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Buying a Used Car

Used Car Buying Guide: All You Need to Know About Buying a Used Vehicle

Everything you need to know about buying a used car:

Buying a used car can seem overwhelming; with so many things to consider, where do you even start? We'll show you how to find a used car that no...

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Tips For Buying a Used Car Safely

So, you’ve weighed the pros and cons of buying a used car from a dealer, and decided to go for a private used car sale. This could potentially save you a lot of money, but it also raises some safety...

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10 Questions to Ask and What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

The questions you need to ask in order to buy a used car with confidence.

Here's a list of questions you should ask the seller before you commit to buying.

  1. What’s the condition of the car and...
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What is History-Based Value and Why is it Important?

Thinking of selling or trading-in your vehicle, but not really sure what you can get for it? There are many online tools that can help give you a rough idea of what’s it worth, but how can a heavily...

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10 Ways to Avoid Used Car Surprises

Canadians buy 3 million used cars every year, and a third of these are private sales (meaning they’re not purchased from a car dealer). Buying a used car can be stressful and intimidating, but it do...

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How Old is Too Old for a Used Car?

When you’re considering buying a used car, it’s important to take the vehicle’s history and status into account. Buying used provides perks like lower prices, more variety in year, make and mode...

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What is a Car Lien? Vehicle Liens Explained

When you’re shopping for a used car, it’s important that you check the vehicle for an outstanding lien. Statistically, it’s pretty common for a car to have a lien, in fact, over 40 percent of ve...

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Used Car Trade-in Guide

Are you ready to swap out your old ride for a new one, but don’t know where to start? Trading in your car is a more than just handing over the keys, there’s plenty to know and do before you even g...

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What to Know When Buying a Used Hybrid or Electric Vehicle

Electric and hybrid cars have been available for over 20 years, which means the used market for them is continuing to grow. There are many different varieties of vehicles to choose from, so what are t...

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CARFAX Canada Used Car Value Guide

How much is my car worth?

Anyone who has ever bought or sold a used car has probably wondered – what’s my car really worth? This information helps sellers set a competitive asking price, and all...

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Used Car Warranty Guide

When you’re buying or selling a used car, the vehicle’s warranty (or lack thereof) is an important factor to consider. These guarantees provide the buyer with extra reassurance before they spend t...

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Does My Location Impact My Car Resale Value?

Have you ever asked yourself – what’s my car worth? Canadian resale values can differ between provinces – so where you live can directly impact your vehicle value. As a car owner, it’s importa...

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How to Buy a Used Car in Ontario

Buying a used car may seem like something that’s pretty standard across Canada, but each province and territory has its own unique steps that you need to take before you get the keys to your car. Th...

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How to Get a Car Appraisal in Canada for Buyers and Sellers

There are two main reasons people want a vehicle appraisal – either you’re selling a vehicle and want help setting the asking price, or you’re thinking of buying a vehicle and want third-party v...

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Check Your Car Maintenance History Online

What is service history?

When buying a used vehicle, it’s important to have as much information as possible on where and when the car was serviced throughout its lifetime. Knowing the service hist...

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Check the Accident and Collision History of a Used Car

What is accident or damage history?

Often, it’s hard to tell from an ad or image if a used vehicle has been in an accident or damaged in some other way. But hidden damage is one of the biggest con...

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Car Repairs: Is Fixing My Car Worthwhile, or Is It Time for a Replacement?

We get it – you’ve had that old, trusty ride for what seems like forever, and it’s gotten you through some tough times. But when the brakes or transmission go, and it’s time for some serious (...

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Winter Driving Means More Damage That Impacts Used Car Value

Mother Nature can make the roads tricky for even the most seasoned drivers.

When the temperature drops, it’s usually a sign that snow and ice aren’t far behind. When roads get more slippery, dri...

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What Is the Most Popular Used Car Colour and How Does It Affect Resale Value?

We all know that vehicles depreciate over time. As a car owner, you realize that factors like wear and tear, design and demand in your area can all impact the value of your car. You can start your val...

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How to Complete a Used Car Sale by Owner in Canada

Ready to sell a used car? You’ve weighed out the pros and cons of selling privately versus trading in to a dealer, and decided you want to try a used car sale by owner. So, now what? Many people dec...

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Should I Buy a Winter Beater?

The winter season can be very rough on a car. Most people dislike the thought of exposing their main vehicle to the elements. Not only do icy roads pose a danger, but the constant exposure to salt,...

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Reduce Car Depreciation And Increase The Future Value Of Your Car

Everyone knows that vehicles depreciate over time, and while some models lose value faster than others, there are things you can do to reduce the amount your car depreciates and maintain the future va...

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Determining Residual Value – Should I Buy Out My Lease?

The end of your car lease can come before you know it, so it’s best to determine whether to buy out the car or return it to the dealer in the months before the lease period ends. Although you may lo...

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Six Ways to Increase the Resell Value of Your Used Car

When you buy a used car, chances are you don’t plan to keep it forever. There are things you can do during the car shopping process and while you own the vehicle that can help improve the resale val...

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Car Leasing – Should I Lease or Buy My Next Car?

There are quite a few decisions to make when it comes to used car shopping. Should you be buying a used car? Maybe you want a new one? Should you lease or buy? How does leasing a car work?

While bu...

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How to Avoid Scams When Browsing Private Used Car Listings

Scams have always been around, and the automotive industry has seen more than its fair share.

There are several red flags you should look for when viewing a used car listing posted by a private sell...

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CARFAX Canada's Guide on How to Finalize a Private Used Car Sale

You’ve done your homework and researched what type of car you want. You’ve met with the private seller, gone for a test drive, asked all the right questions and taken the car for a pre-purchase i...

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Should I Trade in My Car or Sell It Privately?

At some point in your driving career you’ve probably asked yourself: Should I sell my used car privately, or trade it in to a dealership?

There are advantages and disadvantages to both options. When...

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Do Not Buy a Used Car Without Doing These Three Things

We get it – shopping for a used car can seem daunting. Should you buy privately or go through a dealer? If you buy privately, how do you know the seller is being honest with you? What if the car has...

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Different Types of Used Vehicles You’ll See for Sale

There is no shortage of options to choose from when you’re in the market for a used car. Maybe you’re looking for a little extra space so the next family trip won’t feel so cramped? Perhaps youâ...

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How to Avoid Buying a Flood Damaged Used Car

When you’re buying a used car, you want to make sure you know what’s happened to the vehicle during the time it spent with previous owners. One thing you might not think to check for is whether or...

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The Used Car You Want Has Been in an Accident – Should You Buy it?

When you’re buying a used car, you likely have a good idea of how much you’re planning on spending. You might even know what kind of vehicle you’re looking for. And, like many used car shoppers,...

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How to Check a Used Car For an Odometer Rollback

Even if a car looks and sounds great, it doesn’t mean there’s nothing to be concerned about. For example, a vehicle’s odometer reading is major factor in determining how much it’s worth. Most people...

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Should I Buy a New or Used Car?

Deciding whether to buy a new or used car can be tricky. Everyone has different priorities in terms of price ranges and preferred features, and there are advantages and disadvantages whichever way you...

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12 Tips to Negotiate a Used Car’s Price

You’ve found a vehicle that looks like it could be your next car and you’re ready to talk with the seller to see if you can lower the price. It may seem like an uphill battle, but if you use the t...

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How You Can Check For Auto Recalls

What is an auto recall?

When a vehicle model (or group of models) has a problem that impacts its safety, the manufacturer or federal government will issue a recall. This can be a specific year/make/...

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A Guide to Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles

When you’re looking to purchase a vehicle, there’s no doubt you have plenty of cars to choose from when it comes to the make and model. You also have options in terms of the car’s condition. You...

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Where to Find Your Car's VIN and How to Read or Decode Them for Free

Every single used car is completely unique. Though there are many of the exact same model, each vehicle’s history is different – just like the owners of the vehicle. This is one of the reasons why...

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Common Questions and Myths about Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more common as some of the largest automakers in the world (such as Ford, Volkswagen and Honda) are investing billions to expand their EV programs. While automaker...

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CARFAX Canada's Guide on How to Take a Car for a Test Drive

The test drive is a crucial part of buying a used car.

Do you know what to look for?

Vist here for the full guide.

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Is It Smart to Buy a Used Car in the Winter?

Many people wonder about the best time to buy a used car. While things like general economic trends and special promotions can change things, there are certain times when you can get better deals than...

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Best Websites to Buy Used Cars Online in Canada

The Internet is a great way to research products before you head out to buy. The World Wide Web gives you access to products and services you might not be able to find in your small town or surroundin...

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Why Getting a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) is Important When Buying a Used Car

Finding the used car that’s right for you takes time, and when you finally find ‘the one,’ it can be tempting to rush through the buying process to get into the driver’s seat as soon as possib...

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Which CARFAX Canada Report is Right for Me?

When buying or selling a used car, CARFAX Canada reports are important in building trust between the buyer and seller, allowing the seller to establish themselves as an honest person and enabling the...

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How Much Fuel Will Your Car Consume?

For many consumers, fuel consumption is a major consideration in the used car purchasing process. With the cost of rising gas prices, people want to know how much they can expect to pay for fuel each...

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How to Protect Yourself from Curbsiders

When it comes to buying a car, whether you purchase your vehicle from a dealership or a private seller, the vast majority of sellers are honest people who are looking to sell you a great car for a gre...

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How to Inspect a Car's Interior & Exterior

When you’re looking to buy a previously-owned car, the appearance of the vehicle can be a great indicator as to what’s happened to that car during its lifetime. It’s important that as a potentia...

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Top Safety Factors You Should Consider When Buying a Car

A recent Ipsos Reid survey conducted on behalf of ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) found that only 32 percent of car buyers in B.C. named safety as one of their top three consideration...

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How to do a Proper Test Drive

You’ve done your homework and narrowed down your next potential car purchase to a select few. Now it’s time to get behind the wheel to see how your shortlist stands up to your needs and wants. But...

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How to Get Free CARFAX Canada Vehicle History Reports

A CARFAX Canada Vehicle History Report is a crucial part of the vehicle shopping process. Our vehicle history reports provide you with details about a car’s history and give you confidence that youâ...

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How to Register a New or Used Vehicle in Ontario

Whether you are looking for convenience, commuting or a little freedom, buying a new or used car should be fun and exciting. But you can’t forget about some of the “must do’s” before you get y...

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Download our Seller's Release Form

You’re ready to buy a used car but the seller won’t give you a CARFAX Canada report. Now what?

If the seller won’t show you the CARFAX Canada report, what are they hiding? A CARFAX Canada report w...

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10 Tips for First Time Car Buyers

Buying your first car is an exciting experience. With so many options to choose from, finding a vehicle that meets your needs, budget and personal preferences requires research, time and careful consi...

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Questions to Ask Before You Buy Your Next Used Car

Purchasing a used vehicle can at first seem like an intimidating experience, but if you know the right questions to ask and have the right information at your disposal, you can navigate the process ea...

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Used Car Leasing Guide

Curious about used vehicle leasing? You’ve come to the right place. First things first, can you even lease a used car in Canada? Yes, you can! It’s a little less common than leasing a new one, but...

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Used Car Financing Guide

Thinking about financing a used car? If so, you likely have some questions – how does it work? Am I eligible? What’s the best way to finance a used car? Is it better than leasing? The good news is...

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Five Steps to Finalizing a Private Used Car Sale in Alberta

Buying a car from a private seller in Alberta? Here's what you need to know:

You've found the car you love and now it's time to finalize the deal with the seller. Each province in Canada has differe...

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CARFAX Canada's Guide on How to Buy a Used Car for Your Grad

You want to find a great, reliable used car for your new grad. We have a guide to help you do just that.

We created How to Buy a Used Car for Your Grad to help you find a dependable used car that wi...

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Buying a Car Out of Province – What You Need to Know

Having a hard time finding your dream car locally? You are not alone. The good news is that you’re free to shop around in any province you’d like to find your ideal set of wheels. Just keep in min...

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Car Insurance 101 – What You Need to Know

What is car insurance? What if I have a used car? Or I want to drive an Uber? Whether you’re new to insurance or want to know a little bit more beyond the basics, you’ve come to the right place. F...

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How to Get the Best Car Insurance

Not all car insurance is created equal. There are so many factors that can affect your rate – from your driving record to the city you drive in, to your credit score – so it’s a good idea to do...

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How to Buy a Used Car in British Columbia

When driving from sea-to-sky in beautiful British Columbia, you need a safe and reliable used vehicle to get you from point A to B. There are some unique steps you must take when buying a car out west...

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Take the Stress Out of Buying a Car

The mere thought of buying a car can be both exciting and panic-inducing. One of the best ways to reduce stress through the process is to gather as much information as possible so you have a clear id...

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Trade-in Tips for Your Car

Trading in your old car for a shiny new one? With any vehicle, you want to get as much value as you can when you’re trading it in. To help you get the maximum trade-in return for your car, we’ve c...

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