| Do your homework - It is important that you know | | | | the effects of climate change important to you? |
| exactly what you want and the price you can afford | | | | Depending on the engine and vehicle type, how much |
| before setting foot in a dealership. Come prepared. | | | | you drive and whether its town or highway driving |
| Entering a dealership without a concrete idea of what | | | | effects how much fuel you’ll consume and the |
| you want and what you are willing to pay is never a | | | | footprint you leave on the environment. |
| good idea. The groundwork of successful negotiation | | | | Know what you are buying - Ask to see what |
| is information. Once you have your price and your | | | | mechanical reconditioning has been done by the seller. |
| method of payment, you are ready to negotiate. Do | | | | A well detailed vehicle that looks clean and shiny |
| not lose sight of your price, while negotiating. The key | | | | doesn’t mean it is mechanically sound. Most |
| is to follow your plan and leave a deal alone if it is not | | | | reputable dealerships ensure that your pre-owned |
| in your best interest. Once you and the salesperson | | | | vehicle was thoroughly reconditioned and its history is |
| have reached an agreement get everything in writing. | | | | safe. Make sure your used vehicle has been inspected, |
| Price, terms, repairs, and/or trade-ins should be clearly | | | | complete outstanding recalls, and ensure required |
| written in the sales agreement. | | | | maintenance is up to date. They can also verify cross |
| Be sure of your needs - It is important to measure | | | | Canada accident claims, liens, registrations, complete |
| your needs against your wants when shopping for a | | | | US history and the odometer record. |
| vehicle. Before beginning your hunt for a used car or | | | | Financing - It is smart to consider how to finance the |
| truck, ask yourself some fundamental questions. How | | | | vehicle when you begin the shopping process, this will |
| many people will I be transporting? How much do I | | | | allow you to make an objective decision that fits your |
| drive? How important is it to get good gas mileage? | | | | budget and prevents unpleasant surprises from |
| What safety features mean the most to me? Is it | | | | surfacing later. Calculate a realistic monthly payment |
| necessary to have a car or truck with four-wheel | | | | that will fit into your budget based on purchase price, |
| drive? Keep your options open when considering what | | | | down payment, length of loan, and interest rate. Keep |
| to buy. It never hurts to look at other vehicles in the | | | | in mind that your total monthly payments should not |
| same class. Remember choosing the eye-catching | | | | exceed 20 per cent of your monthly take-home |
| vehicle, instead of the sensible one could result in a | | | | income. Dealerships generally offer a better finance |
| hole in your budget, a return visit to the dealership | | | | rate than consumers can obtain through their own |
| sooner than you planned, or both. Your main focus | | | | bank. Are you trying to establish or rebuild your credit? |
| should be to find a car or truck that meets both your | | | | Having credit issues shouldn’t prevent you from |
| needs and your personality. Are the prices of fuel and | | | | owning a reliable vehicle. |