It’s a set of things that you need to do when you sell a car in Ontario. Whether you sell privately, or through a dealership it is important to know these steps so that you can maximize your sale and minimize any issues.
Prepare Your Car for Sale
First, you need to prepare your vehicle to get buyers interested. Often, a clean, well maintained car with lots of detailed photos will sell for more and get more interest. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Clean Inside and Out: Wash, wax, vacuum the vehicle. A detailed cleaning makes a good impression.
- Fix Minor Issues: Deal with minor dents or cosmetic damage. Prospective buyers value a well maintained car.
- Collect Maintenance Records: Logging maintenance adds credibility for buyers.
Determine a Fair Price
The right buyer will only be attracted through pricing. Search similar models for sale in Ontario on sites like Kijiji Autos, Facebook Marketplace and AutoTrader. The Canadian Black Book or CARFAX can be used to find what your vehicle is worth on the market, and to use that to compare your price to similar listings.
Documents Needed for Sale in Ontario
To sell a car in Ontario you need a few key documents. These are needed to comply with local regulations and ensure the transfer process goes smoothly:
- Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP): Sellers in Ontario are mandated to provide a UVIP to buyers. Included in this package, available from ServiceOntario, is the vehicle’s wholesale value, the vehicle’s registration history and any liens.
- Safety Standards Certificate: If the buyer is going to drive the car, they need a certificate that confirms the car meets Ontario’s safety standards. But you don’t have to do this if you’re selling it ‘as is.’
- Bill of Sale: Compile all the details about the vehicle’s VIN, sale price, buyer’s and seller’s name and the date of transaction and make a bill of sale.
- Application for Transfer: On the back side of your vehicle ownership permit, fill out the transfer section. Both you and the buyer will sign and complete this document.
Listing Your Car for Sale
One of the best ways to reach potential buyers is to list your vehicle online. AutoTrader, Kijiji Autos and Facebook Marketplace are all popular and free platforms that allow you to boost visibility for a fee. Here’s how to make your listing stand out:
- Take High-Quality Photos: Record your car from various angles using a smartphone and call out the unique features of the car. Make sure the pictures are well lit and nothing is shaded obstructing detail.
- Write a Clear Description: Be transparent with the condition of the vehicle. Write down the essential details—make, model, year, mileage and notable features like heated seats or having upgraded recently.
- Set an Asking Price: State your price clearly. Indicate you’re open to negotiation, but don’t say “contact for price” because that will scare away serious buyers.
Potential Buyers Meeting and Test Drives
When you are meeting prospective buyers, put safety first, and security is important. Meet in public place in daylight hours. Talking about the vehicle and asking the right questions can help you screen the buyers before hand and save you time.
- Request Identification: Make sure the buyer’s driver’s license is good before taking him or her for a test drive.
- Accompany on the Test Drive: Getting in with them helps make you safe and answers any questions you might have about the car’s condition.
- Maintain Personal Safety: If at all possible, bring someone with you to the meeting location.
The Closing of the Deal and of Ownership
After you and the buyer agree on the sale price, close the sale. In Ontario, the process includes the following:
- Complete the Bill of Sale: Make sure of all the details. This document must be signed by the buyer and the seller and the transaction is official.
- Ownership Transfer: If the buyer has a vehicle ownership transfer, go to a ServiceOntario location with the buyer to complete the transfer. Make sure you both put your signature on the required sections on the permit.
- Remove License Plates: In Ontario license plates stay with the seller. Make sure to take them off when the buyer drives the car away.
Cash For Scrap Cars also offers a service to help with vehicle removal and scrap transaction, a simple way of selling old vehicles without a formal sale process.
Payment and Final Steps
In the car sales, secure payment methods are important. Don’t use personal checks or online payment platforms that may fall prey to fraud. Instead, use cash, certified checks or bank drafts. Especially when large sum is involved, always verify funds to complete the transaction.
Once the documentation is complete, the agreed upon sale price is received, the vehicle is ready for the new owner. Following these steps will help you to make sure that your sale complies with all Ontario legal requirements and is both secure and efficient.
