Buying a new vehicle checklist

A new car is one of the biggest purchases an individual makes and should not be taken lightly. Be informed about how to buy a vehicle and how to protect yourself. Use this checklist as a guide to the new vehicle buying process:

  • Gather general new vehicle buying information. Visit Consumer Reports to start gathering information about new cars.
  • Decide what type of vehicle meets your needs and obtain pricing information. Determine what your needs are by visiting the provincial government’s In the Driver’s Seat site.
  • Set a budget – what can you afford? Consumer Reports offers a finance calculator to make it a bit easier to gauge. Factor in insurance, registration, maintenance and operating costs into your budget.
  • Visit dealerships.
  • Research to help narrow down your choices. Compare like vehicles and weigh their options, pricing, benefits and drawbacks.
  • Check out the vehicle’s crashworthiness. Visit the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s websites to view vehicle crash ratings.
  • Research a vehicle’s reliability.
  • Learn about a vehicle’s fuel efficiency by searching the government of Canada's comprehensive research tool. 
  • Start your reliability research by checking the Consumer Reports website. The site provides comprehensive information about new and used vehicles There’s also information on reliability ratings, owner satisfaction and chat forums for vehicle owners to share their opinions.
  • Take the vehicle for a test drive to assess its compatibility with your needs. Use this Consumer Reports' checklist to guide you through the process.
  • Negotiate terms (price, interest rate, etc.). Make sure you get everything, including promises made by a dealership, in writing.
  • Be familiar with your rights and responsibilities when leaving a deposit and signing a bill of sale or offer to purchase.  
  • Be familiar with all costs associated with the purchase (taxes, pre-delivery inspection, freight charges).  
  • Read and understand the contract completely before signing.
  • Inspect the vehicle before taking delivery to ensure it’s satisfactory. If there are defects you’re not happy with, don’t take delivery of the vehicle. If the dealer makes any promises, make sure you get them in writing.
  • Know the extra fees you don’t have to pay when buying a new car, like administration fees, documentation fees, window etching, rust proofing, and paint and fabric protection.
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