I'm looking in Ontario, and there does not seem to be much of a
selection right now in Auto trader. There are a couple around Ottawa
and about twice as many near Toronto. The Ottawa ones were I believe
Global and Import Car Centre. For the quebec issue is it due to salt,
or are they just on average harder on vehicles?
The problem is that quebec cars have to deal with much rougher roads
traditionally, and the drivetrain can be shot.
I bought a car a long time ago that had had the wheels, struts,
CV joints, and transmission replaced by me and the previous owner/dealer.
The previous owner had the car a week before returning it to the
used car dealer and getting a refund. I only know
that because I sold it after a year and the same guy called about my
ad. He was amused to discover it was the same car.
Ironically the guy I sold the car to had no problems. I guess
I must have caught them all.
Since Quebec cars have a lower blue/red book value already, the bottom cars
are auctioned off and sold here in Ontario to the unsuspecting who think
they're getting a great deal.
Have a very thorough inspection done and do a really comprehensive test
drive. Avoid any car with too many problems, even if they seem minor.
That's probably a good practice for buying any used car, but these auction
cars likely have more problems than you'll find initially.
If you're looking at the dealer on Merivale road, be very careful
and do not let them do any repairs before you get the car.
They are a big buyer at the auctions.
I've had two of them, since both times I had factored in the cost
of some major repairs, and over the life of the car it wasn't
really an issue. Sometimes it can be a less expensive way to a car
you wouldn't otherwise buy. If you do your own work, it can be
even cheaper, but time intensive.
