TrustedSaskatoon.com Talk to the Experts – Trusted Automotive Show
Part 3:
Q: Courtney Saliken: What are the 'key' questions to ask or find out about when purchasing a used vehicle such as how many kilometres? Was that mainly highway or city? Maintenance history? Etc. Are there key questions you should be asking so you know if that vehicle is truly the one you want.
A: Here is some good questions to ask: Has it been in any accidents? Has it always been registered in Saskatchewan? Any warranty remaining? Anything wrong with it mechanically or cosmetically that would have to be fixed? If buying privately please take it for inspection before you buy!
Q: M Liz Beisel: Is there an increase in hybrid car purchases? Have we seen a shift in customers' preferences?
A: We have sold 3 Volts, the selling price ($40K) has slowed buyers down. Unlike other provinces, Saskatchewan does not offer a “green” rebate. Some provinces offer $5000-$7000 in rebates to buyers. Did you know it costs General Motors over $80,000 to build a Volt! They are a wonderful car. We have several cars getting over 50 miles to the gallon using regular gas and are price in the low to mid $20,000s.

Q: Laura Ellis: When it comes to used vehicles on your lot, what is the dealer responsibility when it comes to any applicable manufacturer recalls that may be in place? Does the dealer ensure that the vehicles they are selling are recall free, or that the recall requirements are complete prior to selling them, or is it left to the consumer to investigate and repair themselves?
A:: Laura, all vehicles (both domestic and imports) have recalls checked and completed before a vehicle is offered for sale. Just another good reason to purchase a certified pre-owned vehicle
Q: Annalee Bruce McSharkbite: My question for you is with all these new vehicles the keyless entry seems to be the thing. With the fabs being so expensive to replace and the technology involved in them, if a criminal was to steal your car can they still hot wire it and get it going?
A: It is very hard for a thief to steel a new vehicle and it would require a lot of very specialized equipment and technical knowledge.
Q: Stephanie Bishop: How does a person know if they are getting ripped off when it comes to repairs on your vehicle and how does a dealership provide better service (oil changes, multi point inspections etc) than some of the other repair shops/dealerships out there?
A: You can avoid getting “ripped off” by sticking to a reputable Dealership like SMP. We have factory trained technicians that specialize in GM vehicles and we use factory authorized parts. If you take your vehicle to a small repair or lube shop you could be taking a gamble with trust and your warranty.
Q: Caleigh Kimber: I recently finished university and got a job on the other side of the city. I currently have a 13 year old car and I'm looking to upgrade. I've been looking around at all sorts of different vehicles and can't decide what to buy. Would SMP be able to help me find a budget-friendly vehicle that can still make it through our crazy Saskatchewan winter?
A: Congrats on completing your university degree! We have over 200 pre-owned vehicles here also with a new Chevrolet. I can offer you a great vehicle with 0% financing for up to 84 months and an extra discount for being a recent grad. When can we meet?
Q: Lisa Leavitt- McLeod Questions for Stan - how is the music career going? And second, what is the most popular vehicle being bought this year?
A: Our most popular vehicles are Cruze, Equinox and Silverado trucks ... we are also getting several orders for the new 2014 Corvette.
Q: Amanda Lepage: I'm in the "Mom-Chauffeur" stage of my life right now. What is the safest, most fuel-efficient vehicle you would recommend for me? Considering that I need room for two teenagers and a husband, hockey equipment, musical instruments, groceries, and all the other things I may be hauling around at any given time? Here's the challenge: I'm not a fan of minivans and I don't want to break the bank! Any suggestions?
A: Come check out our Chevrolet Trax, Equinox or Traverse. All available in FWD or AWD and have 5 to 8 seats. Come test them all, hopefully there will be one that will work for your growing and busy family.
Q: Vanessa Pauls-Doell: What are the questions that I should be asking a salesman when looking at buying a new used vehicle?
Ask to see the inspection, ask if there is one or two taxes payable, ask if it has a block heater, ask if there is a spare key and owner’s manual. Ask about remaining factory warranty, if it over ask if there is any warranty available.
Q: Dave Wilson: What are the pros/cons between buying a new vehicle vs leasing a new vehicle?
A: Some consider a lease a long test drive, normally the payment is lower as you are only paying for the use of the car and not financing the tax. It is best to buy the Kms you are driving so you are not hit with excess kms at end. With a lease you will have to buy a package policy which is not required when you finance a vehicle. A lease is good for people who like to change vehicles often and don’t have to worry about the value of their trade. At one time 70% of our business was GM leases. Today with long tern finance rates of 0% for 84 months you can get a low payment. I always suggest to our customers to go as short as they can afford and pay for what you drive. If someone drives 40,000km a year financing it for 7- 8 years may not be the best.