Those considering the purchase of a used car, or applying for a used car loan in Ontario will often ask us what to look for to ensure they don’t end up with a lemon.  In response, we’ve put together a short-list of 5 common ‘used car warning signs’ for the new ‘used car buyer’:

1. Steering – if the used car’s steering system is pulling to one side, it could mean the used car’s alignment has problems.
2. Brakes – if the used car’s brakes squeal, it could mean that they’re worn down and will soon need replacing, or that they are improperly adjusted.
3. Smoke – if blue smoke emissions are coming from the used car’s tailpipe, it could mean expensive engine repairs.
4. Control – if you experience a lack of control when turning, it could mean the used car’s steering linkage has problems or worn-out shock absorbers.
5. Odometer Reading – drivers average 16,000 to 20,000 kilometers annually; thus, if the used car’s odometer shows low kilometers for its age, it could mean that it’s been tampered with. 
Note: Odometer tampering is a criminal offence and should be reported to the police.

For more information, review the MTO’s used car buyer’s checklist

Looking for a quality used car?  Need a used car loan? If so, visit United Auto Credit – providing Used Truck, Van, SUV, Used Car Loans and Bad Credit Car Financing in  Brantford, Chatham, Galt, Guelph, Hespeler, Kitchener, Waterloo, London, Orangeville, Tillsonburg, Owen Sound, Sarnia, Stratford, Windsor, Woodstock, and Ontario, Canada or complete our Used Car Loan Application Online Today.

Part of being a smart buyer is knowing what you’re getting into, especially when making a high value purchase.  For example, when buying a used car in Ontario, know whether you’re getting into a used car that has a lien or other outstanding claim against it.  This can be done by performing a Personal Property Security Act Search.

Why Perform a Personal Property Security Act search?

As stated by the Ministry of Small Business and Consumer Services, “If a lender has rights in the used car and a search is not done, the car could later be seized if the borrower fails to repay the loan. Consumers do not need to search when buying a used car from a registered motor vehicle dealer in Ontario unless the car is worth more than $15,000.”

Thus, performing a Personal Property Security Act Search (also known as a PPSA) will uncover whether a used car seller, or former owner, still has obligations attached to the used car in question. 

A PPSA search will determine if an outstanding loan remains.  If you discover that the loan has been repaid, insist that a ‘loan discharge’ be provided and ‘registered’ by the used car seller.  If the loan has not been repaid, buyer beware. There are a number of third party Personal Property Security Registration Providers in Ontario that will provide this information for you at a relatively low cost.

For more information, visit United Auto Credit – providing Used Car, Used Truck, Used Van, Used SUV and Used Vehicle Loans and Bad Credit Car Financing in Toronto, Mississauga, North York, Ajax, Pickering, Oshawa, Scarborough, Brampton, Oakville, Peterborough, Belleville, Courtice, and Ontario, Canada.  If you’re looking for a loan on a used car, please complete our Used Car Loan Application Today.

In this economy, good used cars are in high demand.  Some would even call it a used car buyer’s market. The following list is a guideline designed to aid those looking to purchase a used car in Ontario.

Used Car Buying Criteria

• Everything is clearer in the light of day, thus, make sure to inspect your desired used car in the daylight.
• Inspect the interior, brake and accelerator pedals.  Recent replacements may indicate wear & tear.
• Examine the outside of the car closely.  Waves on the car’s body could mean bodywork or accidents.
• If the car has had accidents, ask for an accident history report.
• Insist that the seller provide a ‘Used Vehicle Information Package.’
• Take the car for a test drive at different speeds and on different surfaces.
• Before buying a used car, have a mechanic do a full check-up and run diagnostics on it.

Lastly, don’t be duped into thinking luxury imports are immune from the ravages of wear and tear.  As noted by the Ministry of Transportation, “Even a well-made vehicle deteriorates if it is not properly maintained.”

For more information, visit United Auto Credit – providing used car financing  and bad credit car financing in Toronto, Mississauga, North York, Ajax, Whitby, Pickering, Oshawa, Scarborough, Brampton and Ontario, Canada or complete our Used Car Loan Application Online Today.