Difference between revisions of "Problem with a Used Car"

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Buying a used vehicle can be risky. The vehicle might have hidden problems or the seller might be dishonest. Learn what to watch for and how to deal with any problems.

A dealer must also give you the following information, in writing, about all charges connected with buying a used vehicle:

If you’re buying from a dealer, ask about their return policies. There’s no automatic right to return a motor vehicle. Many people assume there is, as they’re used to generous return policies of some retail stores.

   

Under the law in BC, a level of quality, performance and durability is implied into every sales contract. When you buy a car from a dealer, it has to be:

If the car is faulty or not as described, the legal warranty can give you the right to get it repaired or replaced, or to cancel the contract and get a full refund.

If you buy privately from an individual, the legal warranty is more limited than if you buy from a car dealer. If you buy a used car from an individual, it has to be durable for a reasonable period of time and match the description. The conditions that a used car be fit for the purpose you bought it for and of "merchantable" quality apply only when you buy from a car dealer.

Curbers operate illegally and cheat buyers. They do things such as turning back the odometer to make it look like a vehicle has lower mileage than it really has. Many curbers get vehicles from elsewhere in Canada and the US. They may hide damage and lie about a vehicle’s history, including its mileage and where it came from. They may charge extremely high and illegal interest rates or ask you to lie about the sale price for tax purposes.  

There are many types of curbers. Some are mechanics who have repair facilities and also sell vehicles. Some curbers have several cars parked on their front lawn with “for sale” signs.

A common myth is that you can sell up to five vehicles a year privately without registering as a motor dealer. That’s not true. If you sell even one vehicle to try to earn income, then you must register as a motor dealer.

It’s risky to buy from a curber. You may lose your money and get an unsafe vehicle. You can sue, but that’s expensive and often futile. The Vehicle Sales Authority of BC can investigate the curber, but it won’t help you get your money back.

You'll need the vehicle identification number (VIN), the make, model and year. Many vehicles are in the ICBC database, but not all of them. If a vehicle was ever insured and registered outside of BC, the ICBC report will not show the vehicle history outside of BC.  

Get a written agreement whether you’re buying from a dealer or a private seller. Put in the terms that you want.

If you have a problem as you are buying a used vehicle, try to solve it with the seller first. If you are buying from a dealer, ask to speak to someone with authority, such as a manager or owner. Clearly explain your problem. Let them know the outcome you’re seeking.  

   

If you bought a recreational vehicle, you can contact the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of Canada, a national, voluntary organization.  

If you can’t solve the problem with the above steps, your next step may be to take legal action. If you don’t have a lawyer, there are options for free or low-cost legal help.