Best place to buy a used car?

[Roy Keane]

Hey guys I'm looking to buy a used car, I can spend $2000-3000 on it. What's the best way to look for a car? Specifically I'd like to buy a mid nineties Chrysler Intrepid but any car would do. Thanks.

[Ford Prefect]

Try Courtesy Chrysler's used car lot. I've had a good luck with them in the past. Reasonable prices, limited warranties. I've even been able to get them to do some work on a vehicle as part of the deal. In general, I prefer to deal with a dealership's used auto department than an independent Farmer Jones type outfit. The dealerships have more at stake with their reputations, so you're less likely to get ripped off. If you have the automotive know-how to assess a vehicle's condition though, your best bet is through private sales. You'll always find the best deals privately, but you never know what you're getting ... the vehicle could even be stolen or totaled at some point in its history. Going through dealerships eliminates those worries.

[Table 5]

Go private through the Bargain Finder, and when you like something use a place like Lemon Busters to check it out before you finalize the deal. Dealers are there to make money, lots of people who sell privately just want to get rid of their car....which works in your favor.

[TibHockeyPlayer]

You could also try the auctions done by REGAL AUCTIONS. If your willing to assume some risk, and you know a thing or two about cars, you could get a real bargain. You have to go to a place in North East Calgary somewhere for their auctions, if my memory serves me correctly.

[Bill Bumface]

+1 for private sellers. Dealership prices will often be higher and you have a greater chance of buying a car that got a quick cheap patch job to get it up and running just long enough for you to buy it and have it die a few months later.

[Dion]

Avoid the dealerships. The mark up on used vehicles tend to be high. I've heard this where they make their money.

[Vulcan]

I've bought a few cars at auctions and have had good luck. Knock on wood, but you should have an idea of what you're doing or take along a mechanically educated friend. Go early or the day before so you can check out the cars you're interested in. The keys should be available so you can check out the motor and tranny a little, check the body for rust and damage and even crawl under to see if there are any leaks or other problems. Try and avoid any ex cabs, eastern cars or flood damaged vehicles although I bought an ex Calgary City Police car once and had good luck as they keep up their vehicles. I try to set a limit on each car I look at and bid on and it may be a good idea to just watch the first time so you get an idea of prices and don't get carried away.

[jharp]

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/
I have been looking for a while myself and I have found that this site (which is run by eBay I believe) to be suprisingly good.
Trader is always a good bet too.
On a side note, if you are looking to have a car inspected I went to a place called Custom Car Clinic in the SW and dealt with a guy name Rob something. He was fantastic, seemed very honest and helpful, squeezed me in on short notice. I will most likely have all my work done there from now one.

[redforever]

Originally Posted by Table 5

Go private through the Bargain Finder, and when you like something use a place like Lemon Busters to check it out before you finalize the deal. Dealers are there to make money, lots of people who sell privately just want to get rid of their car....which works in your favor.

And before you buy anything privately, make sure you take it to AMA or your own mechanic and get that 79 point test or whatever done. Any reputable seller who is confident in the vehicle they are selling will not object.

And make sure to check it is free of all liens and encumbrences etc.

[Roy Keane]

Thanks very much for all the responses.