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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2013-04-18, Page 17THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013. PAGE 17. 44786 Rowland Rd., Ethel • cochranesrepairs@hotmail.com Donald and Adam Cochrane are pleased to announce their new partnership as of March 1, 2013. Adam’s GM training and experience on all makes complements Don’s many years of experience in automotive and farm equipment repairs. ANNOUNCEMENT Now Offering: - Diagnostics - Free check engine light scans - Certified Motor Vehicle Inspection Station - safety checks for automotive, large truck and trailers - Dripless undercoating - Distributor for Tire Discounter (rims and tires) - Wholesaler for A & I products - Distributor for Keystone Canada parts and accessories - Repairs to all makes and models Need A Spring Tune Up? We repair cars, light trucks, lawn, garden equipment, motorcycles, ATVs, watercraft & marine, trailers, classic cars. • Electrical Diagnostics • Safety Inspections 40486 B-Line Road WINGHAM 519-357-1997 Fax: 519-357-9978 ANNOUNCEMENT JL McCutcheon Motors Ltd. is under new management and is now For all your automotive repair needs • Diagnostic scan • Air conditioning • Brakes • Exhaust • Oil Change • Tires • Repairs to all makes and models • 10% Seniors’ discount on Wednesdays 625 Turnberry Street, Brussels • 519-887-6856 Open Monday to Friday 8 am to 5 pm Spring....On The Road Buyers can find facts before it’s too late with history report MS –A vehicle history report can be a used car buyer’s best friend. Whereas in the past buyers bought used cars and hoped for the best, today’s used car buyers can rely on a vehicle history report to tell them all about the vehicle while helping buyers make more informed decisions. When shopping for a preowned vehicle, you should always ask for a vehicle history report, regardless of whether you’re buying from a dealership or a private citizen. If the seller refuses, it’s time to look elsewhere. When a seller eagerly provides a vehicle history report, buyers should examine a few things on the report so they can be more comfortable should they ultimately purchase the vehicle. • Number of previous owners: All vehicle history reports list how many owners a vehicle has had in the past. In general, the more owners a vehicle has had, the more risk you’re assuming as the buyer. Vehicles that tend to change hands often are less likely to have been well maintained. In addition to how many owners a car has had, look at who those owners were. Vehicles that were once owned by a rental car company, for instance, were likely not treated very well, as few people care how much abuse their rental car endures. However, a car once owned by a rental agency likely has lots of highway miles on it, and such driving is less taxing on a vehicle than city driving where the vehicle's engine is stopping and starting more frequently. • Specifics: Just because a seller provides you with a vehicle history report does not necessarily mean that report matches up with the vehicle you might be buying. A dishonest seller might try to pass off the history report of another vehicle of the same make and model as his own. This is done to hide a suspect vehicle history or even when thieves are selling a stolen car to an unsuspecting buyer. Check the vehicle identification number, or VIN, on the vehicle to ensure the car you’re looking at matches the car on the history report. In addition, each vehicle history report describes the car, so if the description does not match you might be holding an inaccurate report. • Location:The vehicle history report will show where the car has lived over the years. Vehicles that have spent ample time in harsh weather, such as Alaska or another region with a prolonged winter, have likely had their share of weather- related wear and tear, more so than a car driven in warmer climates. While this does not mean past owners didn’t properly maintain the car, some buyers might be wary of purchasing a vehicle that has endured too many harsh winters. • Physical appearance:Does the physical appearance of the car match up with its history report? Sometimes a vehicle owner does not report when a car has been in an accident. Owners might do this to avoid higher insurance premiums or to mask the vehicle’s history because they intend to sell the car down the road. If a car exhibits any signs of body work that aren’t on its history report or if the car drives awkwardly but has supposedly not been in an accident, buyers should consider this a major red flag and strongly consider walking away from the vehicle and continuing their search elsewhere. A vehicle history report can calm the fears of a buyer shopping for a preowned vehicle. But even when a report is made available, buyers should still examine the report closely to ensure the vehicle is all it’s cracked up to be. R & S ALIGNMENT SERVICE ALIGNMENT - SUSPENSION SERVICE & TIRES 519-357-1230 Hwy. 86 West, R.R. 3 Wingham, Ont. N0G 2W0 Continued from page 16 more at ease because they don’t feel as pressured with a private seller as they might at a dealership. However, dealerships might offer a greater sense of security, as their preowned vehicles are now typically certified and backed by warranties. • Test drive the vehicle. It might seem simple, but consumers have the right to test drive a preowned vehicle just like they would a brand new car on the lot at a dealership. In fact, the test drive is perhaps more important with a preowned vehicle than a new vehicle. A new vehicle will likely feel good no matter what on a test drive, but test driving a preowned vehicle may reveal certain issues. When test driving, take the vehicle on a long enough ride to accelerate from a stop, get a feel for the vehicle’s visibility, braking, cornering and ability to climb hills and see how the vehicle drives on the highway. The ride should be long enough so you can get a true feel for how the vehicle drives and you should pay attention to any noises along the way, such as noises coming from the engine or any creaks, rattling and squeaks that tend to be commonplace with older vehicles. • Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Preowned vehicles may have a suggested price attached to them, but that price is entirely contingent on the condition of the vehicle and it’s certainly open to negotiation. This is true whether you are buying from a dealership or a private seller. If the seller refuses to negotiate, you can always walk away and continue your search. Buying a preowned vehicle is a lot less stressful than in decades past, and buyers who do their homework can find the right deal if they stay patient. Don’t fear haggling when buying used