Without the consumer protection of buying from a licensed dealer, you will have to protect your interests.
Be sure you are not buying from a Curber.ย ย Click hereย for more information on how to spot a curber.
Hereโs what you will need to check:
| Who is the seller?ย ย ย ย | Ask for identification to confirm the seller is using their real name and that it matches the name on the vehicle registration. ย Get their contact information. |
| Is the vehicle description accurate?ย | Check that the Vehicle Identification Number or VIN (definition available here) and decals on the car. ย Check that the vehicle make, model and colour are the same as on the vehicle registration |
| What is the vehicle status? | Use the free online service, available at this link to look up the status of a vehicle in BC Vehicle Registry. Is it normal, rebuilt, salvage, altered or non-repairable |
| Get proof of the vehicle history | Purchase a vehicle history report online from ICBC, CARFAX Canada or another provider. Review it carefully. |
| Is the vehicle stolen? | Use Canadian Police Information Centre, available at this link, a free service to run the vehicle license plate or VIN to see if it was a stolen vehicle. ย A CARFAX Canada report will have this information. |
| Get a lien check | What is a lien โ definition is available at this link. ย Check for unpaid liens. A CARFAX CANADA vehicle history report, available at this link offers a Canada-wide lien search. Liens registered in B.C. can be checked at the Personal Property Registry website, or at select Service BC office locations. |
| Get repair and service records | Ask for the records from the owner. ย A true private seller will have these records and they will be in their name. ย A curber will not. ย A CARFAX Canada report may provide some service records. |
| Does the vehicle have an open recall? | What is an open recall โ definition available at this link. You can use the website of the manufacturer or go to the Government of Canada general recall website CARFAX Canada reports also may have a Recall section. ย Many sellers will not even know about open recalls. |
| Mechanical condition | Get the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic. ย Paying a small fee before you buy could save you many headaches and future costs. |
| Is the vehicle safe? | A Private Vehicle Inspection (PVI) checks that the vehicle meets minimum safety requirements. Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement (CVSE) has a list of facilities. A qualified mechanic will know, too. |
| Purchase documents | Purchase and transfer documents should be completed correctly and truthfully. ย A curber may want you to lie. You can use our sample Sale/Purchase Agreement available here. |
| If you have a problem? | You will have to go through the courts. ย The Vehicle Sales Authority will not be able to assist you. |
If you have any questions, please contact VSA Consumer Services.
NOTE: This is to provide general information and is not intended to be legal advice.
