Essential Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Car in Canada
Used Car Buyer’s Checklist: Questions to Ask Before You Buy
Buying a used vehicle can be straightforward and secure when you know the right questions to ask. Use the checklist below to gather key details, spot red flags early, and negotiate with confidence.
A full vehicle history report can confirm (or contradict) many seller claims—especially around accidents, title status, ownership changes, and recorded mileage. See what’s included in a full vehicle history report.
General Questions for the Seller
Use these questions to understand the seller’s motives, ownership timeline, and how the vehicle has been used.
Why are you selling the car? (Private Seller)
This can reveal whether they’re upgrading normally—or trying to exit a problem vehicle quickly.How long have you owned the car?
A very short ownership period may signal unresolved issues, frequent flipping, or hidden problems.Who did you buy the vehicle from?
Helps you understand prior ownership type (dealer, private party, auction) and how the car may have been treated.Where did you purchase the vehicle?
Useful for verifying province-to-province history and confirming details in a vehicle history report.What’s the current condition of the car?
Listen carefully for disclosure about recurring issues, recent repairs, warning lights, or known defects.
Mileage and Ownership Verification
These questions help you validate the basics: mileage accuracy and legal ownership.
How much mileage is on the car?
Cross-check whether the stated mileage aligns with the odometer reading and the vehicle’s condition.Can I see the VIN, ownership documents, and your identification?
Confirm the seller is the legal owner and that the VIN matches the registration/ownership paperwork.
Maintenance and Service Records
A well-documented maintenance history can reduce surprises after purchase.
Do you have service records or receipts?
Records provide insight into routine care and whether major services were done on schedule.Did the car have regular oil changes?
Consistent oil changes often reflect responsible ownership and lower risk of engine wear.Has the car been in any accidents?
Ask for repair details and compare their answers with what appears in a vehicle history report.
Condition and Repairs
Use these questions to uncover current issues and price negotiations.
Has anything on the car ever been replaced or updated?
New tires, brakes, or battery can reduce your immediate maintenance costs—verify when the work was done.Are there any mechanical problems I need to know about?
Ask directly about warning lights, unusual noises, leaks, vibration, and recent breakdowns.Can we fix this problem before purchase?
If an inspection reveals fixable issues, negotiate repairs, a price reduction, or a written agreement.Do you have a vehicle history report for the used vehicle?
A report can help verify accident history, title status, ownership changes, and mileage records—details that are hard to confirm from a test drive alone.
Provincial and Dealership Requirements
Some questions depend on where you’re buying and whether it’s a private sale or a dealership.
Do you have a Used Vehicle Information Package? (For Ontario)
Ontario private sales typically require this package, which includes key vehicle information.What service has the dealership performed on the car since acquiring it? (Dealership)
Understand whether the dealer performed inspections, maintenance, or repairs—ask for proof.Do you take trade-ins? (Dealership)
If you’re trading in a vehicle, this can reduce your overall out-of-pocket cost.
Test Drive and Inspection
A short drive isn’t enough. Use these questions to protect yourself.
How long of a test drive can I take?
Aim for at least 30 minutes and include city streets + highway driving if possible.Can I take the car for an independent inspection?
A pre-purchase inspection can uncover hidden issues before you commit.
Using Vehicle History Reports
Vehicle history reports are one of the most effective ways to verify seller claims. They can reveal details that aren’t obvious during a walkaround or test drive.
A VinAudit Canada report, for example, provides an affordable, detailed view of a car’s past (including available U.S. history). By reviewing the report, buyers can confirm key information about title status, accident history, ownership changes, and recorded mileage—helping you make a confident, well-informed decision.
