Buying a Used Car on Marketplace: What to Check, What to Ask

Buying a used car on Marketplace or Kijiji has become a reflex in Montreal. There are good deals, but also cars "dressed up" for sale. At the garage, we often get people who come to inspect a purchase… after paying for it. The idea is to check before.

Here's a simple step-by-step, no expertise needed.

Before You Go: Questions to Ask

Message the seller and ask these. The answers (and how they answer) tell you a lot:

• Why are you selling the car?
• Are you the first owner? How long have you had it?
• Do you have the service records and receipts?
• Any accidents? Is a Carfax report available?
• Does it need any repairs soon (brakes, tires, belt)?
• Can I have it inspected by my garage before buying?

An honest seller has no problem with an inspection. A refusal is a red flag.

What to Check On Site

See the car in daylight and in dry weather (rain hides body defects). Look at:

• Body: color differences between panels, uneven gaps, filler marks = post-accident repair.
• Rust: door bottoms, fenders, underbody. In Montreal, salt doesn't forgive.
• Tires: even wear on both sides? Uneven wear = alignment or suspension issue.
• Cold engine: ask them not to start it before you arrive. A warm engine can hide hard starting.
• Under the hood: oil and fluid levels, leak traces, belts.
• Interior: wear consistent with mileage, musty smell (water leak), all buttons working.
• Dashboard: at ignition, warning lights should come on then go off. A hidden check-engine light is suspicious.

The Test Drive

• Listen for noises: knocks, whistles, grinding when braking.
• Does it drive straight, without pulling to one side?
• Does the transmission shift smoothly?
• Test the brakes: no vibration, no soft pedal.
• Drive both highway AND city to feel it at all speeds.

Paperwork to Verify

• The VIN on the car matches the documents.
• The name on the registration = the seller's.
• No "severely damaged vehicle" flag at the SAAQ.
• No lien/debt on the vehicle (a financing balance would follow you).

The Smart Move: A Pre-Purchase Inspection

The best protection is to have the car inspected before buying. For about $100, we put it on the lift and give it to you straight: what's fine, what's coming, and what should lower the price. It can save you a bill of several thousand dollars.

Frequently Asked Questions

The seller refuses an inspection. Bad sign?

Yes. A seller with nothing to hide almost always agrees. A refusal usually means there's something.

How much is a pre-purchase inspection?

Around $100 at our shop. That's little compared to the risk of buying a lemon.

Is a Carfax enough?

It's a good start (accidents, history), but it doesn't show the real mechanical condition. Nothing replaces a real inspection on the lift.

What mileage is "too much"?

Less important than maintenance. A well-maintained car at 200,000 km is often better than a neglected one at 100,000 km.

Can I negotiate after the inspection?

Absolutely. Our report gives you concrete arguments to adjust the price.

Garage Path57 · 7971 15e Avenue, Montréal (QC) H1Z 3N5 · (514) 433-7479