Don’t skip these steps when taking delivery of your vehicle

Signing the agreement is not the final step in buying a vehicle. Picking up your car is an important opportunity to confirm that its condition and all items outlined in your contract are accurate before you drive away.  

Bring a checklist to delivery

Delivery day can feel overwhelming and exciting, but it’s important not to rush the final walkthrough before you drive off. A checklist helps you stay focused and verify that everything reflects your agreement. 

When picking up your car, take time to review the vehicle and documents carefully. 

Confirm the vehicle matches your agreement

Before driving away, take a few minutes to inspect the vehicle and confirm it matches what you agreed to purchase. 

Walk around the vehicle and check that: 

• The make, model, trim level, and features match your agreement. 

• The vehicle’s condition meets your expectations. 

• There are no scratches, dents, warning lights, or other visible concerns. 

• Interior features, controls, and electronics are working properly. 

If possible, inspect the vehicle in daylight or in a well-lit area. 

Confirm repairs, add-ons and included items

Review your bill of sale and verify that any repairs, accessories, upgrades, or other promised items have been completed. 

This may include: 

• Cosmetic repairs 

• New tires or replacement parts 

• Remote starters or accessories 

• Additional keys or key fobs 

• Other items included as part of the purchase 

Items written into your bill of sale must be honoured by the dealer. It is much easier to address missing items or incomplete work before leaving the dealership. 

Verify vehicle history and disclosures

In Ontario, disclosures can include things like: 

• Past accidents 

• Vehicle title 

• Previous use 

• Other important vehicle history details 

Compare the vehicle and paperwork against what was disclosed and recorded in your agreement. If something doesn’t match, raise it right away. If the issue isn’t resolved, OMVIC can help guide your next steps. 

Keep all documents in a safe place

After delivery, store all paperwork together in a secure place. You may need it later for questions about ownership, financing, warranty coverage, or repairs. 

Start with OMVIC for confidence at delivery

The final step of buying a vehicle is making sure everything you signed for is what you’re getting. 

Starting with OMVIC helps Ontario car buyers understand their rights and know that what’s written in a contract must be delivered as agreed, so you know what to do if something doesn’t match before you leave the dealership.

Look twice, and buy smart.