Tips/Steps in licensing a privatly purchased used car in Ontario

[bapester]

Hi,

I just recently purchased a used car from a private seller in Ontario. I am going to give him the money order and pick up the car later this week. So far the car has passed the E-test, but hasn't been safety certified yet. The seller is selling to me as is, so I have to get it done myself. I am just wondering, before I pay him, should I either get him or myself to bring it to a mechanic to inspect it first? And what kind of inspection is this called and what does it cover? A 'pre-purchase' inspection?? Does this cover a safety cert as well? I have heard from friends that this can cost $100+... so I am not sure if I want to do it. Btw this is a '04 civic and after test drive and personal inspection, the car SHOULD be free of any major problems. Any tips, feedback on what I should do is GREATLY appreciated.

Thankyou all.

[feet_]

Hi,

I just recently purchased a used car from a private seller in Ontario. I am going to give him the money order and pick up the car later this week. So far the car has passed the E-test, but hasn't been safety certified yet. The seller is selling to me as is, so I have to get it done myself. I am just wondering, before I pay him, should I either get him or myself to bring it to a mechanic to inspect it first? And what kind of inspection is this called and what does it cover? A 'pre-purchase' inspection?? Does this cover a safety cert as well? I have heard from friends that this can cost $100+... so I am not sure if I want to do it. Btw this is a '04 civic and after test drive and personal inspection, the car SHOULD be free of any major problems. Any tips, feedback on what I should do is GREATLY appreciated.

Thankyou all.

i speak up since no one else will. but search next time..
guessing you're not from ont.

money order should not be the full amount, maybe a $500 deposit. then pay the balance when you pick up the car.
one thing that makes it strange is a 04 civic should pass safety no probs, unless there is something that needs fixing to pass safety.
if seller declines to safety, it may need major work.
pre inspection will not include safety. those are 2 diff things. a poor running engine will not affect safety.
for a piece of mind i would bring it to a trusted mechanic for inspection. do not let seller bring it. this is your responsiblity.
$100 is nothing to ensure p.o.mind. would you buy a house without a homeinspection?

a pre inspection should ..
have car on a hoist in the air to inspect underneath, all suspension components/ brakes.
engine/ transmission.
also mech should test drive it. etc.
inspect for leaks.

a hr labour charge should be max. so approx 50$ - $100.
best bet is bring it to a honda dealership for inspection.
honda mechanics will know what to look out for. instead of a general mechanic.

also check the recall list and make sure all recalls are done.

for example
my 01 civic needed tierod ends to pass safety, $300 later..

[Broli's Mom]

A pre-purchase inspection is always a good idea.

Make sure the seller provides you with an up-to-date Used Vehicle Information Package - it provides you a list of previous owners and it gives you and idea of how much tax you will need to pay when you register the vehicle...and it is the law too.

[feet_]

A pre-purchase inspection is always a good idea.

Make sure the seller provides you with an up-to-date Used Vehicle Information Package - it provides you a list of previous owners and it gives you and idea of how much tax you will need to pay when you register the vehicle...and it is the law too.

yes, dont let the seller try to make you pay for it.

had a seller try that. walked away from the deal.

[bapester]

i speak up since no one else will. but search next time..
guessing you're not from ont.

money order should not be the full amount, maybe a $500 deposit. then pay the balance when you pick up the car.
one thing that makes it strange is a 04 civic should pass safety no probs, unless there is something that needs fixing to pass safety.
if seller declines to safety, it may need major work.
pre inspection will not include safety. those are 2 diff things. a poor running engine will not affect safety.
for a piece of mind i would bring it to a trusted mechanic for inspection. do not let seller bring it. this is your responsiblity.
$100 is nothing to ensure p.o.mind. would you buy a house without a homeinspection?

a pre inspection should ..
have car on a hoist in the air to inspect underneath, all suspension components/ brakes.
engine/ transmission.
also mech should test drive it. etc.
inspect for leaks.

a hr labour charge should be max. so approx 50$ - $100.
best bet is bring it to a honda dealership for inspection.
honda mechanics will know what to look out for. instead of a general mechanic.

also check the recall list and make sure all recalls are done.

for example
my 01 civic needed tierod ends to pass safety, $300 later..

Thanks alot, I think there shouldn't be anything wrong to pass safety, however, I will bring it to a honda dealership for an inspection before purchase thanks to your advice

[feet_]

Thanks alot, I think there shouldn't be anything wrong to pass safety, however, I will bring it to a honda dealership for an inspection before purchase thanks to your advice

no problem

call ahead to make sure they do pre vehicle inspections.
might be a conflict of interest. ie. dealership trying to convince you to buy from them.

[Gnoy]

I wouldn't recommend this route, but if you really want to purchase the vehicle first and take the vehicle yourself for safety inspection, you need to

1. call your insurance company to purchase and obtain policy number
2. obtain Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) from the seller at the time of transaction (leave the car with the seller at this point)
3. go to the Ministry of Transportation, submit the UVIP, your insurance policy, tax (PST only), and E-Testing certificate in order to obtain your vehicle plate with temporary vehicle permit sticker (you have ten calendar days to inspect, repair, and certify your car while you have this temporary permit - it costs $15 for this special permit and you can renew it if you need more time after it expires)
4. return to the seller to attach your just received vehicle plate
5. take your vehicle to a garage for inspection/certification
6. return to the Ministry with the safety certificate to obtain your permanent vehicle permit

Instead of leaving the car with the seller, you could make an arrangement to meet up with the seller at the Ministry to save yourself from extra travel.