Legal Checks to Do Before Buying a Used Car

24
July
2025

Skipping a few simple legal checks can lead to major headaches when you’re buying a used vehicle. It’s not just about finding the right car for you – it’s very important to be sure that the vehicle is legally safe to buy.

From checking ownership to confirming there’s no debt tied to the car, here are a few legal checks to do before buying a used car to protect yourself before making it official.

Why Used Car Legal Checks Are So Important

A car can look great and run smoothly, and still come with baggage. That could mean a lien from an unpaid loan, tampered documents, or even a vehicle that was stolen or written off as a total loss.

Doing a used car legal check gives you peace of mind. It’s your way of making sure the car you’re buying is actually the seller’s to sell, and that what looks like a smart investment won’t come back to haunt you later.

How to Do A Proper Car Title Check

Start by confirming that the person selling the car actually owns it. This is done through a car title check, which verifies who holds legal ownership of the vehicle and whether the title is clean, rebuilt, or salvaged.

Ask to see the ownership document (also called a registration or title, depending on your area). Make sure the name matches the seller’s ID and that there are no signs of alteration. A seller who can’t provide this document or dodges the question should set off red flags when buying a used car.

How to Run A Car Lien Check

A car lien check tells you if someone still owes money on the vehicle, usually from a previous auto loan or lease. If a lien exists and the debt isn’t paid, the lender could repossess the car, even after you’ve bought it.

You can run a lien check through your province’s Personal Property Security Registry (PPSR or PPSA). All you need is the VIN. Some services charge a small fee, but it’s worth it to protect yourself from a huge financial risk.

At Race Auto Group, our vehicles are always clear of liens, and we make that documentation available upfront.

What The VIN Can Tell You And Why It Matters

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-character code stamped on every vehicle. Think of it like a fingerprint – it’s unique to that car and tells you a lot about its history.

Here’s what to do:

  1. Make sure the VIN on the car matches the VIN on the ownership and insurance paperwork
  2. Use online tools to check the VIN’s history report, including recalls, accidents, and previous use
  3. Inspect the VIN physically on the car – on the dashboard, door frame, or engine – and look for signs it’s been tampered with

If the numbers don’t match or you can’t find the VIN where it should be, that’s a sign to stop the sale.

More Used Car Legal Tips To Stay Protected

A few extra steps can go a long way in protecting yourself legally. Here are some more used car legal tips every buyer should follow:

  • Get a bill of sale: Always document the transaction in writing.
  • Request a Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP): In some provinces, it’s mandatory and full of key details.
  • Avoid cash-only deals: If there’s no paper trail, there’s no protection.
  • Verify seller ID: The name on their ID should match the name on the title.
  • Don’t skip inspections: Mechanical issues may not be legal red flags, but they’re still part of a smart purchase.

Buying from a dealership like Race Auto Group helps take a lot of this off your plate. Besides ensuring your car is road-ready, we handle all of the paperwork, lien checks, and ownership transfers for you so you can drive off the lot confident in your decision.

Stay Safe, Buy Smart

A used car can be a great investment, but only if you do your homework. Used vehicle legal checks protect you from costly mistakes and give you confidence in your purchase.

If you want a vehicle that’s already cleared, verified, and ready to drive, Race Auto Group is here to help. Browse our fully vetted used cars for sale or contact us for expert advice.