Selling Your Used Car in Ontario: How To Do It Right

Selling a used car is not easy for everyone. To get the best price, ensure a smooth sale, and comply with provincial regulations, some planning and preparation are crucial. Between pricing your vehicle competitively, navigating online platforms, and dealing with paperwork, the process can feel overwhelming.

However, you may decide it is a good time to selling your used car in Ontario because your family is growing, or you may want to reward yourself with a new vehicle because you recently accomplished a new goal. Whatever the reason, here are some tips to help you in selling your used car in Ontario with confidence. This blog will walk you through the process of selling your used car in Ontario, from calculating its value to completing the paperwork.

Expert Tips to Increase Your Used Car Trade-In Value

Selling Your Used Car in Ontario: How To Do It Right

Setting the Right Price

Determining the worth of your car is an important first step if you are selling your used car in Ontario privately. Setting a fair price for your used car is key to a successful transaction. If you set the price too high, you may lose potential purchasers, yet if you undervalue, you will not get as much as you wish to put toward your next vehicle.

This is when tools like the Canadian Black Book (CBB) come in handy. Use credible resources such as the Canadian Black Book and CARFAX Value Range Estimator. These platforms offer market value ranges based on your vehicle’s make, model, year, and overall condition. Simply enter your vehicle’s information on their website to find the average asking price for similar vehicles in your area. Remember, the asking price is only a starting point; most buyers will try to negotiate.

It’s also vital to understand that your vehicle’s worth is determined by a variety of factors; including its history, condition, and odometer reading. You might want to do some research and see what similar vehicles in your area have sold for. You can use the average to estimate the market value of your vehicle. Then include any additional features or history that may affect the value of your vehicle.

What Is My Car Worth — Selling Your Used Car in Ontario: How To Do It Right

Selling Your Car Privately or To A Dealer

Once you’ve determined a fair asking price, it’s time to showcase your car to potential buyers. There are two options you might consider, each with its advantages and drawbacks:

If you trade in your car with a dealer, you may not receive as much as if you sold it privately. Typically, the trade-in value is lower than the price of a comparable vehicle advertised for sale. However, trading in your car is a simple process because the dealer will handle all of the paperwork and repair any dents or scratches.

When selling your car privately, you may typically sell used cars for more than the trade-in value. As a result, you have to dedicate time to connecting with potential buyers, addressing vehicle-related queries, and taking people on test drives. You may even need to spend more money on detailing, reconditioning, listing, and marketing.

This is not a simple decision, but you may weigh the options and decide which one works best for you. While you can sell your used car through websites such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Kijiji, these networks provide free listings, reaching a large number of potential purchasers. Keep in mind that listing your used car on these platforms has the risk of being scammed by fraudulent buyers. Therefore, you have to take extreme caution when verifying their identity and protecting your own. While paid platforms provide better organization and features such as vehicle history reports, which attract more serious buyers, be prepared to pay listing fees and face intense competition from other sellers.

For a hassle-free experience, consider YST Auto Sales, your trusted used car dealer. Selling with YST Auto Sales is quick and easy. Simply visit our Sell Your Car page and enter your car’s details to get an instant cash offer within minutes.

Unlike selling privately through online marketplaces, YST Auto Sales eliminates listing fees and time-wasting negotiations and skips the hassle of meeting buyers. You will receive a transparent cash offer upfront. YST Auto Sales offers pick-up right at your door or a convenient drop-off location.

If you’re looking to upgrade, use your old car as a trade-in for a new one from our extensive selection. YST Auto Sales will even handle the simultaneous pick-up and drop-off for both vehicles. This also saves your valuable time and saves more on your new car—a win-win!

Preparing Your Car for Sale

Selling a car can be a rewarding experience, but it requires proper preparation to ensure you get the best price and attract serious buyers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your car for sale:

Get Your Car Certified

In Ontario, a vehicle should be verified to meet safety standards (if required): Safety Standards Certificate.

If your vehicle passes an inspection at any MTO-licensed inspection station in Ontario, you will be given a certificate. Without a valid safety certificate, car buyers have no idea if the vehicle requires any repairs, and they may be unable to drive it as soon as the purchase is completed. It may have an impact on the sale price because purchasers are usually ready to pay a lower price to give themselves some buffers in case repairs are required.

Required Paperwork

When you sell your vehicle, you must provide the buyer:

the Used Vehicle Information Package
the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
a valid car title
a signed bill of sale with your name, the buyer’s name and address, the date and purchase price
a completed and signed Application for Transfer

The document to keep:

your license plates
the “plate portion” of your permit (ownership)

You will need this to register your plates on your next car. You may also request a refund for any remaining months on your plate stickers.

To maximize your sale price, prepare additional papers:

Your service records. Provide potential purchasers with as much service history as possible to demonstrate how well the vehicle has been cared for:
A vehicle history report (VHR) discloses information about the vehicle’s history, including registration history, accident history, unresolved safety recalls, lien status, and more.

All of this information gives car buyers peace of mind that they are purchasing a quality vehicle while also demonstrating that you have nothing to hide. As a result, potential purchasers are more likely to offer a higher price for it.

Have Your Car Detailed

A clean car is an attractive car. A thorough car wash can significantly enhance its visual appeal. If any minor repairs or maintenance are required, you should also complete them before listing your vehicle for sale. Consider a professional detail that costs several hundred dollars. This investment has the potential to result in a much higher selling price, depending on the car and market competition.

By following these steps and considering the different selling options, you can confidently navigate the process of selling your used car in Ontario. For a truly stress-free experience, consider YST Auto Sales. We’ll handle the paperwork and ensure you get a fair market price for your vehicle. With YST Auto Sales, selling your car is as easy as a few clicks. Simply visit our Sell Your Car page and enter your car’s details to get an instant cash offer within minutes.

Get an instant cash offer now!

Expert Tips to Increase Your Used Car Trade-In Value

Selling Your Used Car in Ontario: How To Do It Right