Car purchase contract checklist
What should you check before you sign a car contract? Use this checklist at the finance desk: the price and fees, the financing, the car itself, and whether every promise is in writing. Anything you mark as a problem goes into a list to settle first.
0 of 16 checked, 0 problems
The price and what is in it
The selling price is the price you agreed
Every fee is listed on its own line and you know what each one is for
Documentation, freight, delivery, tire levies and similar fees vary. Ask which are required and which can be removed.
There are no add-ons you did not ask for
Rust proofing, paint protection, extended warranties and similar products should be your choice, not pre-filled.
The sales tax is right for your province
Your trade-in is listed at the value you agreed, and the payout on your old loan is stated
The financing or lease
The interest rate, term and monthly payment match what you were told
The total cost of borrowing is shown, and you have checked it
You know the rules if you pay the loan off early
For a lease: the kilometre allowance, the overage charge and the end-of-lease costs are written down
Skip this one if you are not leasing.
The car
The VIN, year, make, model and trim are correct
The kilometres are right, and the contract says whether the car is new, demo or used
Any warranty is written down, or the contract clearly says the car is sold as is
Promises and paperwork
Everything the salesperson promised is written in the contract
A free set of winter tires, a repaired scratch, a second key: if it is not on paper, it is hard to get later.
There are no blank spaces or unfinished lines
You will get a complete signed copy to take home
You have read every page and nobody is rushing you
Do not assume you can cancel after signing. In most provinces you cannot, so settle every question first.
Questions to settle before you sign
No problems marked yet. Anything you mark appears here.
Keep going with Uobo
Uobo is your personal car agent. Text it what you need and it does the research and the checks, asks dealerships about availability, condition and price for you, and helps you decide. This is the text you would send:
You can edit this text before you send it.
On a computer? Text (289) 819-4586 from your phone and paste what you copied. Standard message rates apply. Reply STOP any time to stop.
How it works
Go through the sections in order, with the contract in front of you. Tap Matches when a line is right, and Problem or unsure when it is not or you do not understand it. A count at the top shows how far you have got.
Your problems are gathered into a list for the finance office. Ask for each answer, and for any change, in writing before you sign. Your marks are saved on this device only.
Take your time. A reasonable seller does not mind you reading every page.
What this does not cover
- A checklist helps you spot problems, but it is not legal advice. For a large or unusual contract, consider asking a lawyer or a trusted adviser to read it.
- Rules differ by province, including what must be disclosed and whether you can cancel. Check yours.
- It cannot read the contract for you. You still need to read every page.
Common questions
What should I check before signing a car contract?
That the price, fees, tax, trade-in, interest rate, term and payment match what you were told, that the car details are right, that there are no add-ons you did not choose, and that every promise is written in.
Can I cancel a car purchase after I sign?
Do not assume you can. In most provinces there is no general right to cancel a car purchase once you sign, so settle every question first. Check your province's rules or ask a consumer protection office.
What are dealer fees on a car contract?
They include documentation, freight and delivery, tire levies and sometimes accessories. Some are required and some are optional or negotiable. The out-the-door price calculator shows how they add up.
What if the salesperson promised something that is not in the contract?
Ask for it to be added in writing before you sign. A promise that is not on paper is hard to enforce later.