The used car market is hot right now and you might have a vehicle that you perhaps no longer need. Or maybe you don’t agree with what the dealer is providing you on trade-in and think you can do better. Well, you should definitely try to sell your vehicle privately. Good news! It’s a really simple process, here’s how to sell a car private in Manitoba, Canada.
1) Consider getting a safety test done also known as a Certificate of Inspection (COI)
In Manitoba, you will require a valid safety Certificate of Inspection (COI) to register a vehicle. The COI confirms that at the time of the inspection the vehicle met the basic standards required for operation in Manitoba. As a seller, this is not a requirement, however it will make your vehicle more attractive to a buyer if they know the car has been inspected and comes with proper documentation. There is no set cost for a COI as the cost is determined by the inspection station but typically range between $60-$80 plus whatever, if any, work is required to meet the standards.
2) 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.
3) 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.
4) 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.
5) 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. If the buyer wants the vehicle taken for an inspection, go with them to the mechanic. They should pay for any inspection fees.
6) 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.
7) Sign off the Transfer of Ownership Document portion of the vehicle registration card
The Transfer of Ownership Document is part of the vehicle registration card and must be completed upon sale so that the new owner can register the vehicle. The person selling the vehicle fills in the date, odometer reading and signs in the space provide. The buyer will then also sign the document. Upon complete, the seller will detach the TOD from the registration card and give the right portion (the TOD) to the buyer who will present it when registering the vehicle. Do not let the buyer keep your licence plates when they take possession of the vehicle.
9) Tidy up
Cancel your Autopac coverage on the vehicle and also report the vehicle sale to the ministry for good measure. Happy selling!
