Reading — Test 7

Reading passage

Hi Priya, Thanks for asking about the used car search before you head to the dealership this weekend. Since you're new to this, here's what I learned when I bought my Corolla last spring. First, always ask for the vehicle's history report before you even test drive it. In Ontario, most reputable dealers will run a CarProof or CARFAX Canada report for you, but if they hesitate, that's a red flag. The report shows past accidents, whether the car was ever written off, and how many owners it's had. Mine came back clean, which gave me confidence to move forward. Second, don't skip the pre-purchase inspection. I paid a local mechanic seventy-five dollars to check mine over before I signed anything. He caught a slow brake fluid leak that the seller hadn't mentioned, and I used that as leverage to knock two hundred dollars off the asking price. Most independent garages offer this service, and it's worth every penny compared to discovering a major repair bill a month later. Third, remember that the sticker price is rarely final. Dealers usually build in room to negotiate, especially on vehicles that have been sitting on the lot for a while. Ask how long the car has been listed; if it's been over sixty days, they're often more willing to come down on price just to move it. Lastly, don't forget the extra costs beyond the sale price: HST, licensing fees, and a safety certificate if you're buying privately. Budget for those upfront so there are no surprises at the registry office. I hope this helps you feel more prepared. Let me know how the test drive goes, and call me before you sign anything so we can look over the paperwork together. Take care, Doug

Question 1 of 9