Posted on: 07-10-05 15:23:34
Hey guys,
Need some advice.
I am planning to buy an used car - my budget is pretty limited - am looking at around CAD 2500-2800!
Now, I'll probably buy from a private seller since dealers typically start off cars at CAD 4000 and higher.
Some questions I have :-
What exactly is this "certified and e-tested" thing all about?
Are they both the same thing? Or are they 2 separate things?
If I buy a car that's not certified and e-tested, how much will it cost me extra to get it certified and e-tested?
Are there any other expenses involved? I mean outside of the cost of the car and the cost(if any) of certifying and e-testing my car, will there be anything extra that's mandatory? Like say road tax or number registration costs?
I will have an extra 300 bucks put aside for any extra expenses.
I also presume that I'll need to pay 250-350 monthly as insurance since I am new here.
If I wait a few months I could probably buy a more expensive car - but I want a car now - before the winter sets in.
Also, are there any reliable dealers who may give me a car loan at not-so-atrocious interest rates? I wouldn't expect so, but if there are any, I'd appreciate it if someone could point them to me.
BTW I have a G-license - so not sure if that affects anything - maybe my insurance will be lesser.
Thanks for any pointers and suggestions.
Deja Vu......
Firstly I'd suggest you look up the Driving forum under Charcha. You'll find the answers to your questions. You may have to scan thru multiple post to get all your answers.
Secondly, I'll attempt to answer some of your Q's, some 'cause I'm feeling too lazy to type....
Q I am planning to buy an used car - my budget is pretty limited - am looking at around CAD 2500-2800!
A Your budget s really limited. I'd suggest hike it up to around $4000 if you want something to last for a little while.
Q What exactly is this "certified and e-tested" thing all about?
A Certification - Is a certificate that the car is road worthy. Needed when selling/buying a car. Cost around $60 or so
e-test - Emission test, testing the contents of the gases that the car emits (www.driveclean.com). To be done every 2 years. Cost around $35
Q Are they both the same thing? Or are they 2 separate things?
A They are not the same.
Q If I buy a car that's not certified and e-tested, how much will it cost me extra to get it certified and e-tested?
A See above for costing. The owner is supposed to certify the car prior to selling
Q Are there any other expenses involved? I mean outside of the cost of the car and the cost(if any) of certifying and e-testing my car, will there be anything extra that's mandatory? Like say road tax or number registration costs?
A You bet. Plates ($20 or so), registration ($90 or so), licence sticker ($74/year), PST (8% on higher of selling price or wholesale value as per UVIP)
Q I will have an extra 300 bucks put aside for any extra expenses.
A See above
Q I also presume that I'll need to pay 250-350 monthly as insurance since I am new here.
A Sounds reasonable
If I wait a few months I could probably buy a more expensive car - but I want a car now - before the winter sets in.
See my response to your 1st Q, about budget. Don't be penny-wise and pound foolish. Something that is cheap, may not see you thru the 1st winter, besides you ma land up spending more time at the garage ultimately spending more $$
Also, are there any reliable dealers who may give me a car loan at not-so-atrocious interest rates? I wouldn't expect so, but if there are any, I'd appreciate it if someone could point them to me.
No clue. BTW, what's your defination of atrocious interest rates, and what is more reasonable as per you. May be this will help others to help you.
BTW I have a G-license - so not sure if that affects anything - maybe my insurance will be lesser.
For sure your insurance will be lower
Seems like I landed up answering most of your queries....ah well, my one good turn for today.
Happy car shopping.
PS: I've heard horror stories about some car dealers in Brampton, just a word of caution
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SS
Reiki Grand Master
Better if you buy from a private person instead of a dealer; that way you will save a lot of money. Also, go for a cheap car initially; that way you can go in for 3rd party insurance instead of full coverage, which ultimately works out to be much cheaper. Buy insurance from TD, they are the cheapest...... go to their website and become a member of any group as listed, and that will give you a straight 30% discount. Attach your drivers training certificate ( the school should be recognized by the Ministry), which gives you an additional discount. So, a new driver like you wouldn't have more that $150 PM for a 3rd party insurance.
Once you build up your driving experience here, say after a year or so, even if you take full coverage, your insurance would be much cheaper.
Also, after a year, you can dispose off your cheap car, and go for an expensive one.
Well, that's my strategy as of now................. 
Quote:
Orginally posted by Fonzie
Hey guys,
Need some advice.
I am planning to buy an used car - my budget is pretty limited - am looking at around CAD 2500-2800!
Now, I'll probably buy from a private seller since dealers typically start off cars at CAD 4000 and higher.
Some questions I have :-
What exactly is this "certified and e-tested" thing all about?
Are they both the same thing? Or are they 2 separate things?
If I buy a car that's not certified and e-tested, how much will it cost me extra to get it certified and e-tested?
Are there any other expenses involved? I mean outside of the cost of the car and the cost(if any) of certifying and e-testing my car, will there be anything extra that's mandatory? Like say road tax or number registration costs?
I will have an extra 300 bucks put aside for any extra expenses.
I also presume that I'll need to pay 250-350 monthly as insurance since I am new here.
If I wait a few months I could probably buy a more expensive car - but I want a car now - before the winter sets in.
Also, are there any reliable dealers who may give me a car loan at not-so-atrocious interest rates? I wouldn't expect so, but if there are any, I'd appreciate it if someone could point them to me.
BTW I have a G-license - so not sure if that affects anything - maybe my insurance will be lesser.
Thanks for any pointers and suggestions.
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sumjo
my elders used to say - mahanga roye ek baar, sasta roye bar bar. I hope that clarifies
Chandresh
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Chandresh
Advice is free – lessons I charge for!!
I fully endorse Chandrsh's remark and share my decision. I had a similar budget initially, but I always think "X+1". A cheaper car would run in PRESENT, but you never know, whats gonna happen in a long run. Lots of maintenance and recurring cost to be faced.
I used the avaiable limit as a down payment to a TOYOTA dealer and bought a 2003 MATRIX (almost a new one). Japanese cars easily run for more then 200000 Kms and mine was just 40 K.Although my monthly commitment is 300, but at least I am secured with unwanted expenses.
However I decided as I thought the best for me.
Rgds,
VJ.
Sumjo...Can you provide more information on this. I think it will be helpful to everyone:
" go to their website and become a member of any group as listed, and that will give you a straight 30% discount"
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Live and Let Live
Toyota Matrix is assembled in Canada at their Cambridge plant.
Just for information
Timon
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"The grass is not, in fact, always greener on the other side of the fence. Fences have nothing to do with it. The grass is greenest where it is watered. When crossing over fences, carry water with you and tend the grass wherever you may be"
