The Ontario VIN Check blog
Ontario-specific used-car buying insights — what the paperwork means, where the risks hide, and how to check a vehicle properly before you pay.
Costs & tax
HST on a private used-car sale in Ontario: what you'll actually pay
There's no HST from a private seller — but there is 13% RST at ServiceOntario, and it's charged on the greater of your price or the Red Book value.
Read article Buying guidanceHow to check for a lien on a used car in Ontario before you pay
If the car has a registered lien and you pay anyway, the debt can become your problem. A UVIP and a PPSA search catch it before it's too late.
Read article Buying guidanceUVIP vs a full vehicle history report in Ontario: what each one shows
The UVIP is the province's registration record; a history report is the vehicle's story across borders. Buying safely usually means reading both.
Read article Buying guidanceWhat a Safety Standards Certificate does and doesn't mean in Ontario
A Safety Standards Certificate is a snapshot, not a warranty. It's required to register most used cars — but it says nothing about accident history or long-term condition.
Read article