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Does anyone use Autotrader to buy a used car?

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Old 04-24-2005, 12:02 AM
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Does anyone use Autotrader to buy a used car?

It seems like 90% of the vehicles on there are dealer ads, and a lot of the private sales are curbsiders. Is that pretty much the only way to go, through a dealer?
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Old 04-24-2005, 12:35 AM
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Heres my take on it since ive been on the trader alot lately...
ITS MUCH SAFER to buy form a dealer.....y?
when a dealer picks up a car...all the necesary checking is done so u have a trained pro look at the car then put it for sale
if u buy private...u dunno if something will go within 20 days so its AS IS
with dealer u might also get warranty
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Old 04-24-2005, 09:50 AM
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no

buy privately

used car dealers are shady and not trustworthy
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Old 04-24-2005, 10:42 AM
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Originally Posted by l_bilyk
no

buy privately

used car dealers are shady and not trustworthy
I 80% agree with that.

The rest is buyer beware... you gotta know what your looking for and what your buying. Assume the car is a junker before you go, never have high hopes
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Old 04-24-2005, 01:39 PM
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Anyone know any good places to look for used cars?

I've been searching all forums, trader, buy and sell and repo.

Anyone got any others?

p.s I don't trust used car dealers as well, I got ed over once.
But some are ok...I saw a few ads with 3 yr warranties on the cars from 99-00
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Old 04-24-2005, 01:44 PM
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I've got a few place, some of them charge a little more but they have good products and I have never had any trouble (or anyone I know) with the cars they sell. Two that come to mind right away are Legacey Motors on Ingram Dr. and Prestige Toys on Finch, West of Dufferin. These are smaller dealerships, but when you go inside you will know why I recommend them, oh, and if you go to Prestige toys, speak to Dio (he did a great job with one of my purchases).

Either than that, stick to searching Auto-Trader and making those phone calls and visits, if you do your research, you can find a good car at a "safe" place.
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Old 04-24-2005, 07:45 PM
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I just sold my Yukon this week on the Auto Trader. It was in excellent shape and the guy got a good price. We both won.
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Old 04-24-2005, 07:57 PM
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Like someone stated previously, it's good to know the overall car your looking into. Also, having some basic mechanical knowledge would benefit you greatly.
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Old 04-25-2005, 07:28 AM
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Well i dont have alot of mechanical knowledge, so i usually ask to take the car to be inspected by a mechanic, even if it's just canadian tire. Most common response to that, 'uh, um , oh, the car isnt for sale anymore' meaning it was probably a piece of crap in the first place. Some people insist that it is already certified so why do i need to have it inspected again. I have to explain the difference between a basic safety cert, which a car can still pass even if the engine is ed and there's no 3rd gear, and a full mechanical inspection, which actually takes compression test readings etc. I guess almost all used cars have something wrong, because why would someone sell a perfectly good car.
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Old 04-25-2005, 08:57 AM
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Most common response to that, 'uh, um , oh, the car isnt for sale anymore'
That's the "QUE" to leave. Here in Japan, there is group called "GULLIVEN", this group will go with you to look at car for a modest price. They give you a straight-up answer wether the car is worth it or not. Canada should have something similar this with all the bull happening these days.

Personally, I run a small export company at the moment. One way I make my customers feel secure is to document the car(s). I have a contract with a local pro-shop (www.feast-power.com) that's ready and willing to have a look at any car buy and or I want. I would sincerely hope my customers feel a little more safe when deciding on a Japanese car.
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Old 04-25-2005, 02:58 PM
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I don't know about you guys, but my parents bought exelent car in DEALER auction, for veary cheap 3 years ago. And the price they paid is still unreachable 3 years later by auto trader.
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Old 04-25-2005, 04:10 PM
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Originally Posted by 2tone_93gt
yup, i know a couple people that got amazing deals and cars from auctions...

but yea, i use the autotrader when looking for a new vehicle, i get a general idea of what the vehicle im interested in is worth. I also inquire with my friends from the forums and in person if they know of any deals..
Specific forums are great to look at too, but becareful of over inflated prices because people think their cars are worth more..

A persons car is only worth what someone is willing to pay when theyre selling. And always be patient, theres always a better one around the corner (in most cases)
I couldn't agree more with Ya there 2Tone.
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Old 04-26-2005, 08:13 AM
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Originally Posted by adamo
That's the "QUE" to leave. Here in Japan, there is group called "GULLIVEN", this group will go with you to look at car for a modest price. They give you a straight-up answer wether the car is worth it or not. Canada should have something similar this with all the bull happening these days.
I thought id heard about something similar, but when i checked around, yellow pages, internet search all that, i couldnt find it. Maybe a car appraiser would do it.

For sure, the statement '...be patient, theres always a better one around the corner ...' is something i always keep in mind
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