USED CAR

BUYING GUIDE
 verything you need to know before
E
you buy your next used vehicle

www.carproof.com

Who is CarProof?
CarProof is a Canadian provider of vehicle history reports a critical tool
when youre buying or selling a used vehicle. A CarProof vehicle history
report establishes trust and transparency between a used car buyer and
a used car seller by removing the guesswork about a vehicles past
replacing it with impartial, accurate and real-time data.
When youre buying a used vehicle, CarProof gives you full insight into whats happened
to that vehicle over the course of its lifetime allowing you to make your decision with
complete peace of mind.

What does CarProof tell you?

CarProof searches across North America for a
complete picture of a vehicles past, including:
If the vehicle was in any reported accidents
W
 here the vehicle has been registered
and what the vehicle branding in those
jurisdictions is
W
 as it a U.S. vehicle? If so, was it properly
imported?
E
 nforceable cross-Canada lien search
O
 dometer records and more
Visit our Car Advice section on
www.carproof.com for more tips and
information to help you navigate the used car
buying process and beyond! From advice on
how to sell your vehicle to ways to prep your
car for a road trip, CarProof is a resource you
can count on throughout your vehicles lifetime.

You can also find us on social

media on our Facebook, Twitter,
YouTube and LinkedIn pages.

www.carproof.com

Table of contents
Whats the Right Used Car for You?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Where to Research a Used Car. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Where to Find a Used Car. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
How to Get a CarProof Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Is a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Right for You? .. . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
10 Questions to Ask Before You Buy Your Next Car.. . . . . . . 7-8
How to Inspect Your Cars Interior and Exterior. . . . . . . . . . . 9-10
10 Ways to Avoid Used Car Fraud. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-12
How Much Fuel Will Your Car Consume?.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
How to Do a Proper Test Drive.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
How to Negotiate Your Used Vehicle Purchase.. . . . . . . . . 15-16
Why a Pre-purchase Inspection is Important. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Finalizing a Private Used Car Sale.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

All information provided in this guide is for information purposes only. CarProof is not responsible for, and expressly disclaims all
liability for, damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on any information contained within the guide.

Whats the Right

Used Car for You?
When youre searching for a
new used car, deciding which
vehicle is right for you will
depend on your needs, your
budget and your personal
preferences. Heres a list of
questions to consider:

Do you need extra space in the trunk or

vehicle to haul additional items?

W
 hat type of driving will you be doing with the
vehicle short trips around town or long daily
commutes?

What major features are most important to

you? Youll want to rank the following factors
to see what matters most:
safety ratings

fuel economy

size of the vehicle

number of doors

maintenance and insurance costs

all-wheel drive

overall price

driving experience

interior space

vehicle power

resale value

D
 o you have a certain vehicle year or mileage
in mind?

What accessories or options would you like

the vehicle to have?

D
 o you have a preference when it comes to
make, model or colour?

How price sensitive are you? Do you have

a set budget that youll need to stick to
throughout the process?

W
 ill this be your primary vehicle or do you have
another car that will be used equally or more
often?

H
 ow many passengers do you need to
accommodate on average?

This will give you a better idea of your vehicle

wants and needs. From there, you can begin to
research the type of vehicle youre looking for
and begin the shopping process.

Where to Research
a Used Car
Now that you have an idea of what type of vehicle youre
looking for, its important that you spend time researching
the makes and models that youre interested in. Heres a
guide to help you kick off your used car research.
h Seek

out reviews
Friends and family are great resources for used
car advice. Before you settle on one particular
vehicle, ask your friends why they chose the
vehicles they did and pay attention to the factors
they considered.
There are also several online resources you
can use to source more information:

h Learn

more about pricing

The value of a vehicle depends on the condition
of the car and whats happened to it over its
lifespan. You need to consider factors like the
age of the car, the mileage, the wear and tear
both inside and out, how well it was cared for,
any flaws or mechanical issues it may have, the
cars accessories and added features and any
recent updates made to the car.

ConsumerReports.org

This is an independent and non-profit
organization that puts together complete
ratings and recommendations on vehicles in
Canada.

There are a few different online resources you

can check out to see what other people are
charging for a specific make and model:

Autos.ca

You can view new and used car reviews,
Canadian consumer reports and information
on pricing, car specs and more.

autoTRADER Value Finder

T
 ransport Canada
See if past or current recalls exist for
the particular make and model youre
interested in.

Canadian Black Book

Did You Know?

CarProof has partnered with sites
like autoTRADER, Kijiji and Gold
Series so dealers and sellers can
post CarProof reports in their vehicle
listings. You can view the CarProof
report for free whenever
a seller has posted a report.

Where to Find
a Used Car
Here are a few places you can check out to find a used
car that fits your needs:
O
 nline listing sites: There are plenty of
online vehicle listing sites where you can
browse both dealer and private listings to
see what cars are available in your area.
Sites like autoTRADER, Kijiji Autos, Canadian
Black Book and Gold Series all offer the option
to view an available CarProof report for the
listing or request one from the seller.
A
 public auction: You may have heard of the
auto auctions that car dealers attend and use
to source vehicles to fill their lots. Many auto
auctions also designate specific dates where
they open the auction process to the public.

Take a trip to your local car dealer

or check out their website to see
which cars they have on their lot.

The local newspaper: The community

newspaper might have a car classified section
in print and online.
Online or print buying guides: Depending
on your location, you may have access to
an online or print buying guide with vehicle
listings.

Did You Know?

CarProof has over 200 years of
combined industry knowledge.

How to Get a
CarProof Report
Ordering a CarProof vehicle history report is a simple and easy process that will provide you
with the important information you need to buy or sell a used car. A CarProof report will tell you
if the vehicle youre interested in has been in accident, if theres an outstanding lien, as well as
registration, branding and service details. All of this information can be obtained in three easy
steps, in less than five minutes:

1 G et the vehicles VIN. You can

find the vehicle identification

number (VIN) on the drivers
side of the vehicles dashboard,
on the inside of the drivers side
door or in vehicle documents
like the ownership, insurance
files or service records.

1B7HF16Y7SS44322

2 Visit www.carproof.com

and click on our order page.

Youll need to have the VIN
as well as a valid Visa or
MasterCard.

3 C heck your inbox. Within a

minute of submitting your order,

youll receive your vehicle
history report by email.

If you have any questions about your report,

please visit CarProofs FAQ section or Glossary.
You can also contact CarProofs Customer Experience Team by calling
1.866.835.8612 or emailing [email protected].
4

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When youre looking to purchase a vehicle, theres no doubt
you have plenty of cars to choose from when it comes to
the make and model. You also have options in terms of the
vehicles condition. You can choose from new or used and
if you decide to go with used, you have yet another decision
to make: is a Certified Pre-Owned car right for you?
What is a Certified Pre-Owned car?
Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle programs
are offered by vehicle manufacturers across
Canada and provide you with the ability to own
a quality used vehicle, with many of the benefits
of buying brand new. A CPO vehicle is one
that has undergone a detailed inspection and
safety process and fits vehicle age and mileage
requirements as set out by the manufacturer.
CPO vehicles are repaired by factory trained
technicians using factory parts that are backed
by the manufacturers. The program also
includes extended warranties and can come with
additional benefits like special financing and a
roadside assistance program.
In addition to these manufacturer-run CPO
programs, you can also find certified cars
(sometimes also called CPO) at independent
dealerships as well. These dealerships will have
their own set of requirements that they use
to classify cars as such and can also include
additional benefits.
Why choose a Certified
Pre-Owned car?
When a dealer offers you a CPO vehicle it
means theyve put extra time and resources
into the vehicle to ensure that it meets the CPO
program requirements. This means youll likely

pay more for a CPO vehicle when compared to

a non-CPO vehicle, but thats because youre
also getting more out of the program. A CPO
program can provide a consumer with greater
peace of mind, knowing that its undergone a
detailed inspection and safety process and is
covered through an extended warranty.
If youre considering a CPO vehicle, you
should look at the program details to see which
areas of the vehicle fall under the inspection
process. Youll want to learn more about the
extended warranty in order to determine what
this warranty will cover and when it expires. You
should also ask about the additional benefits
offered through the program. Youll want to
weigh this information against how you plan
to use the car and your budget in order to see
whether or not a CPO program will benefit you.

CarProof is an important part

of CPO programs
CarProofs vehicle history reports are a key
component of Certified Pre-Owned programs
across Canada. Acura, Audi, BMW, Ferrari,
Honda, Infiniti, Kia, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz,
Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, Toyota, Volvo and
Volkswagon all depend on CarProofs reports
to provide car shoppers with confidence and
assurance when they buy their next vehicle.
When youre given a free CarProof report
through a CPO program, youll have instant
access to the cars full history, including any
previous accident data, registration and branding
details, lien information, odometer readings,
police data and much more.

Did You Know?

The Canadian Black Book Validated
CPO program for certified preowned vehicles provides an instant
confirmation that the vehicle youre
considering is a verified CPO vehicle.
Its your assurance that a vehicle
has been thoroughly tested and
reconditioned to exact specifications
and is covered by a vehicle protection
package.
Look for the Canadian Black Book
validated label on CPO vehicles at
participating dealers and scan the QR
code to see more information about
the vehicle as well a summary of the
CarProof report.

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Print

these two pages and

take them with you to
ensure you remember
the 10 questions!

Purchasing a used vehicle can at first seem like an intimidating

experience, but if you know the right questions to ask and
have the right information, you can navigate the process easily
and with confidence. Heres a list of questions you should ask
the seller before you commit to buying.
1

Whats the condition of the car and the current mileage? Has anything
on the car ever been replaced or updated?
Find out about any known issues with the car, any flaws in the appearance
as well as new updates. These details will let you know how much money
you can expect to invest in the vehicle down the line.

Why are you selling the car?

The seller might be ready for an upgrade or perhaps the cars size doesnt
suit their lifestyle anymore. Its good to know the reason behind this change
because you might run into the same issues.

Who did you buy the vehicle from, when did you buy it and where from?
Discover details about how the car was driven, who the previous owners
were and whats happened over the lifespan of the car. Learn if the car was
purchased from a dealership or a private seller and if its spent time in a
different province or country.

Did the car have regular oil changes and maintenance?

If maintenance, service records or receipts are available, ask to see them.

Do you have a CarProof report?

Get the CarProof report to see
the full details on the vehicles
history. If they dont have one
available, ask for the vehicle
identification number (VIN) of
the vehicle so you can purchase
a report yourself.
7

Can I see the VIN, the vehicle ownership and your

identification?
Confirm that the seller is in fact the legal owner and
double check that the registration information matches
with the cars VIN. Check your CarProof report as well
to be sure the VIN and vehicle details in the report match
up with the vehicle you see in front of you.

Is there any of the original manufacturers warranty left on the vehicle?

If youre looking to purchase a newer used vehicle, then the car may still
have some warranty left on it.

How long of a test drive can I take?

Aim to spend up to 30 minutes on a test drive so you can evaluate how well
the car runs.

10

Can I take the car for an independent inspection?

Its important that you take the car to a mechanic for
a pre-purchase inspection so you can get an experts
opinion on whats happening with the car under the
hood.
Can we fix this problem before purchase? If during your vehicle
inspection, or through your mechanics inspection, you discover a flaw
that can be fixed, see if its possible to get this done before you purchase
the vehicle.

How to Inspect Your rior

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Print

these two pages and

take them with you so
you know what areas
of the car to check!

When youre looking to buy a previously-owned car,

the appearance of the vehicle can be a great indicator
as to whats happened to that car during its lifetime.
Heres a list of areas and features to check when you
visit your potential new car:
Outside the car
 uspension: Make sure the car
S
is located on flat ground and
check that the vehicle is level to
the ground.
Paint/exterior: Inspect the
vehicles exterior for rust, paint
chips, rough spots, cracks and
sections of paint that dont match.
Look for panel gaps: Watch
for large or small gaps between
the door panels, the trunk and
hood panels as this could mean
a panel has been replaced or
repositioned.
Windshield: Examine the
glass for any chips, cracks or
scratches.
Trunk: Is the trunk large
enough to suit your needs?
If youre frequently lugging
around a stroller or oversized
sports equipment, bring these
measurements along to ensure
these items will fit.
Keys: Double check that the
seller has two sets of keys for
the vehicle and test the key in
all of the door locks and the
trunk lock.
9

Under the hood: Although its

best to leave this area up to
your mechanic during the prepurchase inspection, you can
check here for any obvious rust
spots or cracked hoses.
Doors: Open all of the doors
to ensure that they are in
working order. Are they big (or
small) enough for you and your
familys needs?
Measure: If youre planning to
park your car in a garage or in a
small parking spot, bring along
measuring tape so youll know if
the car fits.
Tires: Check the tires for
cracks or bald spots. They
should be worn evenly and
the brand and size of each tire
should match. Ask the seller if
a spare tire is included with the
car.
VIN: Make sure the VIN is
located on the right side of
the vehicles dashboard when
youre looking through the
windshield from outside of the
vehicle. It can also be found
on the inside of the drivers

side door, near where the door

latches. Write this number
down because youll need
it to run a CarProof report if
the seller hasnt provided one
already.

1B7HF16Y7SS44322

Outside lights: Confirm that all

of the lights on the vehicle are
working and arent cracked,
missing or filled with moisture.
This includes:

Headlights
(daytime,
nighttime and high beams)
Hazard lights
Fog lights
Brake lights
Licence plate light
T
 urn signals
Back-up lights

inside the car

Seats: Take the time to sit in each of the
vehicles seats and consider the following:
Are the seats easily adjustable and do all
of the controls work?
Do you like the look and feel of the seats?
Are there any burns, holes, stains, spots or
scratches?
D
 oes your family fit in the backseat and how
comfortable would they be during a long car ride?
Will the backseat accommodate your car seat?

Inside
lights: Are all of your interior lights
and controls fully functioning? This includes
headlights (daytime, nighttime and high beams),
ceiling and interior lights, glove box lights and
mirror lights.
Manuals and information: Does the vehicle
come with a manual? Can you access any
maintenance or service logs from the previous
owner?
Record the odometer reading

Dashboard:
and compare it to the cars listing. Does the
dashboard display any warning lights?

By giving the inside and

outside of the car a detailed
examination, youll be better
informed about whats
happened during the lifespan
of your vehicle. Arming
yourself with these details will
help you in your quest to find
the car thats perfect for you.

10

Controls and accessories: Try out every control

and switch to make sure they are in proper
working order. Consider checking:
the windshield wipers and fluid control
heater/air conditioning
vents and airflow settings
mirror adjustments
GPS
door and window locks
power windows or roll-up handle
stereo
power outlets
front window and rear window defrost
speakers
horn
clock
steering wheel tilt adjustment
sunroof controls
releases for the hood, trunk and gas cap

Smell:
Does the car have an odour? A hanging
air freshener could be masking a smell.

10 Ways to Avoid
Used Car Fraud
As with any major purchase, you need to do your due
diligence before buying a used car to make sure the vehicle
is right for you and to avoid any scams. Here are 10 tips to
help ensure you get a great deal and a great car:
1

You should always question a deal that seems too good to be true.
If the price seems too low or the seller does something that sets off your alarm bells,
walk away from the sale.

Beware of curbsiders.
A curbsider is an unlicenced individual, dealer or retailer who buys up vehicles and
instead of registering them under their own name, will post the same vehicles for
sale with a mark-up. The curbsider might misrepresent the real condition of the car
or hide major issues.

Get the CarProof report.

This report provides you with the complete history of the vehicle
including accident information, registration details, cross-Canada
lien information and full U.S. history. Ask the seller for a report or
buy your own to ensure you know the full story behind the vehicle.

Check out the dealer.

If youre buying your used car from a
dealership, then look into the dealers
background and reputation. Each province
has a governing body that issues dealer
licences, a requirement in order to legally
sell vehicles in Canada.

11

Look for liens and stolen cars.

The CarProof report will tell you if there are enforceable liens from
anywhere in Canada on the car. A lien is an ownership interest
that a vehicle owner grants to a party, as security or collateral for
a loan. A CarProof report can also tell you if a vehicle is marked
as actively stolen.
Verify the sellers identity and the VIN.
Ask your seller for proof of identity and check that the sellers
name and address matches up with the owner information on
the vehicle registration form. This is also a good time to double
check the make, model, year, colour, licence plate and vehicle
identification number (VIN) of the car against the registration form.

Check for odometer rollbacks.

Have a look at the actual odometer do all of the numbers line up and is there any
evidence of sabotage (scratches, cracks) in and around the odometer? Does the wear
and tear of the vehicle show more use than the mileage would indicate?

Double check the condition of the car.

Give the inside and the outside of the car a thorough inspection and take a test drive to
make sure the car is in the same condition that the seller is advertising.

Dont pay before you get the vehicle.

Never agree to pay for the vehicle upfront or send money via wire transfer. If the
seller requests a third-party escrow service, investigate the service to make sure its
legitimate, as many online escrow sites are fraudulent.

10

Take the vehicle for a pre-purchase inspection.

Get an independent, licenced mechanic to give the
vehicle a detailed inspection. Bring your CarProof
report with you as youll want to verify that any
damage was properly repaired.

12

How Much Fuel

Will Your Car
Consume?
For many consumers, fuel consumption is a major
consideration in the used car purchasing process.
Many manufacturers use miles per gallon (MPG) to advertise the fuel efficiency of a vehicle. For
Canadian consumers who follow the metric system, it can be difficult to convert the MPG rating to
litres/100 kilometre (L/100 km), making average fuel consumption a confusing number. In order to
make this process easier, here is a formula to convert L/100 km into MPG and MPG into L/100 km:

L/100 km = 282.48
MPG

MPG = 282.48
L/100 km

If youre looking for a vehicle with the best fuel efficiency, keep in mind that the lower the L/100 km
rating, the lower the fuel consumption. On the other hand, remember that the higher the MPG, the
better the fuel consumption. Buyers should also be aware that fuel consumption ratings can differ
between the U.S. and Canada.
In order to make sure youre selecting the vehicle thats right for you, youll also want to know
approximately how much you can expect to pay for gas each year, based on your vehicle use. In
Canada, the average person drives approximately 20,000 km per year, with a mix of 55 per cent city
driving and 45 per cent highway driving.

You can use the following

formula to estimate your
fuel use for the entire year.
By multiplying this number
by the average fuel cost in
your region, you can compare
the expected annual fuel
costs for the various
vehicles youre interested in.

13

Annual distance
Fraction of
travelled (km) X city driving

City fuel consumption

rating L/100 km

100

+
Annual distance
travelled (km) X

Highway fuel consumption

Fraction of
rating L/100 km
highway driving X
100

How to Do a
Proper Test Drive
Bring a friend or family member along
with you to the dealership. Take along an extra
person to help you spot any red flags throughout
the process and have them take notes for you
during the test drive.

Decide which features are important to

you. Outline which features you require in your
next used car and bring a checklist with you to
review on your drive to see how well that vehicle
measures up.

h Evaluate

how the car feels. Is the steering

wheel comfortable for you? Is it sensitive to the
touch or is there a lag when you turn? Does the
vehicle require constant adjustment while you
drive? Make a variety of left and right turns to
see how the car reacts.

h Plan

your test drive route. Try out the vehicle

in different environments such as stop and go
traffic, highway driving and smooth and bumpy
road conditions to see how the car reacts to
each surface.

h Get

a feel for the vehicle before you leave

the lot. Get in and out of the car a few times
is the entrance uncomfortably high or low?
Play around with the cars accessories before
you hit the road so you arent distracted during
the drive. Youll want to check the following:
C
 an you comfortably reach the radio,
temperature and mirror controls?
D
 o the pedals and seat adjustments suit
you?
A
 re the accessories youll use on a daily
basis working? ie. lights, vents etc.
H
 ow long does the heat and air conditioner
take to reach the maximum temperature?

h Drive

it realistically. Try accelerating,

decelerating, passing and merging. Whats
the engines power like? Does it accelerate
fast enough for you? Or does it have extra
power that you dont think you need? Does
the vehicle upshift and downshift smoothly
and at the correct time?

14

h Hit

the brakes. Take the vehicle to a safe

setting where you can test out the cars stopping
power. Brake both hard and soft did the cars
anti-lock brake system kick in as promised? Did
the car pull to one side or did you have to push
the pedal to the floor? These will be things youll
want to bring up to the seller and your mechanic
during a pre-purchase inspection.

h Put

it in park. At some point during the drive,

try parallel parking the vehicle. This will give you
another perspective on the angles of the car and
the potential blindspots you could face on a daily
basis.

Dont rush through the process.

A good test drive can take up to
30 minutes so take your time.
Youre making a big commitment
and the test drive can really
influence whether or not you want
the car.
h Try

it again. There are certain elements of the

vehicle that you wont experience in the daylight.
Ask the seller if you can drive it again at night to
test out the cars headlights and experience how
it drives. Also, dont be afraid to take the car
for another spin if you have more questions or if
another family member wants to weigh in on the
vehicle.

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Used

Youve found a vehicle that is right for you, and youre ready
to talk with the seller about a potential agreement. When it
comes to negotiating the price, the key is to settle on a deal
that benefits both parties. Here are some things you should
keep in mind before you commit:
1

 o your research.
D
Check out the Canadian Black Book, use AutoTrader.cas Value
Finder tool or check out listing sites and classified ads to see what
the average price of that make and model of vehicle is.
Take into account other factors that influence the selling price.
Youll want to consider: age, the mileage, the wear and tear both inside and out, how
well it was cared for, any flaws or mechanical issues it may have, the cars accessories
and added features and any recent updates made to the car.

Get the CarProof report.

A CarProof report will tell you if the vehicle has ever been in
accident, if there are any outstanding liens on the car as well as
gives you insight into the registration and branding history.

Take the car for a pre-purchase inspection.

Get an independent, licenced mechanic to give
the vehicle a detailed inspection. Bring your
CarProof report with you as youll want to verify
that any accident damage was properly repaired.

Remember the sales tax.

Dont forget to consider any provincial taxes and
extra fees when youre calculating the final cost
of the vehicle.

15

Know your budget.

Before going in to the sales office or meeting with a private seller, determine what amount
is the highest price youre willing to pay for that particular vehicle.

Ask the tough questions.

If the CarProof report does reveal that the vehicle has been
damaged, check to make sure the vehicle has been properly
repaired. Dont be afraid to bring up any other flaws you find.
Consider value-adds.
Sometimes another opportunity to get more value for the price you pay is through addons. Examples of this are things like under-coating, or other services. If these are items
you like or might have purchased anyway, then they could be a great thing to ask about to
gain more value for your purchase price.
Be respectful.
Dont give the seller a lowball offer youll risk insulting the seller and they probably wont
want to negotiate with you any further.

10

Have confidence in your offer.

When you make your offer to the seller, say it with confidence. Dont mutter it, or say it in
a way that makes your price seem like an uncertain question. Be assertive and state the
offer in a way that shows the seller youre serious.

11

Check your emotions.

When youre bartering back and forth with the seller, dont get angry, pushy or arrogant
and take caution if you find the seller acting this way. Keep in mind that the goal of the
negotiating process is to find a fair price that both you and the seller can be happy with.

12

13

Dont rush the decision.

If the seller makes a counteroffer and youd like to think about it,
thats OK. However, know that the seller may have other potential
buyers and you could risk losing out on the car if you wait.
Be prepared to walk away.
There are plenty of options out there when it comes to buying a used car. Dont get too
attached to the vehicle if you and the seller cant come to a deal.

16

Why a Pre-purchase t
n
a
t
r
o
p
m
I
is
n
io
t
c
e
p
Ins
Once youve found the car that you think is the one, its tempting to rush
through the buying process so you can get into the drivers seat as soon as
possible. But before you fully commit, theres one more important step you
need to make and thats to take the car for a pre-purchase inspection (PPI).
What is a PPI?
A PPI is performed by a qualified and licenced
mechanic or auto technician, who will give the
vehicle a thorough inspection to determine the
cosmetic, mechanical and safety condition of
the car. The mechanic will pinpoint any current
and existing conditions as well as highlight
potential issues that could arise in the future.
By learning more about whats happening
underneath the hood, youll either feel more
confident that youre making a great investment
or youll discover that there are a few hidden
conditions that could give you more leverage
with price negotiations.
The PPI usually costs around $100 to $200,
depending on the service centre and the extent
of the inspection, and can take anywhere from
45 minutes to two hours, depending on the car.
The technician will examine the exterior of the
car, the interior, under the hood and will also
investigate the under carriage. Many quality
service centres also conduct a test drive to
see whats happening with the car when its
in motion.

Where can I get one?

If youre buying from a dealer, then many
dealerships can conduct the PPI onsite. They
should also be open to you taking the vehicle
for an inspection by an independent mechanic.
As a consumer, its your right to have a PPI and
usually a non-binding offer to purchase and a
refundable deposit are considered acceptable
pre-conditions to an inspection.
If youre getting the inspection done offsite, or
youre dealing with a private seller then ideally,
youll want to take the vehicle to a mechanic
that you already have a great relationship with. If
you dont have a go-to service centre, then you
can ask the dealership for recommendations.
CAA has a list of preferred partners as does the
Automobile Protection Agency (APA). The APA
also has an inspection form on its website that
you can print off and take into the shop.
A pre-purchase inspection is the final step to
making sure the car youre considering is the
right vehicle for you. By arming yourself with
information from a PPI and a CarProof report,
you can be confident about the history of the
vehicle as well as its current state.

Did You Know?

CarProof reports can be purchased
as part of Canadian Tires Vehicle
Pre-purchase Assessment package.
17

finalizing
the sale
Everything you need to know - by province

British Columbia.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Alberta.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Saskatchewan.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Manitoba.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Ontario . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Quebec.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Newfoundland and Labrador.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Nova Scotia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
New Brunswick. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Prince Edward Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Nunavut. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Northwest Territories .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Yukon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Finalizing a Private
Used Car Sale
Youve done your homework
and researched what type of car
you want. Youve met with the
private seller, gone for a test drive,
asked all the right questions and
taken the car for a pre-purchase
inspection. Now youre ready
to buy, so how do you go about
finalizing the sale?
Each province across Canada has different
regulations. Weve compiled the steps and
information that you need to know, as well
as provided links to the appropriate websites.
When in doubt, its always best to contact your
provincial government to make sure you and the
seller have covered your bases.
h british

columbia

In order to transfer the ownership of a used

vehicle in British Columbia, the seller must pick
up a Transfer/Tax Form from an Autoplan broker.

If the buyer and seller dont switch the

registration of the vehicle right away, the buyer
can drive the newly purchased vehicle with their
old plates for up to 10 days from the date of
purchase as long as:
a) The vehicle the buyer is switching plates to
is registered in B.C.
b) The buyer has sold or disposed of the old
vehicle.
c) Both vehicles fall into the same category
(ie. passenger vehicles).
d) The plates are valid B.C. licence plates.
e) The buyer carries the signed Transfer/
Tax Form for the vehicle, the original
registration, the still valid insurance papers
for the buyers old vehicle and proof that
the buyer sold the old vehicle.
Keep in mind that in the Lower Mainland or
Fraser Valley, a vehicle may have to pass an
AirCare emissions test before it can be insured
or registered. Visit the AirCare website for more
information.
For more information, visit the Insurance
Corporation of British Columbia website.

To prepare the car for sale, the seller should

remove the licence plates from the vehicle as
well as the insurance and registration, tearing
off the vehicle registration portion and signing
this portion.
 he buyer receives the signed registration and
T
gives payment to the seller. Once the seller is
paid, both parties can fill out the Transfer/Tax
Form. Its recommended that the seller and the
buyer go together to take the registration and
the Transfer/Tax form to an Autoplan broker. At
this point, the buyer can register the vehicle,
licence it and insure it all at the same time.
19

Did You Know?

CarProof is the only real-time vehicle
history report available in North
America.

h alberta

h Saskatchewan

When buying a used vehicle in Alberta, both the

buyer and the seller need to fill out a Bill of Sale.
This will include the date of the sale, address
and identification information about the buyer and
seller, the year, make, model and VIN (Vehicle
Identification Number) number, odometer reading,
the total price, how it is being paid for and any
promises or statements about the vehicle, such
as warranties or claims about the condition. Both
the buyer and the seller may want to keep a copy
of the Bill of Sale for reference purposes.

In Saskatchewan, all retail sales are final. As a

buyer, keep in mind that unless clearly stated
verbally or in writing by a seller, there is no
cancellation period for returning a vehicle.

Most sellers will require you to leave a deposit.

The remainder of the payment is usually in the
form of a money order or bank draft. Be aware
that signing a sales offer and leaving a deposit
represents your commitment to purchase and is
legally binding. The seller has the right to keep
the deposit if the deal is not completed in order
to cover his or her costs. If this is a concern to
you, include in your offer a note that the deposit
is fully refundable in the event that the deal
doesnt go through.
To register the used vehicle, the buyer will need
the proof of ownership (Bill of Sale), a valid
Alberta insurance pink card and identification.
An inspection certificate from Alberta
Transportation is required for all first time Alberta
registrations of used vehicles (and used vehicles
returning to Alberta that were last registered in
another jurisdiction). There are some exceptions
so its always best to check with a Service
Alberta registry agent.
If the buyer currently has valid Alberta licence
plates, they may transfer them to the new
vehicle. They can use their previous plates on the
newly purchased vehicle for up to 14 days from
the date on the Bill of Sale. During this grace
period, the buyer must carry proof of ownership,
insurance and valid registration for the licence
plate being transferred to the vehicle.
For more information, visit the Service Alberta
website. You can also check out the Alberta
Transportation website.
20

 he seller must provide the buyer with the

T
Transfer of Ownership or Vehicle Identification
Certificate thats attached to the sellers
registration certificate, along with a Bill of Sale.
 he buyer can use the licence plates from their
T
original vehicle on a new vehicle for up to seven
days when they buy a new or used vehicle in
Saskatchewan. Before that time expires, the
buyer should take the completed Transfer of
Ownership form and the Bill of Sale to a Motor
Licence Issuer.
 he Motor Licence Issuer will let the buyer
T
know if they are required to pay PST on the
vehicle. PST does not apply to the purchase
of eligible used light vehicles on which tax has
been previously paid in full. The buyer can also
determine if PST is payable on a particular
vehicle by using Saskatchewan Government
Insurances free online Saskatchewan VIN
search.
For more information, visit the Saskatchewan
Government Insurance website.

h Manitoba

In Manitoba, the seller must provide the buyer

with a signed Transfer of Ownership Document,
a valid Certificate of Inspection (COI) and a Bill
of Sale that is signed by both parties and has the
year, make, model and VIN (Vehicle Identification
Number) as well as the purchase price and the
date it was bought.
 he buyer will want to check to make sure they
T
are buying from the legal owner as the registered
owner and the legal owner arent always the
same person. Only the legal owner has the
right to sell or dispose of the vehicle. The legal
owners name is on the right-hand side of the

registration card. The registered owners name is

on the left-hand side of the registration card.

one. If this coverage is insufficient, its best to

register the new vehicle immediately.

 ost buyers will have to register and insure the

M
newly purchased vehicle with Manitoba Public
Insurance (MPI) before driving it. Its best for the
buyer to check with MPI before to ensure they
have necessary coverage.

When a buyer purchases a vehicle privately, the

buyer will be charged retail sales tax when they
register the vehicle. This tax is based on the fair
market value of the vehicle; either the purchase
price or the average wholesale price, whichever
is greater.

If the vehicle was manufactured before Sept. 1,

2007, the vehicle may fall into Manitobas Mostat-Risk vehicle category. In order to reduce the
amount of vehicles that are stolen in Manitoba,
since 2008 the provincial government has
made it mandatory for approved immobilizers
to be installed in Most-at-Risk vehicles. These
include vehicles that are used in Winnipeg or
used to commute to Winnipeg, ones that have
been stolen or that someone has attempted
to steal and vehicles that are being imported
into Manitoba from another jurisdiction. Before
registering a Most-at-Risk vehicle, the buyer
must show an Immobilizer Installation Certificate.
If the vehicle is newer, then this might not be
of concern to the buyer as Transport Canada
required all automakers to install this device on
new vehicles manufactured after Sept. 1, 2007.
If the buyer is purchasing a vehicle that is in a
different registration class from their previous car
(i.e. they sold their car and theyre now buying a
truck for their gardening business) then the buyer
will need to get new licence plates or a special
sticker to put on their licence plates when theyre
transferring registration and insurance from one
vehicle to the other. The class can be found on
the front of the Vehicle Registration Card, at the
top left. If the vehicle is in a different class, then
the buyer must report the change to an Autopac
agent before driving in order to receive the new
registration and the special sticker.

For more information, please visit the Manitoba

Public Insurance website.
h Ontario

In Ontario, every privately sold vehicle must be

accompanied with a Used Vehicle Information
Package (UVIP) from the Ontario Ministry
of Transportation. This package contains a
description of the vehicle, the VIN, year, make
and model, retail sales tax requirements, a bill
of sale and tips on vehicle safety standards
inspections. The seller must show this package
to the buyer as it plays a role in finalizing the sale
of the vehicle.
The seller has to give the vehicle permit, the
completed and signed Application for Transfer
(found on the back of the vehicle portion of the
registration permit) and the completed Bill of
Sale from the UVIP (with their name, signature,
date and purchase price) to the buyer.
The seller keeps the licence plate (Ontario uses a
plate-to-owner registration system which means
they stay with you) and the plate portion of the
vehicle registration permit. The seller can then let
the Ontario Ministry of Transportation know that
the vehicle has sold.

The buyer has to register the used vehicle within

If the vehicle is in the same registration, the buyer six days of the sale. To do so, they have to take
can transfer the licence plates from their currently the UVIP, the vehicle permit and the Application
for Transfer to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing
registered vehicle to their new one. The buyer
Office. Here, the buyer will pay the retail
has seven days after the day they disposed of
their old vehicle to register their new replacement sales tax, based on the purchase price or the
wholesale value (whichever is greater). The buyer
car. During this seven day period, the same
coverage on the old vehicle will apply to the new will also pay the licensing fees for the plates and
21

permit. The buyer can attach plates they already

own (they need to bring in the plate portion of
their vehicle registration permit), and validate
them with a sticker or purchase new plates with
proof of identity that verifies their legal name,
date of birth and signature.
The buyer has to provide proof of insurance and
a Safety Standards Certificate if the vehicle is to
be plated.
If the vehicle is registered, plated and in the Drive
Clean Program, then the buyer has to present
the vehicle emissions report. To find out if a
vehicle needs an emissions test, a buyer or seller
can visit the Ministry of the Environments Drive
Clean website or call 1-888-758-2999.

The Quebec Automobile Insurance Corporation

recommends that when conducting a private
vehicle sale, both the seller and the buyer go to
a SAAQ service outlet where both parties will
be required to show identification. If the seller is
selling the vehicle but cant make it to a service
outlet, they can send someone on their behalf
after assigning them Power of Attorney.
When the buyer goes to register the vehicle, they
will be responsible for paying Quebec Sales Tax
on the actual purchase price or the book value,
as found in Guide Hebdo, less $500 whichever
is higher. If the vehicle is over 10 years old and
cant be found in the Guide Hebdo, then the
buyer will pay QST on the purchase price.

For more information, please visit the Ontario

Ministry of Transportation website.

For more information, please visit the CAA

Quebec website and the Quebec Automobile
Insurance Corporation website.

h Quebec

h Newfoundland and Labrador

In Quebec, in order to finalize a private vehicle

sale, the buyer and seller should sign a contract
to make things official. This isnt mandatory,
but its advisable. CAA Quebec provides its
members with standard contracts, but Bill of Sale
forms can also be found online.

When buying a used vehicle in Newfoundland

and Labrador, both the buyer and the seller need
to fill out a Bill of Sale. This must include the date
of the sale, the buyers name and drivers licence
number, the year, make and model of the vehicle,
the plate number and serial number, the purchase
price and the name and signature of the seller.
If HST was collected by the seller, then the Bill
of Sale will also need to include the sellers
HST registration number. A Bill of Sale can be
found on the reverse side of the current vehicle
registration permit or a separate document can
be used. Both the buyer and seller may want to
keep a copy for reference purposes.

In the Civil Code of Quebec, a term called latent

defects is used to define warranty of quality
when making a sale. This states that when a sale
is conducted privately between two people, the
seller must declare any latent defects. These are
defects that make the property for sale unfit for
the use for which it was intended or which so
diminish its usefulness that the buyer would not
have bought it or paid so high a price if he had
been aware of them. This warranty applies to
the property sold as well as accessories. This
law also requires that the buyer report a latent
defect to the seller in writing within a reasonable
amount of time after discovering the defect.
The buyer has three years to bring proceedings
against the seller if the seller refuses to settle the
matter to the buyers satisfaction.
22

Did You Know?

CarProof shows accident history from
every province, including provinces
with public insurance.

The seller of a used vehicle is required to notify

the Motor Registration Division within 10 days of
the sale of a motor vehicle. The seller can find a
Notice of Sale on the reverse side of the vehicle
registration permit for this purpose. Failure to
submit this within 10 days is an offence and
the seller could be fined. The seller could also
receive traffic fines that should be issued to
the new owner or the seller could be financially
responsible for an accident if the new owner
didnt obtain insurance.
The buyer is required to transfer the ownership
of the vehicle within 10 days and failure to do this
could also result in a fine.
When the buyer registers the vehicle with the
Newfoundland Motor Registration Division,
theyll need the sellers vehicle registration permit
(the seller must be the registered owner of the
vehicle), a Bill of Sale and/or a sworn affidavit
(a sworn affidavit from the buyer and seller is
required when the purchase price of the vehicle
is below the wholesale Red Book value, a
vehicle valuation guide), a completed and signed
insurance declaration (found on the reverse side
of the sellers vehicle registration permit) and a
motor vehicle safety inspection certificate.
The buyer will be required to pay a transfer fee,
provincial sales tax on the purchase price or the
Red Book (a vehicle valuation guide) value of the
vehicle and any outstanding fines on the buyers
record.
For more information, please visit the
Newfoundland Motor Registration Division
website.

h Nova Scotia

In Nova Scotia, in order to finalize a private used

vehicle sale, the seller must sign the reverse
of the Certificate of Registration (Transfer of
Ownership). The seller must also fill out the
section headed Transfer of Title Certificate of
Sale (Part 1) and give this to the buyer.
In addition to this, the seller has to sign the
23

Notice of Sale portion of the Certificate of

Registration and indicate who the vehicle was
sold to. The seller should then return the Notice
of Sale to the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
When a used vehicle is purchased privately,
the vehicle must display a valid Motor Vehicle
Inspection issued within 30 days prior to the date
of the sale in the name of the seller, showing a
two year expiry date for type 1 vehicle or a
one year expiry for a type 2 vehicle from the
time of inspection. The Motor Vehicle Inspection
can also be obtained by the buyer prior to the
transfer. Another option is for the buyer to obtain
a letter from the Registry of Motor Vehicles at the
time of transfer, providing an additional 10 days
to get a valid Motor Vehicle Inspection. If the
seller and buyer complete a Sale of Vehicle Not
Safety Approved form, a vehicle permit may not
be issued until a valid Motor Vehicle Inspection
sticker is obtained in the name of the buyer.
Within 30 days of the date of purchase, the buyer
must complete an Application for Certificate of
Registration (Part 3, found on the Certificate of
Registration from the seller), including the tax
declaration in order to register the vehicle. At the
time of registration, the buyer is responsible for
paying HST (the tax is based on the Red Book
value, a vehicle valuation guide, of the vehicle
or the purchase price, whichever is greater),
the transfer fee and the registration fee to the
Registry of Motor Vehicles.
The plates stay with the seller they can be
reassigned to a new vehicle or returned to the
Registry of Motor Vehicles. The buyer can attach
their own plates (as long as theyre valid) and
the vehicle will be registered to the new owner
for up to 30 days from the date of the sale. If its
not registered by the new owner within this time
frame, the vehicles registration will expire until
its re-registered.
If the buyer doesnt have plates to attach, they can
obtain a temporary permit from the Registry of Motor
Vehicles, which will be valid for up to 30 days.
For more information, please visit the Service
Nova Scotia website.

h New Brunswick

In New Brunswick, in order to transfer the

ownership of a vehicle from a seller to buyer,
the seller must sign the back of the Certificate
of Registration. The buyers name, address
and date of birth are required on the transfer
document and the buyer must present the
Certificate of Registration to any issuing office.
In order to register the vehicle in their name, the
buyer must present the Certificate of Registration
to a New Brunswick licence issuing office. This
is the point when the buyer will be required to
pay sales tax on the vehicle as well as any other
applicable fees.
The buyer must refrain from driving the vehicle
until the registration certificate is recorded in the
new purchasers name.
For more information, please visit the New
Brunswick Department of Public Safety,
Motor Vehicle Branch website.
h Prince Edward Island

In Prince Edward Island, in order to transfer

the ownership of a vehicle from the seller to the
buyer, the seller must fill out and sign the back of
the registration marked vehicle permit. The seller
must also complete the Notification of Transfer
form on the registration permit and mail it within
seven days of the transfer date to the Register of
Motor Vehicles in P.E.I.
The buyer has seven days from the date of
transfer to change the registration of the vehicle
to their name. When doing so, the buyer must
present the Vehicle Permit (signed by the
previous owner), the Bill of Sale or receipt, the
Motor Vehicle Inspection Form (in the present
owners name or buyers name) and a valid
insurance card. P.E.I. requires that all vehicles
and trailers undergo an annual inspection and
you can find more information on the inspection
program here.
24

The buyer will be charged sales tax based on the

Red Book value (a vehicle valuation guide used
by Canadian government, dealers, insurance,
financial institutions and appraisers), the Bill of
Sale or an appraisal, whichever one is greater.
For more information, please visit the Prince
Edward Island Department of Transportation
and Public Works website.

h Nunavut

For more information, please visit Nunavuts

Department of Economic Development and
Transportation website.

h Northwest

Territories

When buying a used vehicle in Northwest

Territories, both the buyer and the seller need to
fill out a Bill of Sale. This must include the date
of the sale, the buyers name, the buyers licence
number, the sellers name, the make and model
of the vehicle, VIN number, odometer reading,
the purchase price, any terms or conditions and
the signature of the seller. Both the buyer and
seller may want to keep a copy of the Bill of Sale
for reference purposes.
The seller must sign the back of the Certificate of
Registration and give this to the buyer.

Did You Know?

A buyer should always request a
CarProof report from the seller of a
used car. If the seller does not provide
a report, ask for the cars VIN so you
can buy your own CarProof report.

The Bill of Sale (or another document containing

the exact same information) must be presented
by the buyer to register the vehicle under
their name, along with valid insurance for the
new vehicle, proof of residency, and the old
registration signed by the seller. At this point, the
buyer will sign the Bill of Sale.
For more information, please visit the Northwest
Territories Transportation website.
h Yukon

In order to purchase a used vehicle from a

private seller in the Yukon, the buyer and seller
must complete, sign, and date a Bill of Sale. This,
along with proof of insurance (a faxed copy will
suffice) should be presented to a Motor Vehicles
office in order to switch the registration over to
the buyers name.
For more information, please visit the
Government of Yukons Motor Vehicles
website.

CarProofs Customer Experience Team is

available Monday through Saturday to help answer
any report questions you might have.
Email us at [email protected] or call 1.866.835.8612.

www.carproof.com