Buying a car in Canada

Tips for a smooth car buying experience

DYI inspection and test drive

For a used car, the key is a thorough inspection. Check for rushed and damaged paint (it could mean it was involved in an accident) and rust. Test the doors and boot, lights and all the electronic functions (windows, mirrors, etc.). How clean is the car? This could be a general clue—stained seats and a dirty interior mean the owner probably didn’t go the extra mile when it came to maintenance. Check the tyres’ condition. Does the mileage match the general state of the vehicle?

Ask for a test drive to check the brakes (… hopefully they work!), acceleration, manoeuvrability and suspension. Does the car stay straight if you let go of the wheel? If not, it may be an alignment issue.

If you’re better at driving cars than at conducting a vehicle inspection, bring a more knowledgeable friend. You can also suggest a professional inspection—if the owner balks at the idea, it’s probably not a good sign!

Professional inspection, records and vehicle history

If you decide to go for a vehicle inspection performed by a licensed mechanic or auto technician, book ahead and keep in mind spots fill up fast. You can always book an inspection, go see the vehicle and cancel the inspection if the car doesn’t meet your basic needs.

Get information on the car’s history—a detailed report including safety recalls, money owed on the vehicle and accident history is available from third-party organisations like CARFAX for a fee. Ask for service and maintenance records of any work done on the car. Note that in Ontario, private owners are legally required to provide a Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) that contains a description of a vehicle and its Ontario history.

You can get a free vehicle history using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You’ll find the VIN on the driver’s side of the dashboard. However, this check isn’t as comprehensive as the paid reports.

Finally, make sure the person selling the vehicle is a private owner and is the right owner of the vehicle. Car salespeople occasionally claim to be a private owner—you can usually spot them because they have several vehicles for sale and they sound suspiciously comfortable with sales pitches! Ask to see the original certificate of sale, registration papers and proof of insurance.

Finally, it’s always a good idea to meet the owner at their place to have an address and full contact info in case of problems.