Buying and selling safely
Last updated October 5, 2026
Most buyers and sellers are honest. These steps protect you from the few who aren’t, and from buying a vehicle with hidden problems.
Before you pay for a vehicle
- See it in person and test drive it, in daylight, with the seller present.
- Check its history. Get a CARFAX Canada report using the VIN for accident, damage and registration history, and match the VIN on the dashboard and door to the paperwork.
- Check for liens. Search the VIN in BC’s Personal Property Registry (BC Registries). If money is owed on the vehicle, it can be repossessed even after you buy it.
- Check open recalls with Transport Canada’s recall database.
- Get an independent inspection from a mechanic you choose, not one the seller picks.
- Confirm the seller is the owner. The name on their ID should match the registration.
Paying and transferring ownership
- Pay by bank draft or certified cheque you can verify with the issuing bank, or meet at your bank. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Complete the transfer at an ICBC Autoplan broker using the Transfer/Tax Form (APV9T). The buyer pays any tax owing there and insures the vehicle before driving it away.
- Get a written bill of sale with the date, price, VIN, odometer reading and both names.
Scam warning signs
- A price far below similar vehicles, or pressure to decide or pay a deposit quickly.
- A seller who can’t meet, says the vehicle is being shipped, or asks you to pay through an “escrow” or delivery service.
- Requests for wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency or e-transfers before you’ve seen the vehicle.
- For sellers: buyers who send more than the price and ask for the difference back, or want you to click a link to “verify” payment.
- Curbsiders: someone selling many vehicles as a “private seller”, often with a name that doesn’t match the registration. They are unlicensed dealers, and buyers lose the protections a licensed dealer must provide. Licensed BC dealers can be checked with the Vehicle Sales Authority of BC.
Meeting safely
- Meet in a busy public place in daylight. Many police stations offer a safe exchange spot.
- Bring someone with you, and tell a friend where you’re going.
- Sellers: ride along on test drives, and check the buyer’s driver’s licence first.
Something wrong?
Use “Report this listing” on any vehicle page, or email hello@okautosearch.com. If you’ve lost money to a scam, contact your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.