Buying a used car? If you don’t have any mechanical or automotive knowledge, the car you buy could have hidden defects or problems that could cause expensive trouble down the road. This is where a pre-purchase vehicle inspection can help, providing peace of mind that any car you plan on buying is in good condition.
A used car pre-purchase inspection is a thorough assessment of the safety, mechanical condition and cosmetic features of a vehicle. It’s carried out by a licensed mechanic or auto technician who inspects the vehicle for any existing or potential problems that could affect its safety or require maintenance or new parts in the future.
Once an inspection has been completed, you’ll be provided with a detailed report explaining the results, including any defects or problems that may have been detected. You can then use this information to decide whether the vehicle is roadworthy and in good condition and whether the price the seller is asking represents good value for your money.
To get a used car inspection before you buy, you could go to the following:
You might want to compare a few providers in your area to find one that offers the most comprehensive services at a price point that fits your budget. Whichever business you choose, make sure the inspection will be carried out by a licensed mechanic or auto technician.
You’ll typically need to call ahead to book an appointment before bringing the vehicle in, though some mechanics might let you schedule one online.
Getting a pre-purchase inspection isn’t a mandatory requirement when you buy a used car, but it is a wise move. Having the vehicle inspected by an independent mechanic can help you make an informed decision about your next set of wheels:
The exact list of items checked during a pre-purchase vehicle inspection will vary depending on the mechanic or independent inspection service you use. Generally speaking, you get what you pay for, so expect to pay extra for a thorough inspection.
Here’s a checklist of what the mechanic will check during a thorough inspection:
Basic inspections typically involve a visual examination of the car’s exterior and interior. If you’ve got a CARFAX Vehicle History Report, the mechanic or auto technician will also know if there are any areas of the car that require particularly close attention. They will then be able to check whether any previous damage the vehicle suffered has been repaired properly.
Before you choose an inspection service, find out exactly what they check during the inspection. The more thorough the assessment, the more confident you will be about buying the car.
You’ll typically pay between $100 and $300 for a pre-purchase vehicle inspection. However, the actual cost will vary depending on where you live, the mechanic you choose, the type of car you’re having inspected and how comprehensive you want your inspection to be. If you want a detailed inspection for maximum peace of mind, you may need to pay a little more.
The dealership has already carried out its own inspection, so there’s no need to pay for another one, right?
Not necessarily. Let’s face it, used car dealers don’t exactly have the best reputation when it comes to trustworthiness, so do you really want to take their word for it?
It’s always a good idea to have the car inspected by an independent mechanic you trust – especially if you’re not 100% sure you trust that the seller or dealer would be upfront and honest about any potential issues.
With a legit inspection carried out, you can make a decision about whether to buy the vehicle with complete confidence.
Your next steps once you receive your report will depend on what the inspection reveals. If there are no issues, you can go ahead with the purchase as planned.
If the inspection does turn up any problems, the mechanic will tell you what they are, how serious they are or potentially could be and how much they’ll cost to fix.
In cases where the issues aren’t overly serious, you can use them to increase your bargaining power and negotiate a better price. But if there are serious safety concerns or expensive repairs required, you might think twice about going through with the purchase.
And if the inspection reveals damage the seller has failed to inform you about, you might decide to steer clear of the seller altogether.
Unlike the USA, there are no so-called “lemon laws” in place in Canada. However, used car dealers and online dealerships must comply with provincial regulations when selling used vehicles. These regulations typically apply to licensed dealers only, so you may have limited recourse if you buy from a private seller.
Let’s take a look at your rights and any protections in place where you live.
In Alberta, used vehicles are sold “as is”, which means that any flaws or defects that occur after you’ve bought a car are your responsibility.
Before a used car dealer can sell a vehicle, they must have a mechanical fitness assessment completed by a licensed journeyman technician. This assessment checks over 60 parts – you can check out the form online – and must be provided prior to the sale of a vehicle.
Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council (AMVIC) is the automotive industry regulator, so make sure you buy from an AMVIC-licensed dealer. Regulations outline the vehicle history information dealers must disclose to used car buyers, such as the following:
Finally, no matter whether you buy from a dealer or private seller, be sure to check the bill of sale for any statements about the vehicle, such as warranties or claims about its condition.
Contact the AMVIC toll-free investigation line at 1-877-279-8200 if you have a complaint about the misrepresentation of a vehicle sale.
When you buy from a licensed dealer in BC, they must follow regulations set out by the Vehicle Sales Authority of British Columbia (VSA). For example, they must disclose to you the following details:
You may also be protected in part by the Sale of Goods Act, which stipulates a range of conditions known as the legal warranty. Under the act, the vehicle you buy must be reasonably fit for purpose, durable for a reasonable time and be as described by the dealer.
However, the warranty can be waived for used goods, and there are fewer protections if you buy from a private seller.
If you have a complaint about a car you purchased from a licensed dealer, you can fill out a VSA complaint form.
Licensed dealers in Manitoba must tell you certain facts about a vehicle’s history and condition. They must disclose factors such as the following:
If you have any concerns after buying a used car from a dealer, you can call the Manitoba Consumer Protection Office at 204-945-3800 or toll free at 1-800-782-0067.
The Consumer Product Warranty and Liability Act provides protection for used car buyers in New Brunswick. It stipulates that dealers must disclose whether a car is new or used and must sell vehicles that are fit for purpose and durable for a reasonable time. The act also sets out your options for seeking compensation or remedies when a car dealer does the wrong thing.
However, if you buy from a private seller, you’re not eligible for the protections provided under the act.
More information is available from New Brunswick’s Financial and Consumer Services Commission.
If you get a pre-purchase inspection from a dealer and you later find a problem in relation to that inspection, you’ll need to contact the Motor Registration Division to file a complaint.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador also warns that there is no 30-day cooling-off period when buying a car. If you find a problem with the car, there is no automatic recourse with returning it or getting a refund.
If you buy from a dealership in Nova Scotia, the Consumer Protection Act protects you against getting ripped off. The act stipulates a range of requirements dealers must follow, such as the following:
However, private sales are not covered by the act, so you may need to go through the Small Claims Court to try and seek a solution.
If you buy from a private seller in Ontario, they’re required by law to provide you with a Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP). This includes details such as the following:
However, you’re not protected by consumer protection laws if you buy from a private seller.
A UVIP is not required when you buy from a registered used vehicle dealer. Ontario’s Vehicle Sales Regulator (OMVIC) administers and enforces the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act and Consumer Protection Act. The Motor Vehicle Dealers Act outlines 22 requirements dealers must disclose when selling a used car, such as the following:
OMVIC also runs a compensation fund for consumers who suffer a financial loss from a transaction with a licensed dealer. If you have an unresolved dispute with a dealer, you can contact OMVIC’s Complaints & Inquiries Team via phone, email or online.
At the time of writing, there’s no information available online about regulations for dealerships in PEI.
However, PEI requires annual vehicle inspections for cars and trucks. So if you’re buying a used car in PEI, check the car’s recent inspection report first and find out the name of the garage that did it. This shouldn’t replace an inspection done by your own mechanic. If the dealer refuses to let you hire your own mechanic, this is a red flag and you should shop elsewhere.
If you buy a used vehicle from a dealership, warranties provided for under Quebec law ensure that you’re entitled to buy a vehicle that does the following:
There’s also a warranty of fitness that applies to recently built used cars. It covers the parts and labour required to ensure that a car is in good working order.
| Warranty category | Model year and mileage | Duration of warranty |
|---|---|---|
| A | 2 years or less and 40,000km or less | 6 months or 10,000 kilometres, whichever is reached first |
| B | 3 years of less and 60,000km or less | 3 months or 5,000 kilometres, whichever is reached first |
| C | 5 years or less and 80,000km or less | 1 month or 1,700 kilometres, whichever is reached first |
The Office de la protection du consommateur provides tips on how to negotiate with a dealer if there is a problem with your vehicle.
If you buy from a private seller, Quebec’s Civil Code provides a warranty against hidden defects, but you’ll need to check the contract closely before you buy to make sure this warranty isn’t excluded.
If you notice a defect, you’re required to write to the vendor as soon as possible to notify them. If the negotiation process doesn’t work, you can pursue the matter through the courts.
There’s no cancellation period in Saskatchewan if you want to return a used vehicle. However, if you buy from a licensed motor vehicle dealer, statutory warranties apply.
The Vehicle Dealer Regulations under The Consumer Protection and Business Practices Act (CPBPA) state that licensed dealers must provide you with all reasonably knowable facts about a vehicle’s condition and history before you buy.
Dealers must also provide a minimum powertrain warranty on vehicles with less than 200,000km mileage. The warranty lasts for 30 days or 1,000km, whichever comes first, and provides cover if any component of the powertrain fails. You can choose to have the car repaired or be refunded the purchase price, but if you choose the repair option, you may be required to contribute up to $200 to the cost of repairs.
If you have a dispute with a licensed dealer, you can contact the provincial government’s Consumer Protection Division toll free at 1-877-880-5550 or by email at consumerprotection@gov.sk.ca.
A pre-purchase vehicle inspection is a vital step in buying any used car – whether you’re shopping at a dealership or buying from a private seller. Having a licensed mechanic or auto technician give your car a once-over can help ensure you’re not throwing your money away on a lemon. And once you’ve found the perfect car, you can compare your car loan options to help you bring it home.
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