Pro Tips for Buying a Used Car from a Dealership

Did You Know? When it comes to buying a used car, most people choose a franchised dealership over private listings. Why? Many consumers feel uneasy about the uncertainties that come with buying from a private seller. Purchasing from a reputable dealership like us at Lava Automotive brings peace of mind, knowing you’re backed by a trusted source dedicated to delivering quality and transparency.

Investigate: Tips for Buying a Used Car

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to dive deeper into your research. Here are some of our top **tips for buying a used car** so you can make the most informed decision:

Mileage and History:

What’s the vehicle’s mileage? **We** provide access to comprehensive service records, giving you insight into its past care.

Reconditioning:

Has the dealership reconditioned the vehicle? **We** believe in transparency, so **we’ll** share what repairs or replacements were made.

Maintenance Costs:

Consider future maintenance costs. **We’ll** help you evaluate remaining wear on items like tires and brakes, and check if any major services are approaching.

Accident History:

Has the vehicle been in an accident? **We** provide honest information about any past incidents, so there are no surprises.

Previous Usage:

Where did the vehicle come from? **Our team** can tell you about prior owners and help assess any potential rust or wear concerns.

Ex-Rental Cars:

These can offer great value. **Our ex-rental options** are well-maintained and often still under warranty, combining quality and affordability.

Dealership Reputation & Policies

After researching the vehicles, let’s explore our dealership’s reputation. Check out **Lava Automotive’s reviews on platforms like Google** to see how we treat our customers. You’ll find that **our commitment to customer satisfaction** speaks for itself! We also have great dealership policies to make your experience worry-free:

Money-Back Guarantee:

**We offer** a 72-hour money-back guarantee if you decide the vehicle isn’t right for you.

Exchange Policy:

**Our exchange policy** allows you to swap the vehicle within 14 days if it doesn’t quite meet your needs.

Warranties:

**We** provide warranties on major components, including a powertrain warranty to cover basics like tires and brakes.

Finance & Down Payment Options

When considering financing, it’s crucial to look at both your monthly payment and the total cost of the vehicle. **Our financing team** is here to help you find a plan that fits your budget. Adjusting the loan term, down payment, and interest rate can significantly impact your overall expense. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Customer	1st CUSTOMER	2nd CUSTOMER	3rd CUSTOMER
Purchase Price	$25,000	$25,000	$25,000
12% Tax (PST + GST)	$3,000	$3,000	$3,000
Total Purchase Price	$28,000	$28,000	$28,000
Down Payment	$0	$0	$5,000
APR	5%	10%	10%
Term in Months	60	72	72
Monthly Payment	$645	$519	$426
Interest Paid	$2,951	$9,348	$7,879
Total Cost	$29,722	$35,014	$33,345

Our finance experts can help you explore different scenarios before making a decision. This is one of our top tips for buying a used car—make sure you fully understand the impact of financing on your total cost.

What is a Good Interest Rate?

In Canada, financing terms for used vehicles generally follow these guidelines:

• 1 year old: maximum term of 96 months
• 2-3 years old: 84 months
• 4 years old: 72 months
• 5 years old: 60 months
• 6-7 years old: 48 months
• Older units: generally 36 months (if available)

Interest rates can vary, but **we offer competitive rates** on newer vehicles, often ranging from 2-4% for models up to five years old.

Consider a “One Price” Dealer

If negotiating feels intimidating, consider **our no-haggle buying process**. **Lava Automotive** offers set pricing based on competitive comparisons, creating a stress-free experience with upfront pricing.

Test Drive & Vehicle Walkaround

Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few vehicles, reach out to **us at Lava Automotive** to set up a test drive. **We’ll guide you** in assessing the vehicle’s condition and point out any visible imperfections. Following this step is one of our best **tips for buying a used car** to ensure it’s in top condition.

True Cost of Ownership

When purchasing a vehicle, don’t just think about the upfront cost. Consider the full cost of ownership, including: These factors vary depending on the vehicle, and **our team can help you estimate** the financial impact of your choice.

Final Purchase

Stay focused on your goals when deciding to buy. **Ask us for a market value analysis**—we’re happy to share a printout comparing our vehicle’s pricing with other dealers and private listings. This is one of the most important **tips for buying a used car**: knowing the market value ensures you’re making a smart investment.

One Last Piece of Advice

Keep an open mind when visiting the dealership. **At Lava Automotive**, our dedicated sales team is here to help you find the right vehicle for your lifestyle. **We want your choice to fit your long-term needs.**

The Lava Automotive Difference

At **Lava Automotive**, we pride ourselves on providing the best dealership experience. **Our goal is to help you find the right vehicle the right way—every time.**

72-Hour Money-Back Guarantee:

If you’re not completely satisfied with your purchase, **return it to us** for a full refund or exchange within 72 hours.

Used Car Exchange Privilege:

Not happy with your vehicle? **We’ll let you exchange it** for another that better suits your needs within the first 14 days or 500 kilometers.

“The Basics” Guarantee:

We guarantee no need to replace tires, brakes, bulbs, or wiper blades within the first 6 months or 5,000 kilometers.

Best Price Guarantee:

Enjoy stress-free buying with **our One Price Guarantee**, ensuring upfront, competitive pricing every time. Whether it’s transparency, quality, or support, **we’re committed to making your experience with us exceptional and ensuring you’re well-informed with the best tips for buying a used car.