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How to Buy a Good Used Car and Not a Lemon

Thu ,10/11/2011

Buying a car for half the price or a fraction of the price is a deal that is too hard to pass up, especially in these trying financial times in which we live today. But it can prove disastrous if your previously owned vehicle suddenly stops working on you or will be too expensive to repair. Sometimes even costing you more than you paid for the car in the first place.

I have bought several used cars in Ottawa myself and I know just how frustrating it can be to end up with a lemon and spend all your money on repairs, but this doesn’t have to be the case. As a matter of fact there are a lot of reliable, dependable used cars. The trick is finding one. Well here are a few tips on selecting a good car.

When selecting a previously owned vehicle, think about the size of your family and the activities the car will be used for, like driving to work, taking your children to school and so forth. Do not limit yourself to a specific make and model, instead look for a car that has been maintained well and is in good shape. Try to find a car that is easy to service. Just a side note: if a car is over ten years old, parts for it may be difficult to obtain.

If you are on a limited budget, try to avoid luxury or imported speciality cars because the parts and service will no doubt be more expensive. Even though they may be reliable, they can also be very expensive to own. Not always, but generally it is good to avoid cars that have extremely high mileage. In most cases, it is less expensive to buy a car in good shape than it is to buy a car in bad shape and fix it up.

Check the car thoroughly before you buy it. Try not to go looking for a car in the night or when it raining. Walk around the car. Inspect the interior and exterior. Have they been maintained? Did the previous owner take pride in their vehicle? If it has been neglected you might want to continue looking.

Test-drive the car. Accelerate the car up to highway speed on a test-drive. Make sure that you stop and go on hilly roads as well as level streets.

Engine: Does the engine start well? Is the exhaust free of lots of smoke? Does the engine run well? Does it idle smoothly? Is the engine free of noises? Does the engine have power for good acceleration? If no. The engine may need tune-up work or more serious repairs, which may indicate a worn engine. Be cautious if the seller says that it just needs a tune-up because this should have been a part of the regular maintenance of the used car in Ottawa.

Transmission: Does the automatic transmission slip or not engage when put into gear? Does it fail to shift smoothly? Any grinding noises in the gears? If yes. The transmission may need repair.

Brakes and suspension: Does the car pull to one side when you drive or brake? Does the car vibrate at certain speeds or when you brake? Are there noises when you brake or turn or drive over bumps? If yes. The car may need brake or suspension work.

Look underneath the car and wear clothes that will allow you to do so.

Check the body for rust. Avoid cars that have it. When the body is rusting, it is generally too expensive to repair them completely. Fender rust can be cosmetic but usually is a sign that structural areas also have rust. Look underneath the car for rust.

If you are looking for a quality used cars in Ottawa, Import Motors is a premier used car dealer in Ottawa, boasting a huge inventory of used cars, trucks and SUV’s. Visit us today!

3 Things to Do Before Buying a Used Car

Wed ,03/08/2011

If you are in the used car buying market, chances are good that you have been very careful about looking around at what used cars in Ottawa are currently on the market. You may have even drawn up a budget in order to determine what kind of used car you can really afford to buy. No matter what kind of used car you’re in the market for, we  are here to help you get the best rates and used car packages for your needs.

Here are 3 things we think you need to do before you buy a used car in Kanata :

Make a list

Make a list – and check it twice – of all of the things that you need and want from your used car in Rockland. This list should include the things that you can’t compromise on, such as space, reliability, and features that you definitely need. The list can also include those things that are wants, such as leather, a sunroof, GPS system, and more. By having this list in hand, you’ll be able to make a better assessment when looking over available used cars in order to determine what cars suit the items on your list.

Develop a budget

Having a used car buying budget is important. When you have a budget, you know that the used cars you look at will need to fall within that budget. Then, when you go to buy a used car, you can be certain that the used car you end up buying actually suits you budget.

Making a practical budget can be challenging for everyone – especially when it’s tough to predict what will happen in the future with your job and the economy. Our financial experts are standing by to help you develop your budget and come up with a financial plan that will make it possible for you to easily afford to buy your car, so fill out our online credit application.

Inspect the car

When buying a used car , it is essential that you inspect the used car. During your inspection, it is important that you not only take a look at the exterior and overall look of the car, but you’ll also want to look at the engine and structure of the car. We also offer a warranty to cover issues that happen down the road!

Contact Import Motors, your used car dealer in Ottawa today to learn more about our used cars or to get started with your search today!

What to Expect When Applying for a Bad Credit Used Car Loan

Tue ,07/06/2011

If you are applying for a bad credit used car loan for the first time – or are even applying for a car loan in Ottawa for the first time, there are some things that you can expect from the process. Knowing what to expect when you go into the process can go a long way to getting the right kind of loan for your needs – and will ensure that you are not surprised by the results of the car loan search.

Here are some important things that you should expect when applying for a bad credit used car loan:

You’ll need to complete a credit application

It is expected that you will need to complete a credit application whenever you apply for a loan of any type. However, if you know that you already have bad credit, completely that credit application can be scary and leave you feeling a little run down. We urge you not to worry; many of our customers have bad credit or no credit and are still able to get excellent loans through our competitive loan program. Therefore, go ahead and start that application – we’ll handle the rest.

You may have a high interest rate

Having a high interest rate is quite normal when you take out a bad credit car loan in Ottawa. If you worry about having a high interest rate because of your bad credit, keep in mind that many people actually have bad credit. Therefore, what you may think is a high rate might actually be quite average. Don’t be worried about the high interest rate for the loan; we will develop a program that will make it possible for you to repay that rate without causing you financial hardship or affecting your lifestyle negatively.

You’ll have options

Regardless of whether you have great credit or bad credit, it’s important to remember that you will still have options when it comes to your car loan and your used car in Ottawa. Many of our customers come to us feeling worried that they will not have the options that they want because of their bad credit. However, keep in mind that you are in control of the buying process and situation. We’ll help you select the right option for you.

Contact Import Motors today to learn more about our bad credit car loans and about how you can get started with your application today!

How to Find the Right Used Car for Your Needs

Thu ,10/03/2011

Whenever it comes time to buy a new used car in Ottawa or to make any significant purchase, it’s important to make sure that you are making the best decision for your long term and short term needs. We are dedicated to helping our customers find the right used cars and arrange for the best financing options to suit their needs and lifestyles. If you’re ready to buy a used car, here are a few things that we think you should think about before you decide to buy:

Determine what you want

Whenever you buy a new or used car in Rockland, it’s important to think about what you want from that car. One of the best ways to determine what you want is to take a look at what options and features are available for the type of used car that you think you want to buy. With the technological advances that have come about in recent years, you may be surprised by just how many features and options come standard or are amazingly affordable on used cars these days. Come on down to test drive used cars or to walk through our lot with a helpful dealer today.

Determine needs

Even if you know exactly what you want from your used car, you might need to narrow that list down to those things that you actually need. Many people approach the used car buying process knowing that they need a reliable and safe used car that will last for years to come. However, there might be other needs that are unique to your lifestyle or situation. For example, if you have children, you may need a used car that is large enough to accommodate them all. You may want a used car with high clearance if you plan to go off-roading in it. Or if you plan to haul large items, such as a boat or an RV, you may need a used car with plenty of towing capacity.

Evaluate budget

It’s important that you evaluate your budget from a practical perspective. For example, after you have paid for your basic necessities each month, you may determine that you have an extra $1,000 to spend on a car payment. However, be sure that you are also setting aside enough money each month to be flexible. After all, the car payment will seem like an unwanted burden if it means that you can’t go shopping, go out to eat, take small vacations, or set aside money to save. Therefore, be practical with your budget.

Contact Import Motors today for more information about how to buy the right used car in Brockville for your needs – and make that used car one that you’ll love for years to come!

3 Ways Buying Used Cars from Us Can Save You Money

Tue ,08/02/2011

When you buy a used car in Ottawa, chances are good that you are looking for the best rate on the used car. What’s more: you may also be looking for ways to save even more money once you actually own the used car. Here are a few ways to save money when you buy a used car that you may enjoy:

Lower taxes and insurance

When you buy a used car in Kanata, you will have lower taxes and insurance than you would have if you were to buy a new car. Therefore, when you buy a used car, your insurance and taxes will cost less for the life of the car. Depending on where you live and your driving record, this can save you a significant amount of money over the life of the car for years to come.

Special rates

When you work with our dealership to buy your used car, you can not only get amazing rates on your used car purchase, but we also are always on the lookout for programs that may help our customers to save even more money. These special programs may help to lower your annual interest rate on a car loan or they may help to offer cash back on your used car when you buy it from us. Remember: you can also save money when you buy a used car from us if you trade in a vehicle that you currently own.

Lower repair costs

Often, customers that need to make repairs on older model cars can get better repair and service rates. This is because you can often find the materials you’re looking for at better rates from a used car. For example, if you need to repair the hood of your used car because you have scratched it, you can often find a used car hood that matches your car’s color. The cost of a used hood is generally cheaper than the cost of a new hood.

We are always looking for new ways to help our customers get the best possible financial arrangements that will make it easy for them to buy the right used cars in Ottawa for their needs. If you are looking for ways to save money by buying a used car, take time to look over the used cars in our inventory and get in touch with Import Motors at www.autoloanottawa.com  to find out more about our used car financing programs. We look forward to working with you!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Sun ,02/01/2011

Happy New Year to all of our customers from the Import Motors team.  We wish you and your family all the best in the coming year, and look forward to serving you in 2011.

Buying Used Is Smart

Thu ,07/10/2010

While driving off the dealer’s lot in a brand spanking new car has a definite appeal to it, there is just no getting around the fact that a used car  in Ottawa costs a lot less money. The difference in price for an average family sedan can be as much as $8000 between a brand new and a two year old version of the exact same car. Even with 0% financing on the new car, it simply cannot come close to the savings offered by a slightly used car in Kanata. No matter how deeply discounted the new car is a use one that is just one or two years old will always represent a significant cost savings.

Many people use safety as a reason to justify a new car purchase. The fact is, the difference in safety features between a new car and one that is just a couple years old is virtually nonexistent. Safety regulations generally do not change that much from year to year and since cars are manufactured to meet the standards set they do not change unless the standards do. There may be slight differences in the creature comforts provided by a new car vs. an older version, but if you save $8000 on the purchase of a used car, you can buy a lot of extra accessories.

If you boil it down to the bare statistics a used car is more likely to have more mechanical issues or repairs necessary than a new one. Of course, if you buy your car from a reputable dealership there is a chance you can get an extended warranty of some kind. It is important to understand that the cars being built today are much more durable and reliable than ever before. It is not uncommon for a car to keep performing consistently and reliably well beyond 200,000 miles.

If your intention is to buy a car and drive it until the wheels fall off, that is until it is absolutely unusable, then a used car makes even more sense. The difference in reliability and maintenance costs between a new and a two or three year old car is virtually nothing. You would be much better off taking the extra $8000 that you saved by buying a used car and investing it or putting it towards the purchase of the used car in Ottawa in the first place. When you compare the arguments for purchasing both a new and used car side by side, there really is no competition.

Why Buy a Used Car in Ottawa with Car Financing?

Sun ,19/09/2010

When it comes to buying a used car in Ottawa, the vast majority of our customers require at least some form of financing in order to be able to comfortably afford their cars. Car financing can not only make it easier for our customers to buy their cars initially, but it can also make buying a car with a loan more affordable for years to come.

If you are thinking about buying a car, but are not sure whether or not you want to use car financing opportunities to do so, here are a few reasons you might want to use car financing in Ottawa:

Saves you money

Car financing saves you money. These days, few people can afford to make a serious investment, such as a car, without being sure that they are getting the best rates possible on that car. Car financing doesn’t necessarily mean taking out a loan, either. Sometimes, car financing simply means that you are going to buy your car during a special offer period. A special offer period may help you to save a percentage off of the car, or it could help you to get cash back on the car.

If you are thinking about buying your car today or sometime in the near future, contact us to learn more about what special programs we are currently offering or may be offering soon. These special programs could save you a significant chunk of cash.

Lessens the financial burden

For many of our customers, buying a used car in Ottawa is a huge financial commitment. Sometimes, this commitment is the greatest financial commitment that our customers will ever make. For that reason, customers often feel overwhelmed by the sheer cost of buying and maintaining a car. When you use a loan program to finance the purchase of your car, you will be lessening your financial burden. Instead of paying one chunk of cash up front for the car, you’ll be able to pay for your car in smaller bites each month for a period of years. This way, you’ll have extra money each month to help you maintain your car – and your quality of life.

Get it today

When you choose to buy a car with car financing, you can often get that car on the same day that you start your car search. Some customers need to buy a car right away for practical reasons. Others need a car right away in order to maintain their lifestyles. Car financing makes it more possible for you to buy your car when you need it.

Contact Import Motors today at www.bestusedcarsottawa.ca    to learn more about the car financing in Ottawa that may be available to you – no matter what your financial situation is!

 

Tips For Buying A Used Car

Fri ,27/08/2010

For many people, buying a used car is a scary thing. There are so many car options, financing options, and variables out there that it can easily become overwhelming for the average person to feel confident in the buying decision that they are about to make. Regardless of your used car buying experience, at Import Motors we encourage you to start your used car purchase with a trip to our lot.

By stopping by the dealership first to discuss your options and opportunities, your dealer can not only provide you information about financing, but can also help you find the right car for your needs. Here are a few ways that your dealer might help to make the used car buying process easier than you’ve even imagined.

Reliability

While we’d all like to think that every car we buy will last for decades without needing repair or service, the reality is that used cars in Ottawa and new cars are tools that are built on engines and parts that will inevitably wear down. Even the best built cars will need to be serviced, have parts replaced, and upgraded from time to time. However, not all cars need service on the same schedule.

Your dealer will be able to show you which cars are most likely to require the most or least amount of service in the coming years. By being able to predict the service that your car will need, you’ll be able to predict the true cost of owning your car with a greater degree of accuracy.

Cost of Ownership

Owning a car is not only expensive if you need service, but it can also be costly to maintain. For example, it’s obvious for many people that SUVs are more expensive to operate than smaller coupes simply because of the gas they guzzle. There are other considerations that you may want to think about as well. A dealer can help you take a look at all aspects of a car to decide which options are the best for you.

Options

Buying a used car  in Ottawa doesn’t mean that you have only one type of car available to you. When you speak with a dealer, your dealer can show you a variety of options that will not only cost different amounts to buy, but that will cost different amounts to operate and will have different resale values.

No matter what kind of used car you’d like to buy or what your budget is, start your used car buying search by speaking with a dealer in order to save money and get the best option for you. 

At Import Motors we can help, contact us today at www.bestusedcarsottawa.com  for guaranteed car loan approvals regardless of past credit issues, and a huge inventory of used cars in Ottawa and trucks to suit both your lifestyle and your budget.

 

 

Why Buying a Used Car is Such a Smart Decision

Wed ,21/07/2010

Many people know that there are some tricks to help save money. You may use coupons when you shop. You may cut off the lights when you’re not at home. And you may buy a used car in Ottawa to help save money. Whether you’re saving money to help build your wealth or simply to minimize your monthly payments, buying a used car is one of the wisest financial decisions you can make.

Buying a used car may not only help you save money up front, but it may also help to cut dollars down the road. Here are a few ways that saving money can help you save big bucks each month or year.

Value Depreciation

The moment you drive a new car off the lot, the value of the car decreases significantly. New cars have a higher sticker price simply because they are new. Being new, the retain all of their original warranties, even if they have been dealer model cars and have several thousand miles on them as a result of the test drives they’ve undergone. In many cases, you’ll pay more money for a new car simply for the fact that it can be called a “new” car and you can be the first owner of the car.

However, when you drive a used car in Ottawa off of a dealer’s lot, the used car does not decrease as significantly in value.  The car has already been owned, so you won’t be paying for the right to declare that you are the original owner. However, you may still be eligible for warranties, especially dealer warranties.

Now, you should know that if you go to sell that used car in Ottawa down the road, the buyer may prefer to buy a used car that has only been owned by one previous owner. The fewer owners, the more the owner knows about the history of the car, such as damage, drivability, and more. Therefore, you may have a slightly harder time selling a used car for a higher rate if you are the second user.

Warranty

Most used cars come with a warranty from the dealer. Many used cars are also certified from the manufacturer. In order for a used car to be a certified used car, the manufacturer (or dealership representing the manufacturer) will put the car through a multi-point inspection in order to ensure that the car is in tip-top shape and suitable for driving for years to come. Therefore, look for a certified used car and/or a used car that still has a warranty.

For more information about how you can save money by buying a used car in Ottawa, contact Import Motors today at www.bestusedcars.com  We’re happy to show you how buying a used car is a wise financial move.