While not everyone is in the market for a luxury car, if you’re looking to upgrade to a new or second-hand vehicle, BBB says it’s important to do the groundwork first.
With close to 180 complaints and more than 40,000 inquiries about auto renting and leasing companies and new-and-used car dealerships in 2018, BBB is cautioning car-buyers about the sometimes not-so-smooth road to owning a vehicle.
Avoid roadblocks and detours with these BBB tips:
- Start your search with trust: Check BBB Business Reviews for trustworthy car dealerships and sellers. Also check the Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council to make sure you’re dealing with licensed automotive businesses.
- Check reports: Pull a vehicle history report at ab.ca. This will tell you if a vehicle has been in a collision, stolen or has any liens against it. Liens are any outstanding money owed for purchase or repairs. Check Transport Canada for vehicle safety standards and to see if certain vehicles have been recalled.
- Know the different kinds of warranties: A full warranty will repair or replace any part of the car itself during the specified warranty period. A limited warranty, just as the name implies, does not cover all parts but usually covers the most expensive components.
- Figure out the financing. If you have to finance your vehicle, there are a few ways you can do it. You can get a direct loan from your bank or a dealer’s loan from the car dealership. Be sure to compare interest rates before deciding on your financing option. Remember, the better your credit is, the better your chances of loan approval.
- Get everything in writing. The title, registration certificate, license plates transfer papers. Make sure to have written documentation of all aspects of the sale for your records.
For more tips you can trust, visit bbb.org.
