Protect your new-to-you car

Choosing between buying a brand new or pre-owned vehicle can be a tough decision. There are pros and cons to both options.

A shiny new car comes with a warranty, but it also comes with a hefty sticker price. A pre-owned vehicle, on the other hand, won’t be as hard on your wallet, but it most likely will not come with a warranty and you never know what may be in store. However, when purchased wisely, a used car can be equally as reliable as a new vehicle.

No matter what kind of car you are in the market for, the key is to do some legwork.

• Do your homework
  Research vehicles that fit into your financial plan – Automobile consumer information and publications like Consumer Reports can be found online.
  
  
• Buyer beware
  If you are buying a used vehicle, even if it’s from a car dealership, find out if the car has had extensive damage, if it’s been stolen or if there’s a lien on it. You can do a lien search at any Driver Services Centre, you can request a Vehicle History Report through ICBC, or you can contact the Canada Search & Registry Corp. for a report on the vehicle’s history. Though there is a charge for these reports, it’s a small price to pay to be in-the-know about your purchase.
  
  

  BCAA is now offering member discounted lien and accident searches packages through Canada Search and Registry Corp. Call us at 604 298-2755 or 1-888-879-5436.

• Have the vehicle inspected
  Drive away with peace-of-mind knowing your pre-owned car has been inspected by BCAA’s Vehicle Inspection Service or by any licensed mechanic.
  
  
• If you are thinking of heading south to buy your new car, there are a number of steps you must take and documentation that is required. For more information, pick up a “How to Import a vehicle into Canada” brochure at your local BCAA office or any licensed Autoplan broker. Read article about importing from the U.S.

After you have found your new wheels, you will want to protect them by making sure you are adequately insured. Talk to your insurance agent who can take care of the coverage for your new car whether you buy it privately or at a dealership.

Keep in mind that when you buy a vehicle, you can drive it for up to 10 days from the date of purchase using your valid BC plates from your old vehicle (provided that the old one has been sold or disposed of prior to attaching the plates to the new one). During this time the coverage on your new car will be limited to that which you carried on your old car.

Within 10 days of the purchase of a vehicle, you will need to carry:

the transfer form for the new vehicle

the original Owner’s Certificate of Insurance for your old vehicle

the seller’s original Certificate of Registration for the purchased vehicle and proof that you have sold or disposed of your old vehicle.

Keep in mind that all transfers of vehicle ownership must be registered within 10 days of purchase. This can be done at your local BCAA office or any licensed Autoplan broker.