BUYER'S GUIDE

How to buy your vehicle online like a pro

Are you looking to buy a used car and want to make sure you're getting a good deal? You're in the right place! You're probably in one of these two scenarios: you've spotted an interesting offer on the market and you'd like to know if it's really a good deal, or you're just starting your search.

1. Determine the purchase price

If you're in the first scenario, you may already know the list of features of the car, and you're ready to consult the CarSnatch price oracle. This AI algorithm analyzes the used car market daily and models the real market value of all makes and models. Go to the price oracle page, enter the vehicle's details, and click 'submit'

You have two graphs in front of you: the first one represents the distribution of estimated prices for your vehicle. CarSnatch's advanced analytics engine models sellers' estimates and displays a probability curve. On this curve, the value with the highest probability is the actual market value for this vehicle. If the price claimed for the car is below the average, you are getting a good deal compared to the market!

If you haven't started your search yet, you can save yourself some hours of your time by launching a private search on CarSnatch. Go to the personalized search page, enter your criteria, and start your search. You will receive relevant cars in your email daily, sorted by attractiveness!

2. Additional Information

Often, sellers may overlook important details in their listings, and the deals found may not be entirely accurate. You need to make sure you have all the information at hand! Start by verifying the mileage of the vehicle. It's common for sellers to miss a digit or enter it in thousands instead of units!

Also, CarSnatch's price evaluation assumes that no damage, not mentioned in the listing, affects the market value of the vehicle. Contact the seller to inquire about any body damage, rolling parts, dashboard warning signals, etc. The vehicle report is often an important source of information. Demand it from the seller and you will be informed about any existing loans on the vehicle and previous damages.

Finally, make sure the vehicle comes with enough accessories, such as a set of winter tires, waterproof floor mats, a spare key, etc.

3. Make your offer

You've found a deal that ticks all the boxes? It's time to make your offer! Here's the strategy we recommend for a successful negotiation. First, you should initiate the negotiation with a favorable anchor for yourself, meaning you set the best market deals as a point of comparison. On CarSnatch's price oracle, you can take note of the value of the cheapest comparables, whether it's the same model or another. Ask the seller if the price is negotiable, letting them know there are comparables at your reference point.

Also, it is advisable to discuss the price only in person. The seller will be more motivated to accept a lower offer from someone already on the spot than from someone communicating remotely. So, wait until you are on-site before discussing the price.

4. Transaction

For the transaction, it is recommended to use the transaction portal SAAQClic recently set up by the SAAQ, it allows a registered seller to transfer ownership of a vehicle to a registered buyer, so get registered! Otherwise, print this proxy form from the SAAQ and have it ready for the seller's signature. Make sure that the validity date of the form exceeds the appointment date at the SAAQ to register the transaction.!