Buying a Car
Steps and Key Tips for Buying a Car
Table of Contents
SGI Customer Number
- To purchase and register a vehicle in Saskatoon, you must have an SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance) customer number.
- If you have not yet obtained a Saskatchewan driver’s licence, you can get your customer number by obtaining a Saskatchewan Photo ID (a government-issued photo identification card).
- This number is essential for vehicle registration, insurance setup, and completing the purchase process.
Therefore, obtaining either a local driver’s licence or a Photo ID is an important first step before buying a car.
Mechanical Inspection Before Purchase
- It is strongly recommended to have any used car inspected thoroughly by an independent and trusted mechanic before purchasing. You can find a few Iranian mechanics on the Business Directory of this website.
- A mechanical inspection can reveal technical problems, previous accident damage, or potential issues, saving you from future financial loss.
- Even if you are purchasing from a dealership, getting an independent inspection is a smart decision.
The small cost of a pre-purchase inspection offers great peace of mind compared to the overall investment.
Special Programs for Newcomers
- Many car dealerships in Saskatoon offer special programs for newcomers.
- Since new immigrants typically do not have a Canadian credit history, these programs make it easier to finance a car under more flexible conditions.
- Usually, to access these programs you will need:
- Immigration documents (CoPR or Work/Study Permit)
- Valid government-issued ID
- Proof of income or financial capacity
Always ask about “Newcomer Programs” when visiting different dealerships.
Additional Costs When Buying a Car
| Cost | Description |
|---|---|
|
Provincial Sales Tax (PST) |
A 6% provincial tax must be paid at the time of vehicle purchase. For new cars you will also pay a 5% federal sales tax. |
|
Car Insurance |
Vehicle insurance is mandatory in Saskatchewan and is paid either monthly or annually. A package policy (additional insurance) is optional. |
|
Vehicle Inspection (if required) |
Some imported or out-of-province vehicles must pass a specific mechanical inspection. |
|
Vehicle Registration Fee |
Registering the vehicle with SGI involves a fee, which depends on the vehicle’s year and type.
|
|
Winter Tires (if required) |
If your car doesn’t come with an additional set of winter tires, you might need to plan a budget for them. |
Resources for Car Shopping
- Reputable car sales websites:
- autotrader.ca
- kijiji.ca
- Facebook Marketplace
- Visiting official car dealerships in Saskatoon
- Posting a request in the association’s Telegram group
Always carefully review the vehicle’s condition, warranty terms, and purchase agreement before finalizing the deal.
Conclusion
By obtaining your SGI customer number, seeking a mechanic’s advice, and exploring newcomer-friendly dealership programs, buying a car in Saskatoon as a newcomer can be much smoother and more secure.
Careful planning and comparing multiple options will help you make a better choice and feel more satisfied with your purchase.
Disclaimer
The information provided in these resources is intended for informational purposes only, and its accuracy is not guaranteed. The Saskatoon Iranian Cultural Association accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of the content or any consequences resulting from the use of the provided information.
These resources are the property of the Saskatoon Iranian Cultural Association and may be freely referenced, provided that a link to the corresponding page on the Association’s website is included.
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