Free buyer's checklist
Vehicle Buying Checklist
Everything I'd check before buying, from someone who's worked nearly every seat in the dealership. Pick what you're shopping for and the list builds itself. Tick things off as you go. Your progress saves on this phone or computer.
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New or used?
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Showing the used truck list. Pick above to switch.
Before you shop
- Set a total budget, not a monthly payment
Payments can be stretched to fit almost any number. The total is what you actually pay. - Get pre-approved at your bank or credit union
Now you know your rate going in, and you have something to compare against. - Get your trade valued in more than one place
Two or three numbers tell you what it's really worth. - Get an insurance quote on the exact model
Insurance can change a lot between models and trims. Know it before you fall in love. - Decide how old and how many km you're OK with
Set your limit before you're standing beside a shiny one.
Pick the right truck
- Cab size: regular, extended or crew
Will adults or car seats ride in the back? Crew cabs give real back-seat room. - Box length: short, standard or long
Measure what you haul: sleds, quads, plywood, the camping gear. - 4x4 or 4x2
Most Alberta buyers want 4x4. Some trucks also offer 4A, an automatic 4WD mode. - Know your trailer's weight
Then check the towing and payload numbers for that exact truck. Payload is on the door-jamb sticker. - Tow package and trailer brake controller
Hitch, wiring and a brake controller matter if you tow anything bigger than a utility trailer. - Pick the engine for how you drive
How often you tow and how far you drive should decide it, not the badge. - Box extras
Bed liner, tonneau cover, tailgate step. Cheaper to get them now than add them later. - Winter extras
Heated seats and steering wheel, remote start, block heater.
Check the truck
- Run the VIN for open recalls
Transport Canada's recall database is free. Ask if any open recalls get fixed before delivery. - Get a vehicle history report
Look for accidents, liens and where it's been registered. - Ask for the service records
Regular oil changes and maintenance are a good sign. - Ask for the MFA (Mechanical Fitness Assessment)
Alberta dealers have to give you one before a used sale. It's one day's snapshot, not a promise. - Check for rust
Frame, rocker panels, door bottoms and wheel wells. - Check the tires
Matching set, decent tread, even wear across each tire. - Look for leaks
Under the hood and on the ground underneath. - Test the electronics
Screen, cameras, windows, locks, heated seats, remote start. - Try every 4x4 setting it has
2H, 4H, 4L, plus 4A if it's equipped. Each one should engage without a fight. - Look at the hitch and trailer plug
Heavy wear here means it's done a lot of towing. - Check the box and tailgate
Dents, cracks, and what's under a drop-in liner. - Ask about modifications
Lifts, tuners and exhaust changes can affect warranty and how it drives. - Test drive it properly
Start it cold, get it to highway speed, brake hard, listen for clunks. - Have your own mechanic look at it
Passed inspection ≠ good vehicle.
Before you sign
- Get the full price in writing
In Alberta, the advertised price has to include every fee except taxes and financing. - Compare it to similar ones for sale
Same year, km and trim. That's your real market price. - Agree on the price before talking payment
Settle the price first, then work out how to pay for it. - Know your rate, term and total cost of borrowing
A longer term lowers the payment but costs more overall. - Ask what warranty is left, if any
Some factory coverage may still apply, depending on age and km. - Price each add-on on its own
Warranties and protection packages are your choice. Decide on each one separately. - Confirm your trade value and lien payout on paper
Make sure the numbers match what you agreed to. - Confirm what comes with it
Both keys, floor mats, and any second set of tires you were promised. - Read every page, and keep copies
Don't sign anything you haven't read.
Pick-up day
- Check that promised fixes are done
Recalls, repairs, detailing, anything you were told would be taken care of. - Get a walkthrough of the features
Pair your phone and learn the drive modes, remote start and camera settings before you leave.