How to sell your car yourself

Prepare all your vehicle documents

Before you even post your listing, gather all documents related to your car. A complete file reassures potential buyers and shows that the vehicle has been carefully maintained.

Here is the list of documents to provide to the buyer:

• The owner’s manual
• Any warranties still in effect
• Maintenance and repair invoices
• Rust-proofing certificates
• Proof of recalls completed
• Recent inspection or maintenance reports

These documents also help confirm that the odometer reading is consistent with the vehicle’s history.

Have your car inspected before selling

Providing a mechanical inspection report is not mandatory, but a pre-purchase mechanical inspection can make the sale easier. By taking the initiative, you demonstrate transparency and get a clear picture of the vehicle’s mechanical condition.

The inspection report can also help you:

• set a fairer price;
• identify repairs to make before the sale;
• answer buyers’ questions more easily; and
• speed up negotiations.

Some buyers will want to do their own inspection. This is part of the process and can contribute to a more transparent transaction.

Make the repairs that are worth it

Before selling your vehicle, fix obvious, low-cost, or safety-related issues that could put buyers off, such as:

• a cracked windshield;
• worn wiper blades;
• a burnt-out bulb;
• severely worn tires; or
• an illuminated warning light.

If there are known issues remaining, mention them and set your starting price accordingly, leaving room for negotiation.

Clean the vehicle before photos and viewings

It’s a proven fact: a clean car sells faster and for more money than one that looks neglected. Some specialized detailing shops offer reconditioning packages (car staging), but you can also do the work yourself. To prepare your car for sale, consider:

• vacuuming throughout (including the trunk!);
• doing a thorough interior and exterior wash (in French only);
• cleaning the rims; and
• touching up the paint as needed.

How to determine the sale price of your car

Setting the right price is often the hardest step when selling a used vehicle. To arrive at a realistic value, take into account:

• the odometer reading;
• the mechanical and cosmetic condition;
• the year and model;
• the transmission (manual or automatic);
• included features and equipment;
• the maintenance history;
• recent repairs; and
• demand for that type of vehicle.

Then compare your car with similar models listed on reputable used vehicle listing sites, such as AutoTrader, Otogo, Marketplace, or Kijiji.

Good to know: CAA-Quebec’s Mobility Advisory Services can help you estimate the fair market value of your vehicle using the “list price.”

How do I know if my vehicle has high mileage?

The average Quebec driver covers 16,000 to 20,000km per year. A 5-year-old car should therefore show approximately 100,000km. This average can also help you set a realistic price.

How to write an effective used car listing

A complete listing builds trust and generally generates more serious inquiries.

Your description should include:

• the odometer reading (the first filter buyers use);
• the maintenance history (proves the vehicle has been well cared for);
• major and recent repairs;
• the presence of winter tires;
• rust-proofing treatments;
• modifications or special accessories (rims, etc.);
• the accident history; and
• a CARFAX report, if available.

Add several recent, good-quality photos: exterior from different angles, interior, dashboard, odometer, trunk, tires, and engine compartment.

What are the safest payment methods?

To limit the risk of fraud in a private sale, opt for a certified cheque, cash, or Interac e-Transfer. Avoid personal cheques.

Make sure you have received the funds before completing the transfer of ownership of the vehicle.

Why write a bill of sale?

Even though a vehicle bill of sale is not mandatory between private parties in Quebec, it is strongly recommended. In the event of a dispute, the contract can protect both the seller and the buyer.

The car bill of sale should include:

• the contact information of both parties;
• a complete description of the vehicle (make, model year);
• the vehicle identification number (VIN);
• the odometer reading;
• additional equipment (fitted floor mats, second set of tires and rims, etc.);
• the sale price and deposit amount, if applicable;
• the date of the transaction;
• the payment terms;
• known issues;
• warranties, if applicable;
• whether the vehicle has been in an accident or not;
• a mention of sale without legal warranty, if applicable; and
• the terms of possession.

Tip: Protect your transaction. Ask for a non-refundable deposit, in case the buyer changes their mind.

Is it safe to let a buyer take a test drive?

Yes, but it’s best to take certain precautions. Take a photo of their valid driver’s licence and make sure you have a quick way to reach them again. You can also ask for a deposit or a valuable item before handing over the keys.

A test drive is almost always part of the process of selling a used car. CAA-Quebec strongly recommends accompanying the potential buyer during the test drive. This allows you to:

• answer their questions;
• reduce the risk of theft; and
• be present to witness the circumstances in the event of an incident.

A test drive of approximately 15 to 20 minutes on different types of roads is generally sufficient to properly evaluate the vehicle.

Can you sell a car without a legal warranty?

Yes. A person can sell a vehicle “without legal warranty, at the buyer’s own risk.” The warranty of quality, governed by the Consumer Protection Act, does not apply between private individuals.

What are your obligations regarding accidents?

A significant undisclosed accident can lead to latent defect claims after the sale. If past damage affects the safety, structure, or functioning of the vehicle, the buyer could even attempt to cancel the sale or claim compensation.

Tip: Disclose all known incidents involving the vehicle, even those that occurred before you became the owner.

Beware of fraud when selling a motor vehicle

Some scams target private sellers of used vehicles, particularly in remote sales.

Watch out for:

• buyers who immediately accept the asking purchase price without asking any questions;
• unusual payment requests;
• counterfeit bank drafts; and
• requests for personal banking information.

Never share your banking information with a potential buyer.

How to transfer ownership of the vehicle

In Quebec, the transfer of ownership can be completed online via SAAQclic if both parties are registered on the platform.

The transfer requires:

• the sale price;
• the vehicle information; and
• the buyer’s driver’s licence number.

The buyer will have 48 hours to accept the transfer and pay the QST and applicable fees to register the vehicle. You can choose to keep your licence plate for a future vehicle or transfer it to the buyer.

Important: Make sure the transfer is completed before letting the car go. As long as the vehicle remains in your name, you could be held responsible for certain infractions or fees related to its use.

If you or the buyer cannot use SAAQclic, visit a CAA-Quebec Registration Centre or a SAAQ service centre to complete your transaction. In all cases, avoid signing a power of attorney for the buyer to complete the transfer on your behalf.

Registration will be automatically cancelled following the transfer with the SAAQ. A refund may be issued for the remaining months.

How does tax work when selling a used vehicle?

At the time of the vehicle registration transfer, the buyer must pay the Quebec Sales Tax (QST) to the SAAQ. The tax is calculated based on the higher of:

• the declared sale price; and
• the SAAQ’s estimated vehicle value (minimum taxable value), minus $500.

Do you need to cancel your car insurance after the sale?

Yes. Once the transfer of ownership is complete, contact your auto insurance company to notify them of the sale of your vehicle. It may sometimes be more advantageous to transfer your insurance policy rather than cancelling it entirely.