What to Check Before Buying a Pre-owned Chevrolet or GMC in Laval
There are a few things to verify before buying a used Chevrolet or GMC in Laval, especially if you are dealing with a private seller. Your GMC dealer in Laval presents a complete check list to perform during the pre-purchase period, as well as the benefits of working with a certified dealer. A vehicle's history reveals what you need to know about past maintenance and repairs. You will generally also learn more about parts that were replaced or repaired. You can also confirm the vehicle received regular and thorough maintenance, including frequent oil changes.
There are a few things to verify before buying a used Chevrolet or GMC in Laval, especially if you are dealing with a private seller.
Your GMC dealer in Laval presents a complete check list to perform during the pre-purchase period, as well as the benefits of working with a certified dealer.
Key takeaways
- Checking the Carfax history lets you see a vehicle's accidents, maintenance and recalls.
- A complete mechanical inspection is essential before buying a used vehicle.
- A test drive helps detect potential engine, transmission or braking issues.
- Buying from a certified dealer simplifies these verifications and secures the purchase.
History
A vehicle's history reveals what you need to know about past maintenance and repairs.
You will generally also learn more about parts that were replaced or repaired. You can also confirm the vehicle received regular and thorough maintenance, including frequent oil changes.
Carfax reports and recalls
Carfax reports are an excellent way to quickly verify a vehicle's history before buying it. They include four main sections:
- A record of accidents and damage claims
- A complete maintenance history
- Liens and security interests on the vehicle
- Unresolved safety recalls
In essence, the Carfax history provides a convenient way to learn about the most important aspects of a used car before making a purchase.
You can get a Carfax report for any vehicle, and it costs about $60.
At 440 Chevrolet Laval, we have already had our vehicles evaluated by Carfax. In practical terms, this means you do not need to pay out of pocket to obtain the car's history.
Most of our Carfax reports are available directly on our 440 Chevrolet pre-owned online inventory, allowing you to browse our used vehicles from the comfort of your own home.
Mechanical inspection
Another important checkpoint before buying a used vehicle is making sure it has gone through a pre-purchase inspection.
If the history tells you about the vehicle's past, you must also ensure it is still in acceptable condition when you are about to take possession.
In general, certified pre-owned vehicles available from dealers offer the clear advantage of having undergone a strict multipoint inspection and of meeting the manufacturer's standards.
At 440 Chevrolet Laval, we make sure all our used vehicles, even those that did not receive GM certification, have been inspected to deliver solid performance and reliability you can count on.
Engine and transmission
During the pre-purchase inspection, every aspect of the vehicle matters, but the engine and the transmission are especially important.
Besides being the heart of the vehicle, their key components are hidden inside or underneath the vehicle. That position makes it easier to miss a potential problem.
So, even if a vehicle looks to be in perfect shape at first glance, it is important to confirm that the engine and the transmission were recently inspected and are operating as they should.
Test drive
It is essential to take a used vehicle for a test drive before making the purchase.
A car may start without necessarily being fit to drive for very long.
Be wary of any used vehicle you cannot try, regardless of the reason given.
What to watch for
During the test drive, pay attention to sounds and to how the car behaves.
For example, if starting or acceleration seems difficult, that can indicate an issue with the powertrain or the transmission, which could be costly.
Of course, that is not the only thing to keep on your checklist during the drive. Handling should feel normal, braking should be easy and responsive, and you should not notice obvious problems with the overall driving experience.
Listen to hear if the engine is particularly loud, or if anything seems to knock or rub somewhere on the car.
In short, if any of your senses tell you something is off with the vehicle, make sure the issue is resolved before you take possession.
Documents and compliance
Finally, before you buy, make sure the vehicle is well documented and that it is compliant and ready for a legal transfer. In general, the current registration certificate is the document required for this transfer.
Registration and SAAQ
To complete the registration transfer, you can now go directly through the SAAQClic platform. Otherwise, you must go to a service outlet with the private seller to complete a conventional transfer.
If you are dealing with a dealer, it is usually possible to complete registration on site, which saves you a trip to the SAAQ.
To make every step of this pre-purchase verification easier, trust your GMC dealer in Laval, 440 Chevrolet Laval, just minutes from the island of Montreal.
FAQ: buying a used vehicle
Why check the Carfax history before buying a used car?
The Carfax report lets you see accidents, maintenance, safety recalls and any liens associated with the vehicle. This helps you avoid unpleasant surprises after purchase.
Is it necessary to take a test drive before buying a used vehicle?
Yes. The test drive allows you to check the vehicle's behaviour on the road, listen for engine noises and make sure driving is smooth and safe.
What is a multipoint inspection?
A multipoint inspection is a complete mechanical exam that checks the vehicle's major systems, such as the engine, transmission, brakes and suspension.
Is it safer to buy a used vehicle from a dealer?
Yes. Dealers generally perform inspections, provide the vehicle's history and can handle administrative steps such as registration.
Sources:
How much does a CARFAX report cost | The Car Guide
How to properly test drive a used vehicle | The Car Guide
Order a CARFAX report | CARFAX
Transfer a vehicle registration from one individual to another | SAAQ
