[Advice]Buying a used car.

[Rhettzky]

So my car died yesterday, transmission is shot and not worth spending another cent on it to repair/replace/etc. I was wondering what kind ways people have had luck buying used cars using the following methods:

-Classifieds (Autotrader, Kijiji, UsedCalgary, or list a good one if I missed it)
-Car Dealership (Any good experiences?)
-Regal Auction (Only sold a car this way before)
-Police Auction (Never tried)
-Any other idea's?

Not looking for anything fancy, just need something to get me through the rest of the winter until we are done selling our house. Then I may buy something new.

Thanks for any help!

[STeeLy]

Try autocatch.com. It's similar to autotrader but better (IMO of course)

Ultimately, there will always be people out there trying to screw the buyer no matter where you go. Just make sure you test the car in every condition (city speeds, highway speeds, sudden braking, etc...) and listen for abnormal noises and you should be ok.

[Sample00]

[CaptainCrunch]

There are a few guys on this board that would be really good to talk to. I bought my Jeep from Pylon's dealership, and they went above and beyond and I got a really good car in really good shape.

I know that Sample00 has a solid reputation as well. Between the two of them they should be able to find you what your looking for.

I don't like the idea of buying off of a Craiglist or Kijiji. I know that good deals can be had at auctions, but I don't know about their warranty.

And that really nice car that you bought at the police auction might include its engine in a box.

[bc-chris]

back when i had my short stint in Calgary ('97) i bought a truck that i found in the trucktrader book that came out

everything worked out great and i still have my truck.

the cool part was that we had settled on a price pending a 'bc' inspection since i knew i would be moving back to kelowna a few months after i bought the truck. the owner took the truck to a local repair shop who knew what the rules were for bc and found there were about $500 worth of 'repairs' to get it to pass in bc. the seller dropped their price $500 and the deal was done.

one thing with classifieds is that a lot depends on the seller - mine were awesome.

[CaptainCrunch]

Originally Posted by STeeLy

Try autocatch.com. It's similar to autotrader but better (IMO of course)

Ultimately, there will always be people out there trying to screw the buyer no matter where you go. Just make sure you test the car in every condition (city speeds, highway speeds, sudden braking, etc...) and listen for abnormal noises and you should be ok.

And run the blue light over the seats for signs of blood, urine and Semin.

[gartman]

i've bought from kijiji and autotrader and got some great deals on good cars. my only advice would be similar to one poster that said drive it everywhere not just up n down the block, look for rattles or clanks, do your diligence, if it looks too good to be true, probably is. Be a stickler you dont owe the seller anything, worst case you wasted your time. Be wary of people that dont know the history, i would walk away. if you find something you are interested in get an inspection done and/or carfax. I've walked away from some deals after finding out things afterwards, yeh sure you might be out of some dough but better this than driving some lemon and once you find a good deal it will more than offset this cost

Also try beyond.ca

[DownhillGoat]

I've had good luck on both Craigslist and Kijiji.

[ricosuave]

http://calgary.repo.com/

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

There are a few guys on this board that would be really good to talk to. I bought my Jeep from Pylon's dealership, and they went above and beyond and I got a really good car in really good shape.

I'm confused, did you get a really good car or did you get a Jeep?

haha j/k I drive a Chrysler, too.

Anyway OP, Kijiji is probably the best if you're looking for an inexpensive car. Get a mechanical inspection, test drive, good to go.