The short answer
Ask for unedited photographs of the exact vehicle from every side, the cabin, the dashboard with the ignition on, the engine bay, the boot, the tyres and the VIN, plus close-ups of any damage. Photographs prove what a vehicle looks like, not how it runs, so treat them as one layer of evidence alongside the title and history checks.
The photo set to ask for
| View | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Four corners, plus each full side | Panel gaps, paint mismatch, dents, uneven stance |
| Front and rear straight on | Lamp damage, bumper alignment, windscreen chips |
| Roof, and sunroof if fitted | Hail marks, seal condition |
| Dashboard with ignition on | Warning lights and the odometer reading |
| Front and rear seats, door cards | Wear consistent with the stated mileage |
| Boot or load area | Water marks, spare wheel, floor condition |
| Engine bay | Leaks, missing covers, signs of recent repair |
| Each wheel and tyre | Tread, matching sizes, kerb damage |
| VIN plate and door-pillar label | A VIN that matches every document |
| Close-up of any damage | The extent, stated in writing as well |
Examples from previous vehicle files
These come from vehicles we have previously sourced; they're examples of the evidence, not vehicles for sale. The full sets are on the Automotive & Trucks page.
What photographs can't tell you
Engine and gearbox health, electrical faults, hidden corrosion underneath and past flood exposure rarely show in photographs. Canadian winters and road salt make the underside worth asking about. Where it matters to you, ask whether an independent mechanical inspection is available for that vehicle and agree it before you commit.
Red flags
- No photograph of the VIN, or a VIN that differs between photo and paperwork
- Only flattering angles, or a gap where one side should be
- Photographs that look edited, or a seller unwilling to take new ones
- Damage visible in the photos but missing from the written description
- A Salvage or Rebuilt vehicle without the nature of the damage stated in writing
Condition evidence is one layer; the title, lien and theft checks are another. The decision guide shows where both fit.
Sources
External facts on this page come from these sources, each read on 15 October 2026. Regulations change; requirements for your vehicle are confirmed during quotation and clearance. This guide is not legal or financial advice.
- Mandatory Vehicle Branding Program — Government of Ontario
- Buyer's guide to used vehicles — Edmonton Police Service