Check the car behind the listing.

How to book an inspection

1. Choose a shop near the seller. Ask whether it regularly works on the exact model and powertrain.
2. Book a pre-purchase inspection. Ask the price, duration and what is included. A brief visual check may not cover what you need.
3. Coordinate with the dealer. Agree who takes the car to the shop, when and under what driving or insurance arrangements.
4. Ask for a written report. Request photos and estimates for urgent and upcoming work.

CARFAX Canada explains the purpose of a pre-purchase inspection.

What a safety certificate tells you

• An Ontario safety certificate confirms the vehicle met minimum safety standards on the inspection date.
• It does not guarantee the car’s overall condition or future reliability.
• It is normally valid for 36 calendar days. Check timing if registration is delayed.

Ontario’s safety-certificate guidance.

A dealer’s “certified” label or warranty also does not replace an independent inspection. APA explains why warranty coverage does not establish condition.

What to ask the mechanic about

Use these questions to agree on the scope. Some vehicles need additional specialist checks.

• Rust: is it cosmetic, or does it affect the structure, mounting points or brake lines?
• Wear: how much life remains in the tires, brakes, steering and suspension?
• Powertrain: are there leaks, abnormal noises, shifting issues or warning codes?
• Maintenance: what service is due based on age, kilometres and the manufacturer’s schedule?
• Repairs: is there evidence of collision work, and does anything need further investigation?
• EV or hybrid: can the shop assess the high-voltage battery and charging system? What data or specialist testing is needed?

A favourable inspection reduces uncertainty. It cannot predict every future failure.

Review the history too

• Match the VIN. The vehicle’s identification number should agree with the listing, paperwork and history report.
• Ask for service and repair records. Give these to your mechanic along with the history report.
• Investigate damage entries. Ask what happened, request repair invoices and have the work assessed.
• Review the dealer’s written disclosures. A CARFAX report shows reported information. It does not replace the dealer’s required disclosures or a physical inspection. OMVIC’s history checklist.
• Check for existing liens. A lien is a registered claim against the car for unpaid debt. Request a lien check and written proof any existing lien has been removed. FCAC’s lien guidance.
• Check open recalls by VIN. Use the manufacturer links from Transport Canada and request evidence of completed recall work. Find a VIN recall check.

Use the findings to decide

• Add immediate repair estimates to the purchase cost before comparing cars.
• Put any agreed repairs into the purchase contract, including completion timing and evidence.
• If off-site inspection is refused, ask whether an independent mobile mechanic is allowed. Confirm whether they can perform the checks you need.
• If you cannot obtain a satisfactory independent assessment, consider another car.

Next steps

• Extended warranties

  Check existing coverage, compare plans and weigh a repair fund.

  Read guide

• Financing and dealer fees

  Compare the full deal, understand extra charges and check loan terms.

  Read guide