Bobby Wilkinson Ottawa Urges You to Pay Attention to These Factors When Buying Used Cars
Looking to buy a used car but don’t know how to go about it? Bobby Wilkinson, a leading car salesperson in Ottawa, is going to provide some advice.
If you’re tight on cash, you can often save a lot of money by buying a used car from either a dealer or the previous owner. That said, buying a used car comes with some risks, especially if you’re buying from a private seller. Bobby Wilkinson, one of the leading car salespeople in Ottawa, suggests looking at some specific factors.
“If you’re looking to buy a used car you should start by paying attention to reliability ratings,” Bobby Wilkinson argues. “Some brands and models are simply more reliable than others. Often, when you’re buying a used car you won’t have a warranty to cover you if something goes wrong.”
Consumer Reports and various other organizations provide reliability ratings. Further, some brands and models have a reputation for being reliable, and often that reputation was well-earned. If you’re buying a used car, especially from a private party, it’s wise to purchase a model known for reliability.
Another option is to look at a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. Many dealers and auto brands need to clear stocks of lightly used cars. The car may have previously been a leased vehicle, or it’s possible that someone fell behind on their payments and had to turn the car in, among other things.
Cars sold through CPO programs typically undergo a thorough inspection before being sold. Better yet, many certified used vehicles are covered by extensive warranties. So if something does go wrong, the warranty may cover repairs.
“CPO programs offer a great way to get a like-new car at a more affordable price,” Bobby Wilkinson says. “Certified programs are popular in Ottawa and for good reason, you can save a lot of money while still enjoying many of the benefits of a new car, like an extensive warranty.”
Bobby Wilkinson Offers Tips for Inspecting Used Cars in Ottawa
Even if you’re buying a model known for reliability or are purchasing your vehicle through a certified used program, it’s still smart to closely inspect the car. If you’re purchasing from a private party, an inspection is especially helpful.
“First, I recommend checking underneath the car and in the engine compartment for rust,” Bobby Wilkinson suggests. “We use a lot of salt on the roads in Ottawa and that can cause serious rust issues. Make sure you test drive the car and listen closely to the engine. If you hear knocks or something sounds off, it could be a serious problem.”
You should also pay close attention to the glass. Small chips now could turn into huge cracks later. Looking at the tires, if you see a lot of wear on the outside shoulders, it could be the result of an aggressive driver. You’ll want to check for leaking fluids, worn belts, and other components too.