No evident address- only wants to meet in public:
Meet at the seller’s home or workplace if possible so you can confirm his or her identity and know how to locate him or her again should you need to.
Note: Be aware, some curbsiders operate from small automotive related businesses (repair shops, rental companies, etc.)
Doesn’t provide used vehicle history information package:
Private sellers are required by Ontario law to provide buyers with a Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP). A UVIP details current owner and ownership history, provides odometer information and discloses any outstanding liens on the vehicle. If the seller doesn’t provide a UVIP, you might be dealing with a curbsider. Other vehicle history reports (CarProof and CARFAX) may also provide important collision/accident information.
Refuses vehicle inspection by purchaser’s mechanic:
Have a licensed mechanic you trust inspect the vehicle. A mechanic may find problems with the vehicle that the seller failed to disclose or wasn’t aware of. If the seller refuses an inspection, walk away!
Vehicle only registered to seller for short period:
Curbsiders buy vehicles to sell quickly. Be suspicious if a vehicle has only been registered to the seller for a few weeks or months. Consumers should also be extra vigilant if the vehicle is not licensed or insured for the road and therefore a thorough test drive is not possible.
Vehicle not registered to seller:
Commonly, vehicles sold by curbsiders are not registered in their names. Make sure the seller’s name on the ownership matches his or her ID. In Ontario, only the owner of a vehicle can sell it. Be BOLD; ask to see the sellers ID and compare it to the vehicle’s registration certificate.
Priced below market value – too good to be true:
In order to sell vehicles as quickly and easily as possible, curbsiders may offer a “too good to be true” price. They can do this because the vehicles are often accident-damaged, previous write-offs or have rolled-back odometers.
Look out for fishy vehicle stories. Remember, no one sells vehicles for less than they are worth. If a deal seems too good to be true, that’s a warning, not an opportunity.