Consumer
Get Information about Vehicle Purchasing
Buying a vehicle from a VSA licensed dealer means that you are protected by BC consumer protection legislation and the VSA can assist you.
To find out if a motor dealer or a salesperson is licensed by the VSA, click on Search for a VSA Licensee.
Visit the Information Centre for valuable tips and FAQs on purchasing a vehicle, including a comprehensive vehicle buying guide. Our online knowledge base contains all the information you may want or need to know. Simply use the Information Centre search tool to find what you are looking for.
Get the facts on different topics, including links to other online resources.
The following consumer facts are to provide general information and are not intended to be legal advice.
Click on the buttons below to get more information :
- Set your budget with all costs in mind
- Know your vehicle needs
- Research the vehicles that meets your needs & budget
- Consider things other than price
- Know the benefits of buying a used vehicle from a licensed dealer
- Know the strict standards dealers must follow
- Buying online or at a distance
- Avoiding online scams
- Choose the right dealer
- Know the advertising rules
- Understanding documentation & other dealer fees
- Saving claims must be real
- If different prices are advertised
- Plan your buying trip
- Find a salesperson who:
- Know what your deposit is for
- Get the deposit in writing
- Can a deposit be non-refundable
- What the dealer must declare
- What the dealer must disclose
- Is As-is Where-is allowed?
- Not Suitable for Transportation and Parts Only vehicles
- Get a vehicle history report
- About mechanical inspections
- About warranties
- Checking out a used vehicle on the lot
- Test drive tips
- Financing or Leasing?
- Understanding financing
- What is a cooling-off period?
- What is one clear day?
- What happens at the end of a lease?
- Lease end inspections
- Getting started at the dealership
- Negotiating
- Documentation
- The purchase or sale agreement
- Other documents you should get
Resolving a dispute when the dealer is licensed
Resolving a dispute when the dealer is out of business
Lemon vehicles and resolving a new vehicle warranty issue
- Curbers (unlicensed dealers) and private sales
- Tips for buying privately
- Checking for Liens
- What is a Consignment sale?
- Fuel consumption ratings vs. Actual fuel consumption
- Importing a vehicle
