Buying a used car question??

[Brook_Lynn]

I am interested in getting a second car (used). My question is this, In order for me to find out the history of a car I have to go to the Ministry to buy a buyers package. This is getting rather expensive, seeing as I am looking at quite a few. They are charging 20 bucks for each package. I was wondering if anyone knows of a site that I can use to check the VIN number and history of the car without having to pay for these.

I did a search and all I can find are Lemon checks, but after you type in the VIN number of the car, they want you to pay. Any suggestions??

Thanks.

 

[Hard Idle]

Limited info is provided

The UVIP from the ministry will only give you the list of subsequent owners and tell you that the car is free of leins. I don't know if they have yet started to include title branding information, however the manufacturer can tell you at no charge if the car has been branded (written off) if you write down the VIN # and call. You can find out if the car is stollen by asking the police to check the VIN.

In my opinion the UVIP's only use is to generate $$ for the government. The only possible clue it can offer about the condition of the car is if you spot the name of a bodyshop or salvager in the ownership history. But chop shops can get around that by laundering the title through a bogus business name or Corporation #. It's a waste to buy a UVIP yourself, it is the sellers responsibility; you should walk away from a private seller who has not obtained one already and shown it to you.

Dealers and manufacturers are not supposed to divulge the service and ownership records of previous owners so you'l probably never get that unless you have a mole in the dealership, customer service or admin office.

Why don't you tell us a little more about the cars you're looking at and where you'd be getting them from. I'm sure you will get plenty of recommendations.

 

[keeferz]

You don't need the UVIP if you are buying from a registered car dealer, only private sales I beleive.

 

[Dancerfan]

You don't need the UVIP if you are buying from a registered car dealer, only private sales I beleive.

Thats quite right,used car dealers are exempt from having to provide a UVIP,its only required when you a buying a vehicle from a private party,the idea being that it will limit curbsiding AND to put money in provincial coffers.

 

[Brook_Lynn]

The UVIP from the ministry will only give you the list of subsequent owners and tell you that the car is free of leins. I don't know if they have yet started to include title branding information, however the manufacturer can tell you at no charge if the car has been branded (written off) if you write down the VIN # and call. You can find out if the car is stollen by asking the police to check the VIN.

In my opinion the UVIP's only use is to generate $$ for the government. The only possible clue it can offer about the condition of the car is if you spot the name of a bodyshop or salvager in the ownership history. But chop shops can get around that by laundering the title through a bogus business name or Corporation #. It's a waste to buy a UVIP yourself, it is the sellers responsibility; you should walk away from a private seller who has not obtained one already and shown it to you.

Dealers and manufacturers are not supposed to divulge the service and ownership records of previous owners so you'l probably never get that unless you have a mole in the dealership, customer service or admin office.

Why don't you tell us a little more about the cars you're looking at and where you'd be getting them from. I'm sure you will get plenty of recommendations.

Well that's exactly it, I am looking at private sales, but not one person yet has had it to show me, but gave me the info to obtain it myself. I am not sure what type of vehicle I am looking for, I already have a sports car, but it's really crappy in the winter so I was thinking something that would be more suitable for the winter.

 

[auto doctor]

Well that's exactly it, I am looking at private sales, but not one person yet has had it to show me, but gave me the info to obtain it myself. I am not sure what type of vehicle I am looking for, I already have a sports car, but it's really crappy in the winter so I was thinking something that would be more suitable for the winter.

Private sale: After you have decided on how much money you want to spend.
Vehicle type body is next..2 or 4 doors. SUV, Van, Truck, Compact subcompact mid size or full size is the next choice you need to make. You can also take over lease if that is more finacially attractive.

Tell your friends that you are in the market for a car..sometimes the best cars are purchased by word of mouth. If you get to this point and the car is what your looking for. Take it to a shop for a safety and e-test and make it a condition of sale that it passes both tests.

I know your looking for the all inclusive web site with the history of the vehicle for free... Most manufacurers have a service icon type that you can get recall info using the vin number. This is important to ask the seller if the recall work was done or not. Another nifty site is.

http://www.apa.ca/template.asp?lang=english

You said your other car is not good in the winter. That could be just a tire issue. You may have touring tires on the car. Great in the summer but not winter. All season tires may cure this.

Good luck lot of choices these days.

 

[Doctor Zoidburg]

Checking the VIN and previous history is good, but that is only part of what you should do. A good mechanic can tell you a lot about the car just by looking at it.

 

[poorboy]

Stop buying those information packages until you are ready to make an offer on the vehicle. You are wasting your money.

If a car is branded, it will say so on the vehicles ownership. As well, paperwork is only one part of the equation when looking at a vehicle.

I don't ask for it until I have inspected the vehicle.

If a car has been damaged so badly its been branded, you should be able to tell with the naked eye. It would have a new paintjob, it would squeak and rattle and just wouldn't "feel" right. Chances are the price is significantly lower too.

Always remember, they build cars everyday. If your gut is telling you to walk away, don't be afraid to do so. Another one will come along. GUARANTEED.

Find someone who is knowledgeable on vehicles and bring them along.

 

[tboy]

Very good advice poorboy, that happened to me exactly. The whole dashboard was rattling like an SOB so I called my brother (who worked at a dealership) and he got me the inside scoop.

Also, take a good look around the engine compartment, looks for things like brand spanking new parts, (especially fenders etc) new bolts, wires loose or not in their correct holders (from the factory all wires are neatly tied down), look at the brake pedal, see if it is exceptionally worn (this indicates high traffic use, death to any vehicle), push the car sideways (careful not to dent the fender) if it moves easily and squeeks or rattles shocks and springs may be required, make sure all accessories work properly, check to insure the doors close smoothly and easily (misaligned doors are a sure fire indication that something has been done), ask for maintenance records (I have all mine in the glove box *(&)(*@& mess), check tires to sidewall scuff or bruises (curb rubbing or high speed turns will damage tires or wear them funny).

There are lots of books out there with lots of pointers. Many dealerships offer warranties on their vehicles. I try to stick to dealers, you may pay a little more but once they have you as a satisfied customer, they will want to keep you. They WONT sell you a POS, they have too much to lose