Selling a Used Car in Ontario: How To Get It Right

Selling a car in Ontario takes more than snapping a few photos and posting an online ad. From setting a competitive price and preparing the right documents to meeting buyers safely and finalizing payment, there’s a lot to consider. Especially if you want a quick, secure, and fair sale.

This guide walks you through every step of the process, including how to price your car, where to list it, what paperwork you’ll need, and how to protect yourself from common scams. Whether you’re planning to handle the sale privately or you’d rather skip the hassle altogether, we’ll show you exactly how to get it done.

We’ll also cover a faster, simpler alternative to private sales — one that lets you avoid tire kickers, no-shows, and lowball offers entirely. Let’s get started.

Determining Your Car’s Value

Before listing your vehicle, it’s essential to set a price that reflects its true market value. Price it too high, and you’ll scare off buyers; too low, and you risk losing money. The goal is to strike the right balance — competitive, but realistic.

The best way to start is by using online valuation tools designed for Canadian sellers. Clutch’s Car Value Calculator provides an instant estimate based on live market data, considering your car’s make, model, year, mileage, and condition. You can also compare with CARFAX Canada’s Vehicle Valuation Tool or Canadian Black Book to see how your estimate aligns with national averages.

Once you’ve gathered a few estimates, check how similar vehicles are priced on AutoTrader, Kijiji, and Facebook Marketplace. Look at listings in your region — a 2020 Honda Civic in Toronto may sell for more than the same model in Moncton due to demand differences.

Pro tip: Set your asking price slightly above your minimum acceptable amount. Most buyers will negotiate, and this gives you room to meet them in the middle without underselling your vehicle.

If you’d rather skip the pricing guesswork and back-and-forth negotiations, Clutch’s Sell or Trade service gives you a fair, data-backed offer in minutes — no listings, no test drives, and no surprises.

Preparing Your Car for Sale

Once you’ve set a fair asking price, the next step is to make your vehicle look its best. A clean, well-maintained car not only attracts more buyers but can also help you secure a higher selling price.

Clean and Detail Your Vehicle

First impressions matter. Give your car a full clean inside and out before listing it.

• Vacuum the seats, floor mats, and trunk — don’t forget under the seats.
• Wipe down the dashboard, center console, and door panels.
• Wash and wax the exterior to make the paint shine.
• Clean windows, mirrors, and headlights for a spotless finish.

A tidy, cared-for car signals to buyers that you’ve maintained it well, which often translates into higher offers.

Fix Minor Issues (Without Overspending)

You don’t need to spend hundreds on repairs, but addressing small issues can make a big difference. A simple tune-up can boost buyer confidence:

• Replace burnt-out bulbs.
• Touch up small scratches or scuffs.
• Check and top up essential fluids (oil, coolant, washer fluid).
• Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have adequate tread.

Avoid expensive repairs unless they’re critical for safety. Most buyers prefer to handle larger fixes themselves or negotiate the price accordingly.

Obtain a Safety Standards Certificate (SSC)

In Ontario, a Safety Standards Certificate (SSC) is required to transfer ownership unless you’re selling the vehicle as-is. You can get one from any Ministry of Transportation (MTO)-licensed inspection station. The certificate is valid for 36 days and shows that the car meets Ontario’s minimum safety standards.

Having an SSC makes your listing more appealing, as buyers see it as a sign the vehicle is roadworthy. If your car doesn’t pass inspection, you can still sell it as-is — just be sure to disclose that it needs work before registration.

If you’re selling to Clutch, you can skip this step entirely. Clutch handles the safety inspection process for you.

Take High-Quality Photos

Good photos help your listing stand out and attract serious buyers. Here’s how to get it right:

• Photograph your car during daylight hours (morning or late afternoon light works best).
• Capture multiple angles. Front, back, sides, interior, dashboard, and odometer.
• Highlight desirable features like heated seats, sunroof, or touchscreen display.
• Be transparent: include photos of any scratches or dents to build trust.

If possible, add a short video walkaround. Many platforms now support video uploads, and they give buyers a more complete look at your car.

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Where to List Your Car for Sale

Once your car is clean, photographed, and ready to go, it’s time to put it in front of buyers. Ontario offers plenty of ways to list your used car — from online marketplaces to word of mouth — and the best option depends on your timeline, comfort level, and price expectations.

Free Online Marketplaces

Free listing sites like Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, and AutoTrader remain some of the most popular places to sell your car privately. They reach a wide audience and don’t require upfront fees.

Pros:

• Access to thousands of potential buyers.
• Easy to post, edit, and share listings.
• No cost to get started.

Cons:

• Expect a mix of serious and non-serious inquiries.
• Scams and lowball offers are common.
• Requires ongoing communication and coordination.

Pro tip: Write a detailed, transparent description and respond quickly. Listings that show active engagement tend to attract more serious buyers.

Paid Online Listings

If you want to reach a more qualified audience, paid listings on platforms like AutoTrader and Kijiji can help. These typically include premium placement, detailed vehicle history reports, and better visibility among active buyers.

Pros:

• Attracts more serious, pre-qualified buyers.
• Builds trust with verified vehicle history reports.
• Increases visibility in search results.

Cons:

• Requires a small fee to list.
• Still takes time and effort to close a sale.
• Competitive market, especially for popular models.

Paid listings are often worth it for higher-value vehicles or when you want a quicker sale without dealing with too many casual inquiries.

“For Sale” Signs and Community Boards

If you prefer to keep things local, consider the old-school route — a “For Sale” sign in your car window or posting on community bulletin boards at grocery stores or local businesses.

Pros:

• Simple and low-effort.
• Great for finding nearby buyers.
• No need for online messaging.

Cons:

• Limited exposure.
• May take longer to find a buyer.
• Some municipalities restrict roadside sales.

This method works best if your car is parked in a high-traffic area or you’re selling an affordable vehicle that appeals to local buyers.

Word of Mouth and Social Media

Sometimes, your best buyer is someone you already know. Spread the word through friends, family, and local Facebook groups to find a buyer who’s closer to home.

Pros:

• Builds trust and simplifies the transaction.
• No listing fees or marketplace risks.
• Often leads to faster sales.

Cons:

• Smaller pool of potential buyers.
• May take longer if no one in your network is in the market.

Sharing your listing across personal networks is especially useful if you’re selling a reliable, well-maintained vehicle that people can vouch for — word-of-mouth referrals can carry real weight.

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Handling Potential Buyers & Test Drives

Once your listing is live, the next phase begins — interacting with potential buyers. This stage can be unpredictable, but with a clear plan, you can filter out time-wasters, stay safe, and keep the sale moving smoothly.

Screening Potential Buyers

Not everyone who messages you is ready to buy. Some are browsing, others are bargain-hunting, and a few may have questionable intentions. Before you agree to meet, ask a few quick questions to gauge seriousness:

• Are you ready to buy soon?
• Do you have financing or funds arranged?
• Would you like to schedule a test drive?

Buyers who dodge these questions or make unrealistic offers early on are often not serious. If someone insists on sending payment before seeing the car or refuses to meet in person, treat it as a red flag for potential scams.

Meeting Buyers Safely

Always meet in a public, well-lit location rather than at home. The safest spots include:

• Police station parking lots (many now have “safe exchange zones”).
• Busy shopping centre parking lots or gas stations.
• Public areas with security cameras.

Avoid secluded places and nighttime meetups whenever possible. If you can, bring a friend or family member along.

Test Drive Safety

If a buyer wants to test drive your car, take precautions to protect yourself and your vehicle:

1. Check ID first. Always ask to see a valid Ontario driver’s licence before handing over the keys.
2. Join the drive. Ride along to answer questions and make sure the car is returned safely.
3. Plan the route. Choose a short route that includes both city and highway driving.
4. Limit passengers. Avoid large groups — extra people can be distracting.

If a buyer insists on driving alone, you can request a refundable cash deposit before the test.

Handling Offers and Negotiations

Even if your price is fair, expect negotiation — it’s part of the process. The key is to stay calm and professional:

• If an offer is close, meet the buyer halfway.
• If it’s too low, counter respectfully and hold your ground.
• If someone tries to lowball aggressively, politely decline and move on.

A smart strategy is to price your car slightly above your minimum so you have room to negotiate while still landing on your target sale price. Once you agree, secure a deposit (if applicable) and move on to finalizing the paperwork.

Finalizing the Sale & Required Paperwork

Once you’ve agreed on a price with a serious buyer, it’s time to wrap things up properly. In Ontario, selling a car requires a few specific documents to legally transfer ownership. Having these ready in advance keeps the process smooth and protects both you and the buyer.

Documents Needed to Sell a Car in Ontario

Before handing over the keys, make sure you have the following:

1. Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP)

A UVIP is legally required for private car sales in Ontario. It includes:

• The vehicle’s registration history.
• Any liens (outstanding debts tied to the car).
• The average wholesale value (used for tax calculation).
• Instructions for ownership transfer.
  
  

You can order a UVIP through ServiceOntario online or in person for $20. If ordered online, it usually arrives by email within a few business days.

2. Bill of Sale

The bill of sale records the transaction between you and the buyer. You can use the template included in the UVIP or create your own. It must include:

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
• Make, model, year, and body type.
• Sale price (including tax, if applicable).
• Buyer and seller names and addresses.
• Date of sale.
• Signatures from both parties.

3. Safety Standards Certificate (SSC)

If the buyer wants to register the vehicle in their name, they’ll need a Safety Standards Certificate from an MTO-licensed inspection station.

• Cost: between $80 and $125.
• Valid for 36 days after issue.

If the car fails inspection, necessary repairs must be completed before certification. You can still sell a vehicle as-is, but the buyer must be informed that it isn’t roadworthy until certified.

4. Vehicle Ownership Permit (Green Ownership Paper)

The ownership permit includes a “Transfer of Ownership” section on the back. Fill it out, sign it, and give it to the buyer.

Keep the plate portion for yourself — licence plates stay with the seller, not the car.

5. CARFAX Canada Report (Optional but Recommended)

While not mandatory, providing a CARFAX Vehicle History Report helps buyers trust the sale. It shows:

• Any accident or damage history.
• Outstanding liens.
• Previous ownership records.

Offering a CARFAX report can speed up negotiations and make buyers more confident in paying your asking price.

Collecting Payment Safely

Private sales don’t come with the same protections as dealerships, so payment security is critical. Stick to verified methods like:

• Certified cheque – bank-verified and secure.
• Bank draft – drawn directly from the buyer’s account.
• Interac e-Transfer – instant and traceable; verify funds before handing over the car.
• Cash – acceptable for lower-value cars, but exchange it at a bank and deposit it immediately.

Avoid personal cheques and wire transfers, which can be reversed or faked.

After the Sale: What to Do Next

1. Remove Your Licence Plates

In Ontario, plates belong to the seller. Remove them before the buyer drives away, and keep the plate portion of your ownership permit.

2. Submit a Notice of Sale

Notify the Ministry of Transportation that the vehicle has been sold. You can do this online or at a ServiceOntario location. This step protects you from future liability if the buyer delays registration.

3. Cancel or Transfer Your Insurance

Once the car is sold, contact your insurance provider to cancel or transfer the policy. You’re still responsible for the vehicle until that’s done.

4. Check for Plate Sticker Refunds

If your plate sticker still has time left, you may be eligible for a refund from ServiceOntario.

Risks of Private Car Sales and How to Avoid Scams

Selling a car privately in Ontario can often earn you more money than trading it in, but it also comes with risks. From pushy tire kickers to outright fraud, knowing what to watch for will help you protect yourself and close the deal safely.

1. Dealing With Tire Kickers and Lowball Offers

You’ll almost certainly encounter buyers who:

• Ask endless questions but never commit.
• Book test drives and then ghost you.
• Try to slash your asking price without justification.

How to handle it:

• Include “serious inquiries only” in your listing to filter casual shoppers.
• Ask about a buyer’s timeline and budget before meeting.
• Don’t waste time negotiating with anyone who’s clearly not serious — a legitimate buyer won’t pressure or insult your price.

2. Payment Fraud and Scams

Unfortunately, payment scams are among the most common risks in private car sales. Beware of:

• Fake payment confirmations: A buyer claims to have sent an Interac e-Transfer or PayPal payment that never arrives.
• Counterfeit cheques: Fraudulent “certified” cheques that bounce days later.
• Overpayment scams: A buyer “accidentally” sends too much money and asks you to refund the difference — then their original payment fails.

How to protect yourself:

• Accept only verified methods like bank drafts, certified cheques, or in-person Interac e-Transfers.
• Meet at the buyer’s bank to verify the funds before handing over your keys.
• Never accept payments exceeding your asking price — that’s nearly always a scam.

3. Test Drive Theft

Most buyers are genuine, but some may use test drives as an opportunity to steal your vehicle.

Red flags:

• Refuses to show a driver’s licence or insurance.
• Insists on driving alone.
• Brings multiple passengers who try to distract you.

Stay safe by:

• Always checking ID and joining the drive yourself.
• Bringing a friend along and meeting in a public location.
• Keeping control of your keys until you’re in the passenger seat.

4. Fake Escrow and Shipping Scams

Scammers sometimes pose as out-of-town buyers, offering to pay through a “secure” escrow service or to send a shipping agent.

The warning signs:

• They claim to live overseas or out of province.
• They push to finalize the sale sight unseen.
• They offer to pay extra for shipping or “logistics.”

Avoid it by:

• Only dealing with local, in-person buyers.
• Never using third-party pickup or escrow services you didn’t choose yourself.
• Walking away from any transaction that feels overly complicated or rushed.

5. Safety Concerns When Meeting Buyers

Even legitimate buyers are strangers, so personal safety should always come first.

Best practices:

• Meet in well-lit, public areas — police station parking lots are ideal.
• Avoid isolated or late-night meetups.
• Bring someone with you whenever possible.

If a buyer insists on meeting in an unusual location or acts aggressively, cancel the meeting immediately.

6. Paperwork Mistakes That Could Come Back to Haunt You

Legal and registration errors can create problems long after the sale.

Common mistakes:

• Forgetting to remove licence plates (you could get tickets in your name).
• Selling without a Bill of Sale (no proof of transaction).
• Failing to notify the Ministry of Transportation (the car remains in your name).

How to protect yourself:

• Always complete and sign a Bill of Sale.
• Remove your plates before handing over the keys.
• Submit a Notice of Sale through ServiceOntario as soon as possible.

Alternatives to Selling a Car Privately

Selling your car privately can earn you a bit more money, but it also takes time, patience, and effort. Between scheduling test drives, handling paperwork, and avoiding scams, it’s not always the most convenient option. If you’re looking for a faster, safer, and more straightforward process, here are your best alternatives.

1. Sell or Trade Your Car with Clutch

If you want to skip the stress of private sales altogether, Clutch makes it easy to sell your car quickly and confidently. You’ll get a firm, data-backed offer in minutes — no listings, no meetups, and no haggling.

Why it works:

• Fast and simple: Get a guaranteed offer online and sell within 24 hours.
• No negotiations: You’ll know exactly what your car is worth upfront.
• Convenient pickup or drop-off: Complete the sale from home or at a Clutch location.
• Paperwork handled: Clutch takes care of the UVIP, ownership transfer, and any lien or lease payoff.
• Trade-in option: Apply your car’s value toward another vehicle and save on sales tax.

Keep in mind:

Offers are typically close to market value, though sometimes slightly lower than a perfect private-sale price — a fair trade for the time and hassle you’ll save.

Best for: Sellers who want a quick, secure, and fully managed sale or trade-in experience.

2. Sell or Trade Your Car at a Dealership

Traditional dealerships can also offer trade-in or buyout options, often completing the process on the spot.

Advantages:

• Quick turnaround: You can sell or trade in the same day.
• Sales tax benefit: Like Clutch, you only pay tax on the price difference when trading in.
• Convenient: No need to handle listings or meet buyers.

Drawbacks:

• Dealers usually offer wholesale pricing, which means less money in your pocket.
• Expect potential sales pressure and less transparency in the negotiation process.

Best for: Sellers who prefer face-to-face transactions and are comfortable accepting a slightly lower payout for speed and convenience.

Final Steps After Selling Your Car

Once you’ve completed your sale or trade-in, there are a few final steps to make sure everything is properly wrapped up. These help protect you legally and financially and ensure the buyer can register the vehicle without issues.

1. Remove Your Licence Plates

In Ontario, licence plates stay with the owner, not the car. Before the buyer drives away:

• Take off your plates.
• Keep the plate portion of your ownership permit — you’ll need it if you plan to transfer the plates to another car.
• If you’re not reusing the plates, you may qualify for a refund on any unused months of registration through ServiceOntario.

2. Cancel or Transfer Your Insurance

Contact your insurance provider as soon as the sale is complete to:

• Cancel your policy if you’re not replacing the vehicle.
• Transfer coverage to your new car if you’re buying another one.

This step is crucial. Until your policy is cancelled or transferred, you’re still legally responsible for the sold vehicle.

3. Notify the Ministry of Transportation (MTO)

The buyer is responsible for registering the vehicle within six days of purchase, but you should also notify the MTO that the car has been sold.

You can submit a Notice of Sale:

• Online via ServiceOntario, or
• In person at a ServiceOntario location.

Doing this ensures you won’t be held liable for tickets, tolls, or infractions that occur after the sale.

4. Keep Records of the Sale

Hold onto copies of all relevant documents:

• The Bill of Sale.
• Any payment records (e.g., bank drafts, e-Transfers, or receipts).
• Proof that you cancelled or transferred your insurance.

These records serve as protection if any disputes or administrative issues arise later.

Make Life Easy by Selling or Trading Your Vehicle With Clutch

Selling a car doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. With Clutch, you can skip the listings, negotiations, and paperwork — and get a firm, market-based offer in minutes.

Simply head to our Sell or Trade page and enter a few quick details about your vehicle. You’ll receive an instant, data-backed offer that reflects real Canadian market conditions — no guessing, no surprises.

If you accept the offer, you can choose a convenient pickup time or drop off your car at a nearby Clutch location. We’ll handle all the paperwork, including ownership transfer, lien or lease payoff, and even the UVIP. Our offers are valid for 14 days, giving you time to compare or explore other options with zero pressure.

Thousands of Canadians have already sold or traded their cars with Clutch. Quickly, securely, and without the typical dealership hassle.

Ready to find out what your car is worth?

Get your instant offer from Clutch today.