The pre-purchase inspection
Having the vehicle inspected prior to the sale is the most effective way of making sure you won’t get stuck with a lemon or pay too much for a vehicle that needs a lot of maintenance. A complete vehicle inspection includes a visual inspection of the body and chassis to spot collision damage. A thorough inspection takes from about 45 minutes to two hours depending on the condition of the vehicle. A more complicated vehicle with lots of accessories, or a vehicle in uneven or poor condition, requires more time. Vans can take longer because the engine bay is crowded. A thorough inspection should include a road test and a written report should be provided.
Not all inspections are created equal. The facilities that follow have been chosen from the list of shops provided to APA members, and have performed very well in the past.
Greater Toronto Area
These garages inspect used vehicles based on APA’s vehicle inspection form.
AutoNiche
8 Laidlaw Blvd.
Markham, Ontario
905-205-0228
Contact: Emily Chung
Gary’s Automotive
1435 Wallace Rd.
Oakville, Ontario
905-827-3771
Contact: Gary Van Den Boom
Graf Auto Centre
151 Bentworth Ave.
North York, Ontario
416-789-3423
Contact: Rudy or Herb Graf
Mark-Caesar Auto Service Ltd
986 Roselawn Ave.
Toronto, Ontario
416-783-6975
Contact: Caesar or Mark Testani
Vertex Auto Repair
336 Birchmount Rd.
Toronto, Ontario
416-690-7196
Contact: Bob Baker
Wrenchspinner
901 Kipling Ave.
Etobicoke, Ontario
416-233-4671
Contact: Mark Sach-Anderson
Montreal area
Andrew Bleakley
Mobile Vehicle Inspection Service
(514) 890-5000
The APA’s recommended mobile used car inspection service includes a meticulous examination of body and mechanical components and an inspection of the odometer for signs of tampering. The service costs $150 ($140 for APA members) including taxes in Montreal, with a surcharge if you’re farther away from the city center. A visit can usually be arranged within one or two days of your phone call. The inspection includes a detailed written report. This service is available within Mirabel, Repentigny, Richelieu and Valleyfield area.
Alberta
Kirkham Auto
9298 Horton Road S.W., Calgary, AB
(403) 253-2033
InspectaCar Inc.
www.InspectaCar.ca
Calgary
542-38A Ave SE
T1H 1X4 (403)-266-5588
Contact: Cody Paxman
Lethbridge
3231 2nd Ave N
T1H 0L5 (403)-394-9550
Contact: Sheldon Anderson