Jane Barlow

Hi there, we've just landed in Calgary and are looking to buy a couple of second hand cars. Can anyone tell us what is the general protocol for buying cars from a garage. Is there much negotiation or haggling? Does paying cash make a difference?

Thanks!

cheeky_monkey

You can buy my car if you like

Jane Barlow

Ha ha what is it?

cheeky_monkey

2010 Ford Edge AWD..im trying to negotiate a deal on a new Audi A4

Piff Poff

We've got a ford escape for sale if your interested, did post a link to the kijiji add until I realised , my phone number was on it lol.

As a reply to your question, yes you haggle at a dealer, don't know how much of a difference cashawill make at franchise, but if your going private dealer then it will probably help a little, its worth mentioning anyway lol.

Aviator

Purchasing used cars is buyer beware in Canada. Little or no warranty unless there is any manufacturers warranty left, they try and sell you a warranty.

Like anything you can make an offer, depends on how bad you want to buy and they want to sell. If you are prepared to walk away, you may get a deal. Watch out for the 'documentation charge' Often it is printed on the sale agreement and looks like you have to pay it. I have never paid one in 20 years. I give the dealer a price i am willing to pay, excl tax. How they juggle the figures is up to them, so long as it does not exceed my price. One did try it on, I added $400 purchasing fee, their doc fee came off pretty quick.

They will try and sell you all sorts of insurance, undercoating, cleaning and other things they make huge mark ups on. So long as you stick to your price you should be OK. Watch out for imports (Katrina write offs especially), out of province and accident damage. Get a Car Proof report. Buy from a franchised dealer, there is some degree of protection there.

Read the Lemon Aid Guide, available at your local Library or from book stores.

Jane Barlow

Thanks guys, really helpful!

cheeky_monkey

talking of which Audi have quoted me nearly $5k!! in dealer options and charges on top of the car with my own options added.

Steve_

If you can afford to do it, buy the car in Bozeman and then sell yours after you've imported it. Glenmore Audi are a joke. But if you buy it in Montana you've got to pay cash - and Glenmore Audi know that. Or you can go to Edmonton just to give them the finger but it's no cheaper.

www.bozemanaudi.com

Steve_

Used cars are pretty pricey in Calgary, because of the demand.

http://www.autotrader.ca

scribe123

www.repocenter.com

Based in calgary. I know people who've used them without problem.

Atlantic Xpat

Does Alberta levy tax on used vehicles like most/all other provinces? And at what rate?

That's an important thing for the newbie secondhand vehicle purchaser from the UK to understand!

Former Lancastrian

With Alberta having no provincial tax I expect they only add the GST at 5% to any purchase. Buy privately and the seller doesnt even charge the GST.

Almost Canadian

From a dealer; yes private sale; no.

Just GST

Former Lancastrian

Im now expecting the question so why doesnt everybody buy a car in Alberta
Probably because the province you live in wants to charge you their provincial tax if you did that and usually the vehicle has to be registered in your name at an address in Alberta for at least 30 days if there is an exemption.