Automobile enthusiasts love capitalizing on the depreciated value of new vehicles. The moment you take a brand-new car out of the showroom, the value starts depreciating. The first five years might witness as much as 40% value depreciation for some models. So, why not take advantage of these low-cost purchases after completing a thorough mechanical inspection?
If you’re looking for cars for sale in Edmonton, feel free to make use of this handy guide. Today’s guide will assist you in choosing the right car from the aftermarket. Among other priorities, you cannot afford to overlook purchasing your second-hand car insurance.
Reputed insurance brokers like Surex can help you find affordable quotes by comparing multiple insurers. Read more here about getting high-quality auto insurance for your second-hand car in Edmonton, AB.
5 things that you should consider while looking at used cars for sale in Edmonton
Remember the following things while looking for used vehicles for sale in Edmonton.
Your lifestyle
Determine your purpose before looking for cars for sale in Edmonton. How about purchasing an affordable car that would deliver good mileage? Or maybe you are looking for an SUV for off-roading. If you want to haul loads, a used pickup truck would be a great choice. If you want a reliable vehicle for daily commuting to your office or navigating the city, a sedan would be fine.
Depending on your lifestyle and car use, you need to narrow the options down.
Your budget
Budgetary restrictions might be holding you from going for a new car. Most car owners scanning the second-hand automobile market look out for affordable purchases.
It’s wise to settle for a used car not more than six years old at a moderate budget. As the car ages, you would have to shell out more on maintenance and insurance costs.
Consider features
While we won’t recommend compromising safety features in a used car, there are places where you can curtail cost. For instance, do you need a car with voice command support or automatic climate control? If you can do without such sophistication, you can get a relatively newer vehicle within your budget.
On the other hand, you can curtail costs on car insurance if the vehicle comes loaded with safety features. Be logical and diplomatic while you scan the vehicle’s capabilities and features.
Check inspection certificates
Now that you have decided on the car’s make, model, and features, focus on the car’s health. Hire a mechanic to inspect the mechanical parts and functional aspects. Make sure to check all the certificates that would tell you how responsible the previous owner was. If you find the routine inspections and maintenance on time, you can proceed to the test drive.
Also, have a look at the history of the car to know if the vehicle was previously involved in an accident. At the same time, check whether it has got any lien against its name. The car aftermarket presents you with a tricky situation. Unless you are vigilant enough, you might end up purchasing a stolen vehicle.
Test drive
Before settling on a used car, make sure to take it for a test drive. This will help you detect hidden mechanical glitches the previous owner is trying to conceal. Besides, a test drive will help you understand aspects like comfort, handling, braking, steering response, and acceleration. Follow the same route as your normal routine during the test drive. This will help you mimic similar conditions to get a more realistic idea about your experience.
During the test drive, you can map the car’s behavior while navigating bumpy roads. Likewise, you will get an idea of how it is likely to handle highways and corners. Examine multiple cars for sale in Edmonton to compare your experience before finalizing your purchase.
How can you transfer the insurance of a used car?
All vehicles that hit the street need to be covered under a mandatory insurance policy. In addition to the basic liability, owners habitually vouch for comprehensive policies, crash collision insurance, and other policies.
Along with transferring the ownership of used cars for sale in Edmonton Alberta, you must also get the insurance transferred.
Generally, you need the following documents to get the insurance transferred to your name.
- Original invoice and registration certificate of the car, which contains the first buyer’s name
- Certain forms that the previous owner attests
- The existing car insurance policy copy
- Existing insurance certificate of the used car
- NOC from the previous car owner
- A new copy of the registration certificate
- New proposal form for the car
Under no condition should you purchase an uninsured second-hand car. This would leave you susceptible to legal troubles. Besides, you can’t ward off the chances of unfortunate incidents on the roads. So, having adequate coverage for your used car is imperative to remain financially sound. Once the existing car insurance gets transferred, you may consult your broker for a more cost-effective policy.
Buying insurance for your second-hand car
Regardless of the age of the car and its ownership status, it must be insured. If you find that the car you are willing to purchase isn’t insured, you need to purchase a policy in the first place. This would allow you the opportunity to explore affordable deals and benefit from discounts. A second-hand car insurance functions just like a new one. As the owner, you would benefit from all the privileges of a standard insurance policy.
What to consider when buying used cars in Edmonton — Endnote
Among the essential checklists for purchasing a used car in Edmonton, don’t overlook insurance. While it’s natural to remain obsessed with your test drive, mechanical inspection, and evaluating certificates, you might commit a costly mistake. Omitting the insurance check-up can lead to financial loss. In case of an accident, you would have to shell out the repair, legal, and medical expenses from your pocket.
This explains why used car buyers consult reputed online insurance brokerages. A professional broker can adeptly deal with the insurance requirements of the used car you wish to purchase.
