No. 1 — Find the right model for you: There are many different makes and models of vehicles on the market to choose from. You'll be considering how it looks, colour, comfort and hopefully, its safety features. You'll also want to decide if you need the vehicle primarily for commuting, work or family; and consider other aspects like fuel efficiency, comparable prices, resale value, insurance costs and the reliability of the model. Research your options for buying the vehicle — can you buy it outright or would it be better to lease?
No. 2 — Know who you're buying from: Buying from a registered dealer can give you additional peace of mind and you can also check their business record with the Better Business Bureau. If you decide to purchase a used vehicle privately, make sure you're taking some extra steps to avoid being taken advantage of by a curber (people who sell vehicles without a dealer's licence, which is a requirement of the Vehicle Sales Authority). A sure-fire way to tell if you're dealing with a curber, and not a legitimate private seller, is to search whatever source you're using — whether it's craigslist or the classifieds section of the newspaper — and see if their number is listed with another vehicle. If you go ahead with a private purchase, we also recommend that that the seller accompanies you to an Autoplan broker's office to complete the transfer of ownership.
No. 3 — Take a history lesson: A vehicle history report can tell you a lot about the car you're thinking of buying, like whether it's been in a major crash and subsequently written off and rebuilt, has any liens on it or if it's flood-damaged. A vehicle's status is one of the most important pieces of information about a vehicle. ICBC's Vehicle Claims History report may include all you need to know but if you want a more detailed report, have specific concerns about the vehicle's history or if its registration shows it was imported from outside of B.C., we recommend the CarProof Verified B.C. report. This will give you details on all ICBC claims, plus information from insurers and vehicle databases across Canada and the U.S. You can compare the two reports on icbc.com.
No. 4 — Give it your own inspection: Since 1981, every vehicle has been manufactured with a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) — a unique combination of 17 numbers and letters used to identify it. You should confirm that the VIN on the dashboard matches the vehicle registration form. Check for signs of tampering with the VIN, like loose or mismatched rivets, scratched numbers, tape, glue or paint. You should also inspect the odometer for signs of tampering — look to see if the numbers are aligned and that the mileage is consistent with the condition of the vehicle (a car travels an average of 25,000 km per year).
No. 5 — Bring in the professionals: After you've done your own homework and taken the vehicle for a good test drive on local roads and on the highway, it's time to get a professional inspection done by a qualified mechanic. If you're not sure who should inspect the vehicle then BCAA's standard vehicle inspection is a good choice. Their 143-point visual, instrument and performance inspection is very thorough.
