How to Buy a Used Car Guide

Where to find a used vehicle?

• Local dealerships and their websites
• Online marketplace
  • Facebook marketplace – set location to where you can travel if need to pick
  • autotrader.ca
  • kijiji autos
  • Auto123.com
  • Clutch.ca
  • Craigslist

Tips before buying a used car:

• What’s the condition of the car and the current mileage?
• Has anything on the car been replaced or updated?
• Information of previous owners
• Did the car have regular oil changes and maintenance?
• Do you have a CARFAX Canada report?
• Can I see the VIN, the vehicle ownership, and your identification?
• How long of a test drive can I take?
• Can I take the car for an independent inspection?
• Can we fix the small issues (if any) before purchase?
• Account for Sales Tax: If buying privately factor in sales tax for vehicle registration.
• Ask Detailed Questions: Inquire about past damage, repairs, and any issues discovered during the inspection.
• When you buy a vehicle, ensure the seller gives you:
  • the vehicle portion of the owner’s permit with the completed portion on the back
  • Used Vehicle Information Package, including the Bill of Sale with the name of the seller and purchase price.
    • the Bill of Sale must be signed and dated by both the buyer and seller

Vehicle History Report & Background Check

Generate a Carfax report prior to purchasing a vehicle to gain vehicle history.

• https://www.carfax.ca/
• Pricing: $46.95 for just the vehicle history report. $64.95 for the vehicle history report and a lien check. $104.95 for three vehicle history reports and one lien check.
• Carfax report will list the following:
• Major accidents
• Frame and structural damage
• Hail damage
• Flood damage
• Airbag deployment
• Money owed on the vehicle (lien)
• Vehicle theft
• Service records
• Repair estimates and costs
• Open safety recalls
• Odometer readings

Getting a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI)

1. Where Can You Get an Inspection?
   1. Dealership: Onsite or independent mechanic.
   2. Private Seller: Independent mechanic, trusted service center, or recommended shops.
2. What Does the Inspection Cover?
   1. Safety check.
   2. Detailed inspection (recommended) including engine, mechanical systems, components, leaks, etc.
   3. Test drive to evaluate steering, braking, and sounds.
3. Handling Damage Discovery:
   1. Ensure damage history (if any) aligns with a CARFAX Canada report.
   2. If the seller conceals damage, reconsider the deal’s legitimacy.
4. Inspection Cost and Payment:
   1. Typically paid by the buyer ($100-$200 approx.).

Insurance

Car insurance plans in Ontario are through private insurance companies. You cannot drive a car in Ontario without insurance.

There are 3 options when looking to purchase car insurance.

1. Bank/Credit Union: Offers products from their institution.
2. Insurance Company Direct: Offers products from one insurance company.
3. Broker: Represents multiple insurance companies.

You can use online platforms like Sonnet or comparison sites like rates.ca to find the best rates for your budget.

Registering a used vehicle with Service Ontario

You must register your car within 6 days of purchase at a Service Ontario.

• Pricing: Vehicle permit (all vehicles): $32, Licence plate (new and replacement), with permit: $59

To find a location visit https://www.ontario.ca/locations/serviceontario

To register a vehicle and get a permit and licence plate, you need:

• your Ontario driver’s licence or your registrant identification number (RIN), if you do not have a driver’s licence
• proof of identity (legal name, date of birth and signature)
• the completed used vehicle information package (only when registering a passenger vehicle, light commercial vehicle, self-propelled motor home or motorcycle)
• proof of purchase (for example, a receipt from the seller or portion of used vehicle information package that can be used as a bill of sale)
• proof of insurance from an insurance provider licensed in Ontario
• the original vehicle permit from seller with completed transfer portion
• the plate portion of the permit, if you already have a licence plate you would like to attach to the vehicle

To ensure your vehicle is fit for the road, you will need a:

• Safety Standards Certificate fromlicensed inspection stations have a sign that says Motor Vehicle Inspection Station.

Used Cars Dealerships – Location

Durham

1. True North Automobiles- 184 King St W, Oshawa, ON L1J 2J2, +19055768111, http://www.truenorthautomobiles.ca/
2. Auto Plus Car Sales- 437 Simcoe St S, Oshawa, ON L1H 4J5, +14166764941, http://www.autopluscarsales.ca/
3. Davey Auto Sales- 99 Bloor St E, Oshawa, ON L1H 3M3, +19057202277, https://www.daveyautosales.com/

Toronto

1. Autorama- 1205 Finch Ave W, Toronto, ON M3J 2E8, +18667817443, https://www.autorama.ca/
2. Canadian Fine Motors- 1882 Lawrence Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1R 2Y5, +16473333222, http://www.canadianfinemotors.ca/
3. Nexus Auto Sales- 1235 Finch Ave W, Toronto, ON M3J 2G4, +14166338188, https://www.nexcar.ca/

Kingston

1. Taylor AutoMall- 2440 Princess St, Kingston, ON K7M 3G4, +16135491311, https://www.taylorautomall.com/
2. Carloft Kingston- 811 Gardiners Rd, Kingston, ON K7M 7E6, +16133845638, https://www.carloft.ca/
3. MyCar Kingston- 1390 Princess St, Kingston, ON K7M 3E5, +18888089984, http://www.mycar.ca/

Simcoe County

1. D. Coates Used Car Superstore- 425 Dunlop St W, Barrie, ON L4N 1C3, +17057282422, https://www.gdcoatessuperstore.ca/
2. AutoPark Barrie- 2496 Doral Dr, Innisfil, ON L9S 0A3, +17054316500, https://www.autoparkbarrie.ca/en
3. Canada’s Motors Place- 572 Yonge St, Barrie, ON L4N 4E4, +17057282277, http://www.canadasmotors.ca/

Ottawa

1. Janex Auto Sales & Services- 1470 Hunt Club Rd, Ottawa, ON K1T 1M6, +16132600373, http://www.janexauto.com/
2. Canada Sagh Auto Sales- 1520 Michael St, Ottawa, ON K1B 3S1, +16132618145, http://canadasagh.com/
3. Central City Auto Sales- 992 Merivale Rd, Ottawa, ON K1Z 6A4, +16137379696, https://www.centralcityautosales.com/