Buying a Car

[Prototype]

I've never done this on my own before, and with all the interest in the FS and WTB threads in the CP Shopzone, I thought I'd check what you guys though were good procedures to go about buying a new/used car.

(Keep in mind that the Yak smell is gone, thanks Mr. Detail!)

I have a '95 Merc Sable, and I've been playing with the idea of getting a new Car/Truck sometime soon. I was perfect for me when I was driving back and forth from Calgary to Red Deer when I moved away, but now that 'm back, and am starting to own housing and got a full time job in the industry I wanted, and in the city I wanted, I just feel like I need to change the wheels.

I'm most likely looking at buying a used car. Not a specific used car just yet, but a used car, none the less. I know of places to find listings and such. I'm more looking to find out if I should sell the car first, or try and find a way to buy the newer car first. I'm not in the best financial position, so I would have to look for something in the range of what I would sell the Merc for.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, and let me know what I should be looking out for, as I'm a tad illiterate when it comes to vehicles.

[TimSJ]

If you can sell your present vehcile first.. Take it in as a paper trade and save the tax... you will get more out of it than any dealer will give you..

FYI the average auction price(wholesale) on 95 sable's is about $900...

[Ironhorse]

If its a private sale, then there's no GST. Buying from dealer, you pay tax.

Whatever you do, spend the money and get a mechanic to do a proper inspection on anything you might buy. It's also worthwhile to get a CarFax report on potential "new to you" vehicles.

[Prototype]

Originally Posted by TimSJ

FYI the average auction price(wholesale) on 95 sable's is about $900...

Yuck... I don't like the looks of that.

[Incinerator]

Originally Posted by Prottotype

Yuck... I don't like the looks of that.

Looks like $500 isn't that far off afterall