Ins and Outs of buying a Car in BC
Ins and Outs of buying a Car in BC
Posted on October 14, 2022
Nothing compares to the independence provided by owning a car. When travelling by car in the stunning province of British Columbia, you’ll need a car. A used car that’s both secure and trustworthy is what you could need. This guide to buying a used car will walk you through the process of buying a car in BC and registering it.
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The First Step Before You Buy a Car
Research is the first crucial step when purchasing a used car. You should give your decision careful consideration. What model would be suitable for you? What purpose will your car serve? Do you require a lot of room in the trunk or the backseat for passengers? You can improve your understanding of your needs and make better decisions using these questions. To avoid getting lost in the wide range of available vehicles and options, it’s crucial to do this before visiting a dealership or conducting research.
Buying a Car From a Dealer or Private Seller
There may be a price difference between a private seller and a dealership. However, some monetary factors differ between the two. Generally speaking, buying a car privately rather than from a dealer will result in small savings. Private sellers are typically more open to negotiating a price to get the car off their hands.
In some ways, the buyer benefits from the extra cost because dealerships like
Hilltop Toyota has interesting service expenses to cover. For instance, a car you purchase from a dealership has been serviced and is sold with a warranty. Without a warranty, there’s a chance of experiencing a problem and losing more than the price advantage of buying a used car from a private seller.
Registering Your Used Car in BC
The seller of a used vehicle in BC must obtain a Transfer/Tax Form from an Autoplan broker to complete the process of transferring ownership of their vehicle. After getting the seller's signature on the registration, the buyer pays the seller. Once the seller has been paid in full, both parties can complete the Transfer/Tax Form. This form and registration should then be taken to an Autoplan broker jointly by the seller and buyer (recommended).
Basic Insurance (ICBC)
Any vehicle registered in British Columbia parked or driven on public streets must be covered by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) Autoplan basic insurance package. You can purchase this from independent sales points across BC, offering different packages.
Our Tip: Test Drive the Car Before Buying
Finally, no matter how flawless a car may seem, always take it for a test drive before you buy it. Map out a route you're already familiar with, and practice the manoeuvres you'd typically perform while driving (such as testing the brakes and moving the car through a range of speeds) to see if anything out of the ordinary occurs. Test your comfort level in the vehicle and ensure you're familiar with all its features before making your final purchase.
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