Introduction
In the past, selling a car involved meeting potential buyers in person, showing them the vehicle, and completing the sale in person. Thanks to better technology and flexible options, remote car sales are quickly gaining popularity in Ontario. With good technology, clear-to-understand paperwork, and trusted partners, you can sell your car from anywhere in the province without meeting the buyers. In this blog, we will walk you through each step.
You will find out how to list your car, how to deal with virtual inspections, how to conduct safe payments, how to transfer ownership, and more. Whether you are moving to another city, too busy to meet in person or just want a contactless and more seamless sale, we have you covered. Let’s get started.
Why Sell a Car Remotely?
Remote car sales are about convenience and flexibility. You can sell your car whenever you like without having to alter your plans or meet many new people. It can be a big time and hassle saver for Ontario locals living in places like Toronto, Ottawa, London, or small towns. You can utilize high-quality images and video, potentially getting more buyers to review your listing.
If you are far away from your buyers, like if you lived in Sudbury and the buyer lived in Niagara, remote selling is a great alternative for bridging that distance. Remote selling can benefit any private seller, as well as businesses with potential services like scrap removal or trade-ins. Remote selling lets you complete the entire process from home without meetups or schedule changes.
Prepare Your Car for Virtual Listings
Even without seeing the car in person, buyers expect a high-quality listing. Here is how to get the listing done:
- Clean the car both inside and out: A clean car shows that you are respectful of your vehicle, and this gives buyers confidence to trust your listing.
- Take high-quality photos: Use natural daylight and shoot outdoors when possible. Capture multiple angles – front, back, sides, interior, and odometer.
- Do a walkaround video of the vehicle: Show the doors opening, access to the trunk, the layout of the interior, and the engine starting. Confirm any small dings or cosmetic blemishes verbally on the video.
- Collect documents: In Ontario, you must have the vehicle permit (ownership), a safety standards certificate (if one is applicable), and maintenance documents. Works great if they are scanned copies, especially in remote transactions.
Choose the Right Online Platform
If you want to sell your car online, there are several websites and apps in Ontario for sellers to reach buyers virtually.
- AutoTrader.ca: A well-known national site that reaches thousands of buyers.
- CarGurus.ca: Useful for private seller listings and provides price analysis tools for sellers.
- Facebook Marketplace: Easy to use, but requires personal chat with potential buyers.
- Kijiji Autos: Known by most Canadians.
- Carvana, Clutch, or Instacar: Direct buyouts where they pick up the car and finalize the transaction remotely online.
Write a Clear and Honest Listing
Now that you have selected a platform, it is time to create your listing.
- Title: Include year, make, and model. Example: ‘2014 Honda Civic LX – Great Condition, Low KM.
- Description: Include key details (transmission, fuel type, mileage, maintenance history). Highlight the features you like, but be transparent about the vehicle’s age or condition. When people buy used cars, they appreciate transparency.
- Video and Photos: Upload the videos and photos you captured. You can include as much detail as you want, for example: “Driver-side rear door dent shown.”
- Price: Check similar vehicles in Ontario on the platform you are using; the new price is just above the minimum you are willing to accept, so as to leave room for negotiation.
Handling Remote Buyer Inquiries
People could be getting in touch with you through classifieds & sites, email, and phone. Here is how to make it simple:
- Be responsive to potential buyers: If they ask for details on mileage, accidents or history, respond quickly.
- Offer to send more videos or provide a video call: Something like FaceTime, WhatsApp, or Zoom can live inspect the car.
- Patiently but firmly set rules & boundaries: Don’t give potential buyers your home address early on for safety reasons. Always meet in a neutral public location for the final transaction, even though the processes are remote.
Conduct a Remote Vehicle Inspection
Ontario Buyers may still want to inspect the car physically. Here are a few options you can arrange:
- Mobile inspection services: These companies will come to your location, inspect the car and write a report electronically, and share it with your potential buyer.
- Third-party garages: If you’re near a service center, let them do a mechanical inspection and share the report.
- Live video Inspection: Walk around the car while on video. Show engine start-up, fluid levels, tire tread, and undercarriage. Buyers can ask for close-ups on anything.
Handle Remote Test Drives
Test drives are optional; however, if the buyer requests a test drive:
- Arrange to have them pick up the car, or ask for an escrow deposit.
- You can either drop the car off and pick it up, or you can meet at a neutral location.
- You should always check the buyer’s driver’s license, and let someone know where you are going.
Secure Safe Payment Methods
- Bank Draft: A bank draft is verified by you or your bank before you hand over the keys or title (most banks in Ontario except them).
- e-Transfer: e-Transfers, like Interac e-Transfer, are quick and easy, but don’t be surprised if there are limits. For larger dollar amounts, it is always better to have confirmation of a transfer (e.g., email or screenshot).
- Escrow Service: There are a lot of platforms that offer escrow services for private sales remotely (e.g., Halos, Palmerston or others). The benefit is that there is some assurance that the funds will only be released after the documents have been signed.
Ownership Transfer and License Plate Return
- Transfer of ownership: You will complete the back of the vehicle permit by filling in the buyer’s name, signature, sale price and date. He/she takes it to ServiceOntario to receive a new permit in their name.
- License plates: In Ontario, the plates stay with the owner of the plates, even if they are placed on a different vehicle. You must remove the plates before selling a vehicle.
Bill of sale: Not required; however, it’s a good idea. A Bill of Sale includes the buyer’s name, seller’s name, date, price, VIN and signatures from both parties. - Safety Standards Certificate: Required only if the buyer intends to register the vehicle in their name. It is good practice to obtain a Safety Standards Certificate prior to listing the vehicle for sale.
- Cancelling insurance: As soon as possible after the sale (and dropping off the plates) you should cancel the vehicle insurance policy or transfer the policy to your new vehicle.
Keep Clear Records
After the sale is complete:
- Retain a copy of the Bill of Sale.
- Get proof of payment. Retain any inspection reports, safety certificates, and correspondence.
The above records will protect you if an issue arises later or for your own tax records.
Selling a Scrap or Old Car Long-Distance
If your car is unroadworthy or you simply wish to scrap the car, selling it long-distance works too.
- Contact a genuine scrap car removal company.
- They will provide a fair quote based on your car’s condition.
- Their team will arrange for free towing from your location.
- They help you with the transfer of ownership and plate cancellation.
- They pay fast, often on the spot or via email transfer.
Final Thoughts
Selling a car remotely in Ontario can be convenient, safe, and easy if done correctly. Everything from writing a clear listing to receiving payments to the legal aspects can all happen from the comfort of your own home. As always, remember to choose trustworthy selling platforms, use safe payment methods, and ensure proper ownership transfers. If the goal is to scrap a car or you need a no-fuss way to dispose of an unwanted car, look no further than Greenway Auto Recycling.
We offer trusted scrap car removal services throughout Ontario and will provide support on things like license plate returns and make the paperwork easy. Greenway Auto Recycling is your best bet for a clean, honest, and easy remote sale.
