Before you go
- Get the VIN from the seller and run our free VIN & recall check.
- Ask for the UVIP and check the owner, brand and liens.
- Compare the price with similar listings on Marketplace, Kijiji and AutoTrader.
- Ask the seller not to start the car before you arrive.
At the car
- Check that the VIN on the dash, door and ownership all match.
- Look at panel gaps, paint, rust and tires.
- Watch a cold start and listen for noises.
- Test drive on city streets and the highway.
- Book a pre-purchase inspection for a professional check.
Paying and paperwork
- Pay only the person named on the ownership.
- Use a secure, traceable payment, never cash in a parking lot.
- Complete the bill of sale and the transfer section on the ownership.
- Keep the UVIP. You'll need it to register the car.
After you buy
- Register the car at ServiceOntario and arrange insurance before you drive.
- If the car needs a Safety Standards Certificate to be plated, get it from a licensed inspection station.
- Fix any issues found in your inspection report.
This guide is general information for buyers in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules can change; check ServiceOntario and OMVIC for current details.