How to Buy a Used Car in British Columbia

Buying a used car in British Columbia is done by going to a dealer or contacting a local seller that has a car that you want to buy. Buying a used car from a dealer is generally safer than buying a car from an individual because the dealer is required to give you information about the car. The first step in buying used car in British Columbia is finding the vehicle you want.

  • Contact the dealer and ask then for information about the car you are interested in buying. The dealer will provide you with information such as any damages that cost over $2,000 to repair and if it came from another province. You will also be provided with the accurate mileage and model year of the vehicle.

  • Research the car before making a purchase. You can do this by purchasing a vehicle history report for the vehicle. A ICBC Vehicle History Claims History is available as well as a CarProof Verified BC report.

  • Ask the dealer about the costs that you will incur when buying the car. Costs can include sales tax, preparation costs by the dealer, license fees, insurance fees and interest costs if you are financing the car through a lender.

  • Plan to transfer the title of the vehicle if you are buying the vehicle from a private seller. The title is a legal form which is proof of which individual or business owns a vehicle. You will need the seller's original vehicle registration and a Transfer/Tax Form.

  • Register the vehicle, after purchase, with the ICBC. You can do this at the time of purchase, at the dealer, or you can go to any Autoplan broker in British Columbia.