How to buy a used car: checked condition and an honest price
The price in the advert is not yet the price of the car
On the second-hand market, two identical cars can differ by a large sum of money because one has confirmed mileage and a service history, while the other has been repainted and has hidden repairs. Owners often inflate the price for haggling, and dealers pose as private sellers. That is why searching adverts eats up a lot of time.
On BlaBlaPrice you first describe the car you want, and sellers reply themselves: what car it is, photos, price, the state of the papers. They see whether their offer is at the top, so they have a reason to show honest terms. Your phone is hidden until you choose a seller.
What to put in your request
- Model — with the generation, for example Hyundai Tucson.
- Year — a range, 2018–2021.
- Kilometres — up to what limit you accept.
- Engine — fuel type and capacity, say petrol 1.5.
- Gearbox — manual or automatic.
- Body type — sedan, estate, hatchback, SUV.
- Technical condition — no accident history, original paint, running.
- Papers — registration papers in order, no loan outstanding.
- Budget and city.
Example: “I am looking for a Hyundai Tucson 2018–2021, petrol 1.5, automatic, up to 60,000 km. No accident history, original paint, registration papers in order and no loan outstanding. Ottawa, budget up to $17,000.”
How to tell a good car from a problem one
First look at the history: the service book, bills, several owners or just one. The mileage should match the wear of the interior: a worn steering wheel and pedals at “30,000 km” is a reason to be careful. Ask for photos of the panel gaps, differences in paint shade on the wings and sills, and a video of a cold start.
Before paying, do a check: engine and gearbox diagnostics at a garage, a paint thickness measurement, a computer scan, and a check of the chassis number and any restrictions on the car in the official records. This is not distrust but normal practice. So agree on it with the seller beforehand.
How to compare offers
Compare by substance, not only by price. A cheaper car with no service history may need money spent on it. Ask whether there is a spare key, a second set of tyres, whether there was an accident and what was replaced. Look at the feedback on the seller. If you and the seller are in different cities, find out who pays for the journey and the diagnostics.
Other options to compare: new cars, cars from the USA, Korea and Europe or cars for exchange, if you want to give yours in part payment.
What affects the price
Besides kilometres and year, the price depends on the trim, the number of owners, the origin (bought new from a dealer in Canada or imported), and the condition of the tyres and suspension. The season can matter too: demand for SUVs rises before the festive season. If you are not in a hurry, you can write in your request that you are ready to wait for the right offer.
Common mistakes
Buying “over the phone” without an inspection. Paying an advance to someone unknown. Not checking the papers and the chassis number. And finally, not allowing for costs after the purchase: servicing, tyres, the timing belt. Keep a reserve in your budget. For how it works, see the “How it works” page.
