree more than what you are saying about the Used Car search. It consumes a lot of your time, stress, uncertainity, trick trackling, several trips back and forth when one is getting down to buy a used Car. I went through the same situation as you in US some 8 years back and finally settled down for a Brand new 2000 Camry, Awesome vehicle which never troubled me till date.

Unless its a known used vehicle being sold, its gonna be a tough call to make.

Once again, thanks for sharing the information..

Good luck..
JRF.

Quote:

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Originally posted by jake3d


So after a month...I purchased a brand new toyota .

Hope you have better luck than I did in the used car market.

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The cowards never started,
The weak died on the way,
Only the strong arrived.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yK1i9cLAMM

Hi Jake,

Was this experience with a Honda authorized dealer? I thought that buying certified cars from authorized dealers would be easy......................

sumjo

Quote:

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Originally posted by jake3d

<<<<3) Finally I decided I was running out of time and needed the car asap so I found a used 'certified' honda civic lx sport 2003 on manuf warranty. Thought i could not go wrong especially when my inspector himself told me that that garage had the best record in his books and also according to honda CS.
When the inspector walked in to inspect the car the salesman got visibly nervous and told me he had expected a 'friend' of mine to inspect the car and not a professional( who they knew from w5 exposes on ctv). The inspector found about 3k of repairs needed. I asked the 'certified' salesmen if they would fix the problems and they said they are writing off the car and are taking it off the lot.
So much for a 'certified' used car.>>>>