Quebec, with its unique cultural blend and vibrant cities, is not just known for its picturesque landscapes and French heritage, but also for its distinctive regulations when it comes to buying and selling cars. If you find yourself in the process of selling or buying a car in Quebec, Autozen is here to guide you through the intricate process. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the various aspects of selling a car privately in the Quebec automotive market.
Steps to Selling a Car Privately In Quebec
Before you actually list your car for sale in Quebec, take the time to get everything ready to ensure a smooth sale.
Do Your Research
Check out online listings for makes and models similar to your car. That way, you can get an idea of what price you can expect to get for your own vehicle when you list it for sale. Also note how long similar cars are listed, so that you can get a sense for how long it may take your own car to sell.
Talk to Dealers
As well, visit local used car dealers to see what their inventory looks like. Even though you’re not buying, it’s a good way to get the buyer’s perspective on what’s available in your area. It also wouldn’t hurt to talk to dealers to see what they can offer you for your used car. While you may get a lower price when selling to a dealer, a guaranteed quick sale may be more appealing than waiting for a private buyer to come through. You could get quick cash the same day from a dealer, while your private sale could take weeks to materialize.
Get Your Paperwork Ready
Quebec does not require much in the way of documentation when selling a car privately. Even a bill of sale is optional, although highly recommended.
However, put yourself in the position of a buyer looking to purchase a car from a private seller. Wouldn’t you want more than just a proof of ownership when making a decision to spend thousands of dollars? To reassure buyers that your car is a good investment, consider getting a safety certificate to certify that it’s in good shape, as well as a Carfax report that will give a complete vehicle history and report any liens on the car.
Add any warranties and maintenance records that you’ve got so that buyers will see that your car has been taken care of over the time you’ve owned it.
Prepare Your Car
If you do get a safety inspection, any necessary repairs will be flagged by the mechanic, and should be taken care of before selling. Otherwise, buyers will use those issues to negotiate a lower price. Replace old tires, worn brakes, and noisy exhausts, as well as chipped or cracked windshields.
Even if you’ve kept your car in good condition, spend some time making it look its very best before putting it up for sale. Vacuum and shampoo the interior, and polish up the vinyl with a quality protectant. On the exterior, once you’ve had scratches and dents repaired by a body shop, wash and polish your car so it looks its best. Now your car is ready to impress buyers! Take lots of good pictures to use in your ads before it gets dirty again.
List Your Car for Sale
There are many good online platforms where you can list your car for free, including AutoTrader, Kijiji, and Facebook Marketplace. Take the time to write an ad that makes your car as appealing as possible while not exaggerating its features. Set a price that is in line with similar makes, models, and year as yours. Upload as many pictures as you can so that buyers get a good look at it. Post it to multiple sites to cast the widest possible net.
Work with Buyers
When you start hearing back from interested buyers, respond promptly and answer their questions courteously. If someone expresses an interest in seeing the car, set up a meeting in a public location and go with them for a test drive.
Negotiate a Fair Price
Know how low you’re willing to go, and set your initial price a bit higher so that you have room to negotiate. Don’t be afraid to walk away if you feel that the buyer is trying to take advantage of you.
Finish the Transaction
In Quebec, a bill of sale is not required, but is highly recommended. You can download a template from various online sources and print out two copies, one for you and one for the buyer. Insist on payment by certified check, cash, or eTransfer to ensure that you have received the funds before completing the sale.
Both the buyer and the seller need to complete the 'Declaration of Transaction' form, which is available through the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). Both parties must create a SAAQclic account and go to a SAAQ Service Outlet to complete the transaction by showing official photo ID and recording the odometer reading. If you cannot attend in person, your proxy must provide a Power of Attorney completed by you.
