Monique....
With the onset of HST, there is no diff really in buying from a dealership or buying private.... 'cept with private you can tell the ins. agt. any cost you like & pay the 12% tax on that figure rather than the real figure.
Now, having just gone thru' the process of purchasing another vehicle myself (newer used)... it's a process. I located about four of what I wanted (2 private, 2 at dealerships).... and then decided which one I wanted and then the negotiating began..... For private deals, you're better to go after something that's sufficiently old enough to be non-financable (that being 04 or older).... as those people are only going to sell to someone who has ALL the cash available. Don't be afraid to 'lowball' folks.... on my own, I paid 75% of what he was asking.
At a dealership, only shop there on the last days of the month.... dealerships count business per month, and so on the last days, they're all struggling to make the best numbers (of units sold)... so you'll always get a better deal on those days.
Finally, I wouldn't buy an Ont. vehicle unless I was stealing it. They black book lower than a BC vehicle. Also, if you've been given a clean 'dec. check' from ICBC, it wouldn't locate any accidents that happened in any other province. Ask for a carfax.... it's nationwide. Also please do a lien check! Good luck.... and happy motoring. If you need more help, just ask.
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