{"id":39428,"date":"2026-05-05T13:04:09","date_gmt":"2026-05-05T17:04:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.autodurocher.com\/?p=39428"},"modified":"2026-05-05T13:33:43","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T17:33:43","slug":"how-to-check-the-history-of-a-used-car-before-finalizing-the-purchase-in-quebec","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.autodurocher.com\/en\/2026\/05\/how-to-check-the-history-of-a-used-car-before-finalizing-the-purchase-in-quebec\/","title":{"rendered":"How to check the history of a used car before finalizing the purchase in Quebec?"},"content":{"rendered":"

When buying a used car, appearance and a test drive are not enough. In Quebec, \u201cchecking the history\u201d means three very concrete things:<\/p>\n

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  1. confirming that there is no debt\/lien on the vehicle you want to buy (RDPRM),<\/li>\n
  2. understanding the ownership history in Quebec (SAAQ),<\/li>\n
  3. checking accidents, claims, odometer readings, and recalls (CARFAX or equivalent).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Here is a simple, step-by-step method to complete your purchase with confidence.<\/p>\n

    Ask for the VIN and make sure it matches the vehicle<\/h2>\n

    The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is found on the registration certificate or directly on the vehicle. It is the key that allows you to perform all checks: RDPRM, ownership history, history reports, recalls, etc.<\/p>\n

    Before even paying for a report, use a free VIN decoder<\/a> to confirm that the year, make, and model match the vehicle you are looking at (this also helps prevent certain types of fraud).<\/p>\n

    Good practice:<\/strong> take a photo of the VIN directly on the vehicle (plate at the bottom of the windshield) and compare it with the documents.<\/p>\n

    Check the RDPRM for any debt\/lien on the vehicle<\/h2>\n

    In Quebec, this step is essential. The RDPRM is a public registry that lets you verify whether a vehicle is subject to a debt or registered right (for example, a lien related to financing). If a lien exists and is not settled, the risk is simple: the creditor may have the right to repossess the vehicle, even if you purchased it.<\/p>\n

    In practice, this is a quick and very useful check:<\/strong><\/p>\n