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 Tips for buying a good used car
Many used-car buyers rely on vehicle history reports from companies such as CarFax to see if a vehicle has been in a wreck. But these services are far from foolproof.
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Fall 2009 edition of WESTWORLD
Read "Hot Topics" in this edition for excellent advice about car buying from both the BCAA and the VSA. more (PDF) |
What You Need to Know About Buying a Vehicle
Buying or leasing a new or used vehicle is a major expense, both because of the initial cost and the ongoing expense of fuel, insurance and repairs. Unfortunately, many people buy with very little knowledge of vehicle, price and payment options.
Here are some tips to make you a more informed and confident consumer:
Before You Buy
At the Dealership
Buying a used vehicle
Evaluating a used vehicle
The sales transaction
After you buy
Other information
Glossary of Terms
Before You Buy
Set Your Budget
Decide on your budget. Setting a spending limit will help you decide if you're in the market for a new vehicle or a used vehicle. Remember to set your budget to include:
- Taxes
- Insurance
- Fees (licensing costs plus typical negotiable fees)
- Other extras you may want or need
- The cost of fuel and maintenance
Know your needs
Make a list of what you need. Don’t forget to consider:
- Gas mileage
- Seating capacity
- Towing capacity
- Cargo and trunk area
- Traction needs (such as front wheel or four wheel drive)
- Parking Requirements (underground parking height restriction)
Research the vehicles that will meet your needs and your budget
The more research you do before you buy, the more likely you are to get a good quality vehicle for a good price.
Visit a library, bookstore or go online to find information about shopping for vehicles. Consumer and automobile magazines and websites give ratings for both new and used vehicles. Compare factors such as:
- Safety
- Mileage
- Performance
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Warranties
- Resale value & depreciation
- Vehicle specifications, features and options
Study advertisements and visit dealer lots to get an idea of market values. The BCAA website has links to the Canadian Black Book for valuing your trade-in and the vehicles you are interested in.
Talk to your mechanic about which vehicles are good value for the money.
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Compare leasing to buying
Leasing is a popular alternative to buying a vehicle but is not right for all buyers. For more information, see the leasing a vehicle section. It includes details on consumer protection regulations such as disclosure requirements and plain language contracts.
The benefits of buying (or leasing) from a licensed dealer
- Licensed dealers must guarantee that their vehicles are free of liens.
- Licensed dealers are required to disclose if a vehicle has been registered out of province, used as a lease or rental car, or as a taxi, police or emergency vehicle or has been damaged over certain limits and to disclose anything that would be material to your decision.
- Licensed dealers must comply with strict standards when leasing a vehicle.
- Licensed dealers must provide a vehicle that meets the minimum safety requirements.
- Licensed dealers must provide a vehicle that meets AirCare emission standards where it is required.
- Licensed dealers can provide manufacturers’ warranties on new vehicles and often offer a range of warranties on most used vehicles.
- Many licensed dealers have service departments or will have a service relationship with a repair facility.
- Licensed dealers often have financing available to assist you with the purchase or lease of your vehicle.
- Licensed dealers have an investment in their staff, building, operations, reputation and in their communities. You know where to find them when you need them.
- The Vehicle Sales Authority (VSA) can only assist you if you buy from a licensed dealer. This includes protection from a dealer-funded Customer Compensation Fund (for eligible claims.)
You will have few protections if you buy vehicles through private sales and you should be careful to avoid unlicensed dealers or curbers.
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Choose the right dealer
- Talk to people you know and ask if they can recommend a dealer.
- Check that the dealer is licensed using the Consumer section of the VSA website.
- Check the business record of the dealer with your local Better Business Bureau. (BBB of Mainland B.C. and BBB of Vancouver Island)
Look for these industry best practices when selecting a dealer
For all transactions
- The terms of any deposit are very clear and in writing
- All additional fees are well understood and were advertised as required
- All options, extras and promises are included in the contract
- The sale or purchase agreement is complete and fully explained before signing
- Copies of all documents are provided
- The salesperson will be displaying their VSA Salesperson Licence
And for used vehicles
Advertising terms and requirements
The law requires that whenever the price of a vehicle is included in an advertisement, it must be the total price of the vehicle. Advertising includes the window sticker.
Total price means the total amount that you must pay to purchase the vehicle. For a new vehicle this includes:
- The cost of any accessories or optional equipment that is physically attached to the vehicle
- Any transportation charges
- The cost of any pre-delivery and inspection service charged by the dealer
Advertising of financing and leasing options must include any interest or other costs charged and the calculations.
Documentation fees and savings claims
If a documentation fee forms part of the price the dealer wants for the motor vehicle, the documentation fee must be included in the total price.
The total price does not have to include taxes, licence fees or insurance costs, but an advertisement must clearly state whether or not these costs are included.
The law also requires that every ad include the registered name of the dealer and their registration number.
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Lot display requirements
- If two or more dealers share the same lot or lots next to each other, the name of the dealer offering the vehicle for sale must be shown, and
- If the vehicle is being sold for parts only or for purposes other than transportation because it is Not Suitable for Transportation, that statement must be shown.
If the vehicle is new, the following information must also be displayed on the vehicle:
Price comparisons and savings claims
Advertised statements of savings must be true savings. A dealer must not claim or imply that a price benefit or savings exists when it does not. When a vehicle is advertised at a sale price, the sale price must be a real cost saving for the purchaser.
If a vehicle is advertised in different places, all advertised prices for a vehicle must be the same. This includes newspaper, television, radio, internet and display lot prices. If there is a difference in pricing, you are entitled to the lowest price.
Plan your buying trip
- Plan your time. Purchasing a vehicle may take a few hours. It is not good to be in a hurry when you are making an important decision and signing legal documents.
- Bring someone with you who is knowledgeable about motor vehicles, financing and sales transactions
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At the Dealership
Choose the right salesperson
- Ask to see their VSA Salesperson Licence
- Your job is to find someone you feel comfortable dealing with and who is relaxed and open. By building a relationship with a salesperson you will have a contact at the dealership for the future.
- The job of the salesperson is to help you find and purchase the right vehicle to meet your needs. They should respond to your needs and answer your questions clearly and to your satisfaction.
Understanding deposits
Be sure you understand the deposit, return and exchange policies of the dealership before you sign any documents. Remember, the term deposit can be used to describe quite different things. It is an industry best practicev to be sure that the terms of any deposit are clear and in writing.
Depending on when it is taken in a transaction, a deposit may be a separate agreement for a variety of services. It could be an agreement for services to:
- Hold a vehicle for a period of time
- Locate a vehicle from another dealer
- Bring in a vehicle from the manufacturer, and/or
- Arrange financing for a vehicle
Be sure you know what your deposit is for.
If the deposit is part of an agreement to purchase a specific vehicle and all the terms and conditions are known, it may actually be a partial payment or down payment.
The terms and conditions of giving a deposit or partial payment must be clear and unambiguous. The terms and conditions must be provided to you. At a minimum, if a deposit is taken a motor dealer must:
- Clearly distinguish in writing a deposit from a partial payment or down payment. They are not the same.
- Clearly state in writing the purpose for which the deposit is taken
- Clearly state the amount of the deposit in writing
- Clearly state in writing when the deposit will or will not be refundable
- Clearly state in writing any other terms and conditions, such as whether a deposit will be apply towards the purchase price of a vehicle
- Provide you with a copy of the deposit agreement
If there is a written purchase agreement, the law requires motor dealers to detail the terms and conditions under which a deposit may and may not be refundable. Even when a deposit is stated to be non-refundable, there may be situations when a deposit will be refundable; such as when a dealership cannot deliver on its promise.
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Buying a used vehicle
The used vehicle market is a major source of consumer complaints. Unfortunately, many used vehicles are bought by people who have too little information. These buyers depend largely on what they see in a quick examination.
There are many things that can help you make an informed decision about a vehicle before you even consider a test drive. They include:
Vehicle history reports
It is an industry best practice to provide the buyer with a copy of a vehicle history report as part of the sales process. These reports show most past accidents, whether the vehicle has been registered outside of BC or Canada and if it has been used as a lease, rental, taxi, etc. If a vehicle history report is not provided, ask for one, or obtain your own if you are seriously considering buying the vehicle.
Vehicle history report options, from the most comprehensive to the least informative, are:
CarProof
CarProof is a Canadian company that provides the most comprehensive vehicle history reports available. CarProof reports include ICBC data and can include repairs covered by private insurers or repair estimates done without an insurance claim having been filed. Using the Internet to search by the VIN or Vehicle Identification Number, CarProof can supply a complete vehicle history.
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ICBC Vehicle Claims History Report
For vehicles that have always been registered in BC, a damage enquiry from ICBC will provide the history of the vehicle, including most accidents. Records are available for $20 plus GST through ICBC at 1-800-464-5050, 604 661-2233 (Vancouver) or online. You'll need the vehicle identification number or VIN, the make, model and year.
The Vehicle Claims History (http://www.icbc.com/buy_car/vehicle_claims_historyPU.asp) is a report of vehicle damage and repairs for a specific vehicle. The report includes the following if it is available in ICBC records:
- Whether or not a vehicle has a status of rebuilt, salvage, or altered
- A list of any damage or damages claimed through ICBC
- The date the damage or damages occurred and its dollar value
- Whether the vehicle has been imported into BC
Additional ICBC records may be available by phone for an additional charge.
Carfax and other vehicle history reports
While these services may not provide comprehensive reports for all BC vehicles, they may still provide valuable information about the vehicle you are interested in buying. You can find Carfax at www.carfax.com/Canada.
ICBC Vehicle Status Inquiry
The Vehicle Status Inquiry is a free ICBC online service that will tell you the vehicle title status: salvage, altered, rebuilt or normal. This report provides very limited information about the vehicle. Visit www.icbc.com for more information
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Vehicle Inspections
Mechanical inspections
It is an industry best practice to provide a written dealership mechanical inspection or an independent mechanical inspection report as part of the sales process. Whether done by the dealership or a third party, this report will detail the mechanical condition of the vehicle.
Dealership Mechanical Inspection
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 with your final documents.
Some dealers use third-party inspectors. For example, over 30 dealerships in BC have a British Columbia Automobile Association or BCAA mechanical inspection for every vehicle they sell. You can learn about this program by clicking on the following link: www.bcaa.com/usedcars.
If an inspection report is not provided by the dealer, you should obtain your own pre-purchase inspection if you are seriously considering buying the vehicle.
There are a variety of vehicle inspections that can be done. Depending on the age and condition of the vehicle and who you are buying the vehicle from, you will need to decide what type of inspection is right for you.
Independent Mechanical Inspection
An independent mechanical inspection report will focus on the mechanical condition of the vehicle. For example, the BCAA will do a thorough mobile vehicle check for a fee. Callers in the Lower Mainland can phone BCAA Vehicle Inspections at (604) 298-2755. Outside the Lower Mainland, call the BCAA Automotive Consumer Information Line at 1-800-663-4636. Most service garages will also complete a pre-purchase mechanical inspection.
Private Vehicle Inspection
The provincial Private Vehicle Inspection, or safety inspection, can be completed only by certified inspectors. This inspection checks that the vehicle meets the minimum legal requirements for parts such as brakes, lights, horn, steering, etc. and can be licensed for use on the road. 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 at: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/CVSE/national_safety_code/pdf/MV3199W_062008_PVIP.pdf
Find inspection locations at: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/CVSE/vehicle_inspections/PDF/DIFs.pdf
The inspectors are certified by the BC Ministry of Transportation, Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement at www.th.gov.bc.ca/CVSE/
AirCare inspections check only to see that the vehicle meets emission standards and provide no guarantee of overall mechanical condition. However, AirCare inspection records may be useful to determine correct odometer mileage.
A Federal Vehicle Inspection is limited to:
- Proof that the vehicle is free of recalls as shown by a recall clearance letter
- The vehicle must bear a manufacturer's valid statement of compliance label at the time of importation
- Valid alpha-numeric 17-digit VIN
- Metric speedometer and odometer labels
- Daytime running lights
- Child restraint-tether anchorage hardware kit and anchorage point locations
- Manufacturer's cargo capacity label if manufactured after April 1, 1999
- French supplementary restraint-system label for airbags that require periodic maintenance
- If the GVWR of this vehicle is less than 10,000 lbs, and the manufacture date after September 1, 2007, it must be equipped with an electronic immobilizer system that meets CMVSS 114.
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Declarations and the disclosure of material facts
Written sales agreement for used vehicles must include:
- whether the vehicle was brought in for sale from outside the province and the name of any other jurisdiction where the vehicle was registered, if known to the dealer;
- if it was used as a police car, taxi, emergency, lease or rental vehicle;
- whether the odometer accurately records the true distance traveled or kilometres indicated; and
- if the vehicle had sustained damage which cost more than $2,000.
In addition, the dealer is required by law to disclose anything that would be material to your decision to purchase the vehicle. This could include, but is not limited to, such things as:
- whether the vehicle was declared as salvage and rebuilt
- was stolen and recovered,
- sustained damage under $2,000
- the actual amount of any damage over $2,000.
You should be very clear about your preferences and requirements. By doing so, you are indicating what is material to you as a buyer.
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Dealer responsibilities (As is – Where is)
When buying from a licensed dealer, the dealer may try to sell an older model vehicle as is, As Is – Where Is or No warranties expressed or implied. That is, without undertaking any repairs and without any warranty. However, the dealer is still responsible for insuring that the vehicle meets minimum vehicle safety standards. In addition, the dealer has a duty to disclose all material defects that exist at the time of the transaction.
Even if you are buying a vehicle with no representations as to condition or quality there is an implied warranty under the Sale of Goods Act. The Act requires that the vehicle be safe and suitable for transportation and last for a reasonable period of time given the normal use of the vehicle and the circumstances of the sale (such as price, etc.) Be cautious if you are asked to waive this implied warranty.
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.
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Warranties
In addition to the implied warranty provided by law, there are many other types of warranties:
Some late-model used vehicles may have the original warranty from the manufacturer or an extended warranty still in effect. Be sure to confirm that you will be covered by these warranties.
Any warranty should:
- be in writing;
- be part of the contract;
- be signed by the dealer, not just the salesperson;
- be specific, with details of what is covered and for how long; and
- contain a statement confirming the selection of garage services, in the event of a breakdown.
Evaluating a used vehicle
In the dealership lot
- Check upholstery and floor coverings for unusual wear
- Check to see that the heater, air conditioning, radio and other features work
- Ensure that doors, windows and sunroof open and close
- Note the odometer reading
- Look for a recent service sticker to see if the mileage is close to the current odometer reading
- Evaluate the condition of the tires and look for unusual wear
- Check the trunk for the spare tire, jack and wheel wrench
- Water in the trunk may indicate a leak
- Check paint, chrome and body for mismatched paint and repairs
- Look for rust – visible rust could mean a lot more rust underneath
- Check the fluid levels in the oil, transmission fluid and coolant.
- Notice any unusual smells; may indicate leaks or mechanical problems.
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Test Drive
If the vehicle passes your evaluation in the dealership lot, follow-up with a test drive.
- Plan to drive the vehicle for at least 30 minutes
- Drive it on the highway
- Drive it on city streets
- Test the brakes and all the gears
- Turn off the radio so you can hear the engine, brakes, and transmission
The sales transaction
The buying process
The process of buying a vehicle often goes through three steps. Depending on the size and practices of the dealership, you may be working with one or more people during this process.
During the presenting phase, the salesperson will show you vehicles and answer your questions about features and options. The focus will be on finding the vehicle that meets your needs and budget. This is the time to ask for the vehicle history reports and the mechanical inspections so that you can learn about the vehicle.
While negotiating, the focus will be on the price and the purchase terms for the specific vehicle you have selected. During this phase you may be working with a manager.
It is important to understand that everything in a vehicle transaction is negotiable, with the exception of taxes. If documentation and other fees form part of the price the dealer wants for the vehicle, those fees should have been included in the advertised total price of the vehicle. Advertising includes the vehicle sticker.
Once the details have been decided, the purchase or sale agreement, tax and transfer forms will be completed. This documentation phase may be done in the business office. At this stage, additional products and services may be offered to you. This can include an extended warranty, a protection package and a variety of insurance products. Again, you must approve these purchases in order for you to be charged.
Before purchasing a warranty, be sure you understand exactly what is covered and what is not. Ask about how you make warranty claims and if there are any servicing requirements that will void a warranty.
If you are financing your vehicle and the finance company requires disability or life insurance, you must be given the opportunity to use your own insurance company or broker.
The purchase or sale agreement
Dealerships have a variety of forms that are used during the selling process. Some will use a Worksheet or an Offer to Purchase to discuss terms and prices. The purchase offer should include all the items that are part of the total transaction, not just the price you're willing to pay. If you are asked to make a deposit, be sure the terms of the deposit are noted in writing.
Sales usually end with a written purchase or sale agreement. Review every section of this document, including the back, and have the dealership representative fill in all areas or put a line through them. Don't take the signing of this document lightly. Once it is signed, the dealer can accept it, binding you to buying the vehicle. There is no cooling-off or return period for the purchase or financing of a vehicle.
A written sales agreement for a new vehicle must include:
- the name and address of the seller and the purchaser
- the date of the sale
- the make of the motor vehicle
- the model year
- the manufacturer’s vehicle identification number
- the body type
- details about extra equipment or accessories added to, or removed from, the vehicle (including price)
- the actual selling price of the vehicle
- the tax payable under the Social Service Tax Act
- the down payment or deposit, including the value credited for a trade-in, and the terms and conditions governing the refund of the deposit
- the balance to be paid by the purchaser, and
- an itemized list of the cost of any other charges for which the purchaser is responsible, including insurance and licence fees if they are to be added to the contract price
Other items that must be included for a used vehicle:
- any documentation fee or transfer fee
- the actual odometer reading at the time of sale
- the name of any province, state or country outside of BC in which the motor vehicle was registered before
- an itemized list of any repairs that were agreed upon as part of the sale and the additional cost, if any
- a statement that the motor vehicle complies with the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Act, and
- if the vehicle is not roadworthy, a statement declaring the vehicle Not Suitable for Transportation.
For leases, please see the leasing a vehicle section.
Getting copies of all documents
The motor dealer must give you a copy of the sale or purchase agreement at the time the agreement is accepted. Make sure to keep a copy of the agreement in your records.
Other common documents you should get
ICBC Transfer and Tax Form (APV9T)
ICBC Insurance forms
Financing Agreement or Lease Agreement
Warranty documents
For used vehicles
Vehicle History Report
Mechanical Inspection Report
Lien check
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After you buy
Resolving disputes
If you have a dispute with a dealership, you may file a complaint with the VSA. See Consumer Enquiries and Complaints for information about the limitations and the terms of service for the complaint handling process.
The Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan or CAMVAP is also available to help if you have a dispute with an automobile manufacturer and you haven't been able to secure satisfaction from the manufacturer yourself. This applies to vehicles that are no more than four years old. CAMVAP will settle disputes over interpretation, application or administration of vehicle warranties and defects in workmanship or materials on a vehicle as supplied by the manufacturer to an authorized dealer.
If a CAMVAP arbitrator rules in favor of the consumer, compensation may be in the form of repairs, money, replacement of the vehicle, or buy-back by the manufacturer. No fee is charged for the program. For more information, contact your local Better Business Bureau or call CAMVAP at 1-800-207-0685.
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Motor Dealer Customer Compensation Fund
Compensation from the Motor Dealer Customer Compensation Fund is available for eligible financial losses related to the purchase, lease or consignment sale of a motor vehicle or an extended warranty or service plan through a licensed motor dealer.
Financial loss must be documented and compensation is limited to a maximum of $20,000.
The Fund is financed by contributions made by all licensed dealers in the province. Eligible claims submitted to the Compensation Fund are adjudicated by the Compensation Fund Board which is an independent administrative tribunal consisting of industry and public representatives. The Board’s decisions are final and conclusive and are not open to review in court, except on a question of law or jurisdiction.
If you have a dispute with a motor dealer, filing a compensation fund claim may not be the best option for you. If the motor dealer is in business, we recommend that you first contact the VSA Consumer Enquiry Line at (1-877-294-9889) to see if there are alternative dispute resolution options available.
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Other information
Private sales
Private sales account for over 20% of used vehicle transactions in BC. A private seller may offer a vehicle at a lower price than a dealer and may be able to give you first-hand proof of its accident and repair history if he is selling you his own car.
If you buy from a private owner, you almost always buy "as is". You negotiate price on the basis of your evaluation of the vehicle and what you think will be needed to correct any defects. Your remedies are very limited if things go wrong.
Be careful to avoid being taken advantage of by dishonest sellers or unlicensed dealers. It will be difficult to get compensation from a private seller if there are problems with the vehicle. If the vehicle you buy was stolen, you won't be able to register it and could lose both the vehicle and your money.
If you decide to buy from a private individual:
- Ask for the original registration form and examine it closely. Do not accept a photocopy. Check to see that the vehicle is registered in the name of the seller. Verify the owner's address with the registration form and the location of sale.
- Check to see that the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the registration form is the same number that is stamped on the identification plate on the vehicle dash.
- If the seller claims to have owned the vehicle since it was new, or for any length of time, ask to see the repair bills and maintenance records.
- Ask if the vehicle has even been in an accident. If so, ask what the damage was, who fixed it and what it cost to fix. Find out if the auto body shop that repaired the vehicle was approved to do ICBC repairs.
- Check for liens against the vehicle.
- If the seller makes certain claims about the vehicle, such as saying it has a new transmission or rebuilt motor, get it in writing; and
- Get a vehicle inspection and obtain a vehicle history report to avoid problem vehicles.
If you buy from a private seller, the seller will give you the Owner's Certificate of Registration and a signed Transfer/Tax form (or APV9T). It is best to go to an Autoplan agent with the seller. The agent will use these signed forms to process the transfer of ownership. Make sure the seller has completely filled in their part of the form.
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Unlicensed dealers
Curbers are unregistered dealers posing as private sellers. If you see the same telephone number repeated for different vehicles in newspaper ads or online, the seller may be a curber. They offer vehicles at discounted prices but there are risks. Some curbers alter odometers (mileage), fail to disclose liens, hide mechanical problems, or misrepresent vehicle histories. If you buy from an unlicensed dealer you may find it hard to get compensation if there are problems. You will have to file in Small Claims Court to pursue compensation from the curber.
Checking for liens
Motor dealers are required to sell vehicles free of liens but you must check for liens against the vehicle when buying from a private individual. Some used vehicle buyers have been surprised to find a tow truck in their driveway towing away their recent purchase. This could happen if a garage had a lien against the vehicle for unpaid repairs or its former owner had an unpaid loan on the vehicle.
- You'll need the vehicle's 17-digit VIN. Liens can be checked at the Personal Property Registry, through BC Online, or at select Service BC office locations. There is a small fee.
Select banks, credit unions and finance companies also provide this service for a slightly higher fee.
- The Vehicle Sales Authority suggests obtaining a comprehensive vehicle report, like CarProof; which offers vehicle history reports that include a lien search. It’s cheap peace of mind!
- If there is a record that you searched for liens in BC and none was registered when you took ownership, a lien holder will not be able to take your vehicle away.
- There is a slight possibility a lien could be registered between the time you do a search and when your deal is finalized.
- To guard against this, make your purchase subject to a condition that the vehicle is free from liens at the specified time of sale.
- Beware that if there is a lien on the vehicle registered in another province, it could be seized. Contact the Personal Property Registry for lien search information in other provinces.
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Beware of stolen vehicles
Organized theft rings have turned the stolen vehicle trade into a national and international business. Many stolen vehicles are laundered in the same way that crime syndicates move money. Take extra care when buying a vehicle privately. If you make the mistake of buying a stolen vehicle, you could lose your vehicle and your money. ICBC offers the following tips to ensure you're not buying a stolen vehicle:
- Insist on seeing the vehicle at the driver's residence. Vehicle thieves may deal with you by cellular phone and insist on bringing the vehicle to you;
- Ask for identification to match the name and address with the name and location on the vehicle registration form; ask yourself if the seller suits the vehicle;
- Examine the vehicle identification number plate for tampering, and match the VIN with the registration form and the Federal Standards Sticker (usually found on the driver's door post);
- Beware if the vehicle price is too good to be true or if the seller is too easy to deal with, insists on cash, needs payment right away or says they are selling the vehicle for a friend. Don't let yourself be rushed.
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Flood damaged and lemon vehicles
Flood damaged and vehicles with chronic mechanical problems, or lemons, may occasionally be imported into BC and sold without the disclosure of this prior history. The best way to avoid purchasing a problem vehicle is to obtain a vehicle history report and to have a vehicle inspection completed prior to purchase.
Consignment sales regulations
New consignment sales regulations require dealers to use plain language contracts. Dealers must deposit funds in a trust account.
The purchase agreement for a consigned vehicle must contain:
- a complete vehicle description;
- the total price including any down payment, trade-in value, and fees; and
- disclosure that the vehicle was consigned.
Importing a Vehicle
Some vehicles need to be modified to meet Canadian standards. Before purchasing a vehicle that you want to bring into Canada, you should call the Registrar of Imported Vehicles at 1-888-848-8240 for more information.
Registrar of Imported Vehicles http://www.riv.ca/
Note: Vehicles imported from outside of Canada are required to have both a federal vehicle inspection and a provincial private vehicle inspection. Vehicles brought into BC from other provinces are required to have only the provincial private vehicle inspection.
More Information
If you have questions about this information, please contact:
VSA, Suite 208-5455 152 Street,
Surrey, BC, V3S 5A5,
Tel: (604) 574-5050,
Fax: (604) 574-5883
enquiry@mvsabc.com
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