Car Buyer Checklist

New Car Purchase

Pre-Purchase

• Vehicle specifications, reviews, and ratings.
• Price comparisons between dealers.

Purchase Process

• Bill of Sale detailing the vehicle, price, and parties involved.
• Sales Contract including pricing, warranty, and other conditions.
• MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) Sticker should be displayed on new vehicles.

Post-Purchase

• New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS) for registration.
• Vehicle Permit: obtain and display the license plate tag.
• Warranty Documentation: understand the coverage and duration.
• Insurance Policy: proof of insurance before driving off.
• Owner’s Manual, typically provided by the manufacturer.

Used Car Purchase

Pre-Purchase (All Provinces)

• Vehicle History: Utilize resources like a Vehicle History Report or specific platforms (e.g., CarProof, CARFAX Canada) to scrutinize the car’s history.
• Inspection: Secure a Pre-purchase Inspection by a certified mechanic to ensure the vehicle is in suitable condition.

Purchase Process

• Bill of Sale: In all provinces, it’s pivotal to obtain and authenticate the details stipulated on the Bill of Sale.
• Provincial Specifics:

Ontario:

• Emissions Test: Enforce a Drive Clean test for vehicles exceeding seven years of age.
• Information Package: Secure the Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) to be well-versed with the car’s historical and financial details.

Alberta:

• Emissions Test: Alberta does not mandate specific emissions testing. However, if the vehicle originates from outside Alberta, an Out of Province Vehicle Inspection is requisite.

British Columbia:

• Information Package: Obtain a Vehicle Claims History report and consider executing a lien check to safeguard against unforeseen financial obligations.

Quebec:

• Ownership Transfer: Execute a Transfer of Ownership, which might necessitate a visit to the SAAQ (Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec) by both the buyer and seller.
• Vehicle History: Sourcing the vehicle’s history from the SAAQ ensures transparency in the purchase.

Saskatchewan:

• Inspection Certificate: For vehicles originating from outside Saskatchewan, acquiring a Saskatchewan Vehicle Inspection Certificate (SVIC) is compulsory.
• Dealer Purchase: If the acquisition is from a dealer, obtaining a Vehicle Inspection Report ensures the car’s state is verifiable.

Manitoba:

• Emissions Test: Verify whether an Emission Test is applicable for the specific vehicle model and assure compliance.
• Vehicle History: Procuring a Vehicle History Report can shed light on potential issues or the car’s past incidents.

Post-Purchase

• Ownership & Registration: Regardless of the province, assure the Transfer of Ownership is executed and register the vehicle under your name to legalize the acquisition.