How to Buy a Car in Toronto

Buying a car in Toronto can be intimidating, but it can also offer endless options for getting the right car at the right price.

Buying a car can be a daunting task regardless of the city where the purchase is made. Toronto's size can make it intimidating, but it can also offer endless options for getting the right car at the right price. Before hitting the dealerships, consider your budget and vehicle needs. Make a short list of the brands that offer what you are looking for. Decide up front if buying new or used will meet those needs.

Things You'll Need

• Financial calculator

Instructions

1. Know your budget when buying a car, and what the range is for monthly payments. Don't forget to add monthly costs for fuel, insurance and maintenance. The budget will direct your search for a particular style of vehicle and brand.

2. List your needs and reasons for buying a car to determine what type of vehicle to look at: SUV, minivan, truck, etc. Consider the mileage calculator posted on new vehicles to determine your potential gas costs, both for city and highway driving. If "green" is important to you and your budget can support it, consider the hybrid options.

3. Do your research. Use available resources like the Internet, the telephone or visits to dealer showrooms to find out more about the vehicles. Know the price of each vehicle and any rebates that are offered. Be aware of safety standards or recalls on the vehicles you are considering. Talk to the salespeople about each vehicle and its standard equipment, as well as available upgrades and warranties.

4. Test drive all of the cars before deciding. Before leaving the dealer lot, sit in the different seats and consider comfort, space and safety features. In the driver's seat, determine proper positioning and back support. Look at the console, mirrors and front window to make sure that you have an unobstructed view for all sides of the car. When test driving, try as many different road situations as possible.

5. Decide which car to buy. To finalize a deal on a new car, the salesperson will draft the offer, including price, down payment, upgrades, warranties and other negotiated extras. Once this is approved, secure financing, sign the necessary contracts and agree on a delivery date. At delivery, the dealer will provide ownership papers and license information.

Tips & Warnings

• To get a good deal on a new car, consider making your purchase once the new models have been released. December is traditionally a slow month, and dealers are pressured to offer better deals. The end of each month may also produce better deals as dealers are pressured to meet sales targets and move inventory.

References

• Car Buying Edge
• Driving.ca
• Canadian Driver

Resources

• Toronto New Car
• Toronto and area car dealer directory