Dealerships required to conduct full mechanical inspections on used vehicles
The province has introduced new rules forcing dealerships to complete mechanical assessments of used vehicles before selling them — a move the government says should give buyers more confidence in their purchases and standardize inspections provincewide.
Previously dealers were only required to produce buyers with a certificate stating the overall condition of the vehicle. The new amendment requires a 60-point mechanical inspection by a licensed journeyman mechanic.
“We worked closely with the Motor Dealers’ Association of Alberta in developing these amendments so as to provide enhanced protection for consumers looking to purchase a used vehicle” says Heather Kaszuba an Alberta Transportation spokesperson.
Matt Bergeron owner of Ninth Avenue Auto says the regulations won’t change how most reputable dealers work — many already do full mechanical vehicle inspections. “If you want to be in business then you want to make sure the product that goes out the door is of the utmost quality” he says.
The assessment is valid for 120 days — a change from the previous 14 days. The amendment applies to brokers and consignments while private and auction sales are excluded.
