Buying privately: inspect it, verify it, pay safely

A private sale can cost less and carries added risk. Use an inspection and verification process before paying.

A private sale may cost less than a dealer purchase, but condition, ownership and payment need independent checks.

Talk first. Ask why the seller is selling, what the machine did, what is wrong with it and which records are available.

Inspect in person. Start it cold when possible, run every function and look for leaks, cracked welds, undercarriage wear and evidence of repair. For trucks, review the inspection and service records. Hire a qualified mechanic if the condition is outside your experience.

Verify ownership. Match the serial number on the machine to the sale documents and registration where applicable. Use the official provincial service for registration or lien checks, and confirm which records and documents your transaction requires.

Choose a payment method you and the seller can verify at handover. Do not send a deposit to an unknown seller for equipment you have not inspected.

Use a written bill of sale with the date, buyer and seller names, serial number, price, condition terms and signatures. Confirm local requirements before relying on a template.

If identity, ownership, condition or payment cannot be verified, stop the transaction.