You should be very clear about your preferences and requirements. By doing so, you are indicating what is material to you as a buyer. The dealer is required to disclose anything that would be material to your decision to purchase the vehicle. This could include such things as:
A dealer may want to sell an older model vehicle As Is – Where Is or No warranties expressed or implied. This means without completing any repairs and without any dealer warranty. However, the vehicle must still meet minimum vehicle safety standards and it will still have an implied warranty under the Sale of Goods Act. The dealer also has a duty to disclose all known material defects that exist at the time of the transaction.
The law allows a vehicle to be sold as Not Suitable for Transportation if it is advertised, labeled and marked on the sale documents as such. There is no implied warranty when the vehicle is sold as Not Suitable for Transportation and you are required to tow the vehicle off the lot.
Provides vehicle histories including, when known:
CARFAX Canada also provides open recalls and buying tips at carfax.ca
ICBC Vehicle Claims History Report – Recommended for BC Only Vehicles
Get the following, if it’s available in ICBC records:
ICBC No Details Report – Additional Fee: Get additional records for claims still in progress.
ICBC Vehicle Status Inquiry – Free: Get just the vehicle title status – normal, rebuilt, salvage, or altered
A dealership mechanical inspection should provide a summary of the condition of the major elements of the vehicle. Be sure to get a copy of this report, as it documents the representations made about the condition of the vehicle by the dealership.
A dealership mechanical inspection should provide a summary of the condition of the major elements of the vehicle. Be sure to get a copy of this report, as it documents the representations made about the condition of the vehicle by the dealership.
The provincial Private Vehicle Inspection, or safety inspection, can be completed only by certified inspectors. This inspection checks that the vehicle meets the minimum mechanical safety requirements for parts such as brakes, lights, horn, steering, etc. However, this is not a guarantee the vehicle is mechanically sound. The vehicle could still have serious engine, transmission or other problems which could involve major expense. See a sample report or find inspection locations. The BC Ministry of Transportation, Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement certifies the inspectors.
This inspection, completed when a vehicle is imported into Canada, is very limited.
