Do you live in British Columbia, Canada and have a vehicle that you are thinking of getting rid of? Selling privately can net you 15-30% more than what the dealer will offer you on trade. The best part is in British Columbia, it’s a fairly easy and straight forward process! This guide will give you the step by step directions on how to do it!
1) Gather your documents
You will need your insurance and original vehicle registration documents. You cannot use photocopies of these. You will also need the Transfer/Tax Form (APV9T) form which can be found here.
2) Consider getting a vehicle history report
This is not a requirement but a nice to have to show buyers. It’s a great way to make the sale flow easier and possibly build extra value into the sale (if your vehicle has a clean history).
3) Detail the car, take pictures
Pretty self explanatory, also optional, but a clean car is much easier to sell. It is also estimated that simply detailing a vehicle nets 5-10% more for the vehicle. Take good pictures of the vehicle after the detail that show the vehicle condition.
4) Do the maintenance
Also optional, but any good buyer will at the very least check the oil dip stick to see what condition the oil is in. Doing an oil change and toping up fluids will give buyers the piece of mind that the vehicle has been well cared for.
5) Put it up for sale
You have a variety of sales channels you can post your vehicle and there is nothing wrong with cross posting it amongst them. I strongly recommend utilizing Autotrader, Kijiji and Facebook marketplace.
6) Setup a meeting with a buyer
Ideally use a public place but can also be your house. Your local police service parking lot might not be a bad idea as most will have a spot setup for “online sales”. If someone wants to test drive the vehicle, you can ask for a copy of their driver’s license (use your phone to take a picture) and even have them sign a waiver. Make sure to show them the UVIP. If the buyer wants the vehicle taken for an inspection, go with them to the mechanic. They should pay for any inspection fees.
7) Get paid!
Once you have agreed to the sale, it’s time to collect money. I prefer certified cheques but cash, e-transfers (or wire transfers) are also safe methods. Draft a Bill of Sale for you and the buyer.
8) Complete the paperwork
Complete the APV9T form and remove your plates from the vehicle. Tear off the vehicle registration portion from your APV250 form (insurance and vehicle registration document) and give it to the buyer. Make sure you sign it before you give it to them. Then head over to an Autoplan broker and complete the transfer.
9) Tidy up
Report to your insurance company that you sold the vehicle so they remove it from your insurance policy..
Happy selling!
