Vehicle Inspection
Buying a used car? Don’t buy a lemon! Get an on-site inspection by a certified inspector.
Car buying advice from our expert mechanics
1. DO YOUR RESEARCH
It is important to do proper research on the car you’re considering. You’ll have tons of options when it comes to buying a car, so arm yourself with as much information as possible before you make a big decision. Check out this Used Car Buying Guide for more information. When you find a car that piques your interest, determine that there are no major potential problems with it. The Transport Canada maintains a list of recalls and Technical Service Bulletins, which will tell you about issues with the car.
2. YOU FOUND A CAR YOU LIKE—WHAT TO DO BEFORE MEETING WITH THE SELLER
You’ll want to know if the car has been in any accidents, has failed smog checks, or had other past issues. Get the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) from the seller, which you can use to learn about the car. In Canada, CarProof is a good source of car history, taking data from insurance companies, shops, and other providers. Also be sure you know your budget, as well as the fair price and full cost of ownership of the car. Use Canadian Black Book, autoTRADER.ca, VMR Canada or Autonet.ca as a solid resource for determining the average cost of ownership of a car. We also recommend getting an insurance quote as well as pricing on registration fees and estimated yearly maintenance costs so you don’t later discover any surprises.
3. WHEN YOU MEET THE SELLER
Always test drive the car and perform a thorough car maintenance check. This includes visually inspecting the car’s exterior and interior to see that it is in an acceptable condition and checking for signs of accidents or damage. Here are additional tips on How to Perform Your Own Used Car Inspection.
During the test drive, listen for any strange noises coming from the car during acceleration or braking. Be sure to take the car out on a highway to ensure it operates properly at high speeds. Test the brakes several times during the drive, braking both hard and normally to determine their responsiveness. Check the dashboard for any warning lights and make sure all the various controls (wipers, blinkers, radio, etc.) and the air conditioning system work.
4. THE VEHICLE PASSED YOUR INSPECTION—NOW HAVE A PROFESSIONAL LOOK IT OVER
If you like the car and it is in good condition, you can enlist a professional mechanic to diagnose the condition of the car. The mechanic’s inspection will cover the fluids, brakes, electrical systems, cooling system, suspension, engine/exhaust, HVAC, tires, and body. The mechanic will scan the car’s various computers for trouble codes and test drive the vehicle. Should the mechanic discover any problems, they can estimate repair costs and you can use these for further negotiations with the seller. This way you can have complete peace of mind about the car you are buying.
How it works
1
Book an inspection
Call us or Get a quote
We don’t bill you until the inspection is done. Cancel 24 hours in advance without penalty.
2
Mechanic inspects the car on site
Our mechanic will perform the 147-point inspection at the seller’s location, taking photos and notes of the car’s condition. You do not need to be present.
3
Get detailed report
You will receive the mechanic’s report by email. Use photos and recommended repairs in the report to negotiate with the seller.
Be informed!
We sent you an electronic report with findings, recommendations and pictures. You can also request a quote (additional fee) showing you how much the repairs on the car would cost. Use it in your negotiations.
- 147-point inspection
- Thorough inspection of the vehicle’s mechanical, cosmetic and electrical systems
- Identify existing conditions
- Identify potential safety and financial problems
- Wheels will be taken off, vehicle raised and then taken on a test drive
- Each inspection takes between 1 to 1.5 hours
Vehicle Inspection Guidelines
There are variations in the regulatory requirements across different provinces of Canada, so it is best to check which conditions apply to your province specifically. But some basics are applied all across the country.
Suppose you are getting a brand new or second-hand car in Ontario, Newfoundland, Labrador and Manitoba. In that case, the vehicle’s registration can only take place once you have conducted a safety check.
This step is taken care of all over Canada by the car dealership you are purchasing your car from. This has been enforced by law, so it saves you the trouble. This same law does not apply to second-hand car dealerships, so getting the safety check done would be best.
Some provinces of the country, like Prince Edward Island or New Brunswick, have a law that tells vehicle owners to get their cars inspected every year. In Nova Scotia, the car inspection needs to be done every second year. There are such discrepancies from province to province, so best to do your location-based research. No matter where you are from, professionals from InstaMek will give you the most updated requirements and carry out those inspections for you so that you are in the clear.
What kind of inspection do I require?
Some of the primary inspection guidelines followed in Canada are passing the emission tests and having your car thoroughly checked by a professional mechanic.
Mechanical repairs of a vehicle can be of 2 types –
Under the car, which includes inspecting and repairing the brakes, steering and front end, suspension system, transmission, exhaust system, wheels, and tires.
Under your hood includes engine lights, electric diagnoses, fixing dashboard warning lights, radiator, engine cooling system, fuel system, and battery and heating systems.
Pre-Purchase Inspection
The pre-purchase vehicle inspection is mandatory, whether you’re buying a new vehicle or are selling your existing car. InstaMek offers a comprehensive mechanical and systematic test to ensure that the car you are buying or selling is in good shape. Once the test has been done, you will have the green signal, and your vehicle will be good to go. If not, you will have a list of things you will have to get repaired.
At an affordable cost, the test will cover assessing the car’s body, the electric system, the engine, lighting system, cooling system, steering and suspension, fuel system, exhaust system, wheels and brakes. Once these have been done, a road test will also be conducted.
Safety Inspection
A safety inspection is a must all across Canada, irrespective of whether you have to get it done or you have it done by the dealership you have purchased the vehicle from. This safety inspection is required if you want to get your vehicle registered. This is non-negotiable. Not only by law, but a safety vehicle check done regularly never harmed anyone. It only protects you and lets you know in advance if something is up with the car’s functioning.
When and why should I get my vehicle inspected?
Before buying or selling your vehicle, it is best to get inspected once. After the initial inspection, make sure that you do regular periodic inspections so that your vehicle is in the best shape possible. Vehicle inspections are essential to abide by the law and make sure that you and your vehicle are safe and healthy. Who knows, during a periodic inspection, you might just find a fluid leak that would cost you a lot of money if gone unnoticed.
What parts of the vehicle are inspected?
- The car braking system
- Heat and air conditioning system
- Fixing the steering wheel
- Fixing the suspension system
- Exhaust
- Tires
- Checking the fluid levels
- Repairing all belts and hoses
What happens if my vehicle does not meet the regulation standards?
If your vehicle does not meet the regulation standards, you will have to go over the repairs with a mechanic to match all the specifications. If the regulation standards are not met, it can hamper your vehicle registration process.
Inspection of hybrid and electric vehicles
In this day and age, where electric and hybrid electric vehicles are all the rage, there are specific inspections that one needs to carry out before buying or selling their vehicle. InstaMek is up to date with all the vehicle-specific inspection needs so that you can drive your car stress-free!
How much does a motor vehicle inspection cost?
InstaMek offers the best services for all vehicles and delivers these services on time. In addition to this, our services are at a very competitive and affordable price, which will save you money, but you’ll also get quality service. A thorough motor vehicle inspection will cost you.
Mobile and garage inspection – which one should I choose?
If for you, convenience is key, then mobile inspection is the right option for you. In this type of inspection, the mechanic comes to your location, whereas you have to take the vehicle to the garage yourself in a garage inspection.
In this day and age, time is money. And if the time you spend taking your vehicle to the garage can be saved for other necessary chores, then why not?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Why should you choose InstaMek?
Ans. If you want high-quality service at a pock-friendly cost, at your convenience, then InstaMek must be your top choice.
Q. Are your inspectors certified?
Ans. Yes. All our mechanics have been through rigorous and thorough training, giving them the certification they need to work with us and be on our team.
Q. Can I reschedule my inspection appointment?
Ans. Yes, you can. Just give us a call on our number, and we will reschedule the appointment to a time that works well for you.
Q. Will I have someone to clarify my inspection-related queries?
Ans. Yes, our mechanic will make time to explain everything right or wrong in the inspection so that you know what you need to be aware of next time you want to get your vehicle inspected.
Everything You Need to Know About Vehicle Inspections
- Do your research!
- Once you find a car that meets your needs, check if the car has been in any accidents, has failed smog checks, or had other past issues. To do so, get the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) from the seller and learn about the car on CarProof.
- Know your budget, as well as the fair price and full cost of ownership of the car using websites like Canadian Black Book, autoTRADER.ca, VMR Canada or Autonet.ca.
- Always test drive the car. Do a visual inspection of the car’s exterior and interior to see that it is in an acceptable condition, and check for signs of accidents or damage. Here are some tips on how to do your own vehicle inspection
- We strongly recommend getting certified car mechanic to perform a vehicle inspection to be aware of potential problems and get an estimate of any auto repairs that may be needed. You can use this in your negotiation and could save you a lot of money down the line.
Call us at 1-866-829-2237 or request an online quote for a vehicle inspection.
See our Used Car Buying Guide for more information
- Check if the car has been in any accidents, has failed smog checks, or had other past issues. To do so, get the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) from the seller and learn about the car on CarProof.
- Know the fair price and full cost of ownership of the car using websites like Canadian Black Book, autoTRADER.ca, VMR Canada or Autonet.ca.
- Always test drive the car. Listen for any strange noises coming from the car during acceleration or braking. Be sure to take the car out on a highway to ensure it operates properly at high speeds. Test the brakes several times during the drive, braking both hard and normally to determine their responsiveness. Check the dashboard for any warning lights and make sure all the various controls (wipers, blinkers, radio, etc.) and the air conditioning system work.
- Do a visual inspection of the car’s exterior and interior to see that it is in an acceptable condition, and check for signs of accidents or damage.
- We strongly recommend getting certified car mechanic to perform a vehicle inspection to be aware of potential problems and get an estimate of any auto repairs that may be needed. You can use this in your negotiation and could save you a lot of money down the line.
Call us at 1-866-829-2237 or request an online quote for a vehicle inspection.
See our Used Car Buying Guide for more information
- Do your research.
- Once you find a car that meets your needs, check if the car has been in any accidents, has failed smog checks, or had other past issues. To do so, get the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) from the seller and learn about the car on CarProof.
- Know your budget, as well as the fair price and full cost of ownership of the car using websites like Canadian Black Book, autoTRADER.ca, VMR Canada or Autonet.ca.
- Always test drive the car. Do a visual inspection of the car’s exterior and interior to see that it is in an acceptable condition, and check for signs of accidents or damage. Here are some tips on how to do your own vehicle inspection
- We strongly recommend getting certified car mechanic to perform a vehicle inspection to be aware of potential problems and get an estimate of any auto repairs that may be needed. You can use this in your negotiation and could save you a lot of money down the line.
Call us at 1-866-829-2237 or request an online quote for a vehicle inspection.
See our Used Car Buying Guide for more information
- Has the car has been in any accidents, has failed smog checks, or had other past issues? Ask the seller for the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) from the seller and learn about the car on CarProof.
- What’s the fair price and full cost of ownership of the car? Find out using websites like Canadian Black Book, autoTRADER.ca, VMR Canada or Autonet.ca.
- Always test drive the car. Are there any strange noises coming from the car during acceleration or braking? Does the car operate properly at high speeds? Be sure to take the car out on a highway to ensure it does. Do the brakes function propely? Test the brakes several times during the drive, braking both hard and normally to determine their responsiveness. Check the dashboard for any warning lights and make sure all the various controls (wipers, blinkers, radio, etc.) and the air conditioning system work.
- Is the car in an acceptable condition? Do a visual inspection of the car’s exterior and interior and check for signs of accidents or damage.
The price depends on the type of car and the location. Our mechanics are mobile, which means we don’t have the overhead that repair shops have and provide the convenience of going to the seller’s location.
Call us at 1-888-507-3435 or request an online quote for a vehicle inspection.
- Once you find a car that meets your needs, check if the car has been in any accidents, has failed smog checks, or had other past issues. To do so, get the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) from the seller and learn about the car on CarProof.
- Check the fair price and full cost of ownership of the car using websites like Canadian Black Book, autoTRADER.ca, VMR Canada or Autonet.ca. We also recommend getting an insurance quote as well as pricing on registration fees and estimated yearly maintenance costs so you don’t later discover any surprises.
- Check the car’s exterior and interior to see that it is in an acceptable condition, and check for signs of accidents or damage.
- Always test drive the car. Listen for any strange noises coming from the car during acceleration or braking. Be sure to take the car out on a freeway to ensure it operates properly at high speeds. Test the brakes several times during the drive, braking both hard and normally to determine their responsiveness. Check the dashboard for any warning lights and make sure all the various controls (wipers, blinkers, radio, etc.) and the air conditioning system work.
Here are some additional tips on how to do your own vehicle inspection
- Check if the car has been in any accidents, has failed smog checks, or had other past issues. To do so, get the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) from the seller and learn about the car on CarProof.
- Check the fair price and full cost of ownership of the car using websites like Canadian Black Book, autoTRADER.ca, VMR Canada or Autonet.ca.
- Always test drive the car
- Listen for any strange noises coming from the car during acceleration or braking. Be sure to take the car out on a freeway to ensure it operates properly at high speeds.
- Test the brakes several times during the drive, braking both hard and normally to determine their responsiveness.
- Check the dashboard for any warning lights and make sure all the various controls (wipers, blinkers, radio, etc.) and the air conditioning system work.
- We strongly recommend getting certified car mechanic to perform a vehicle inspection to be aware of potential problems and get an estimate of any auto repairs that may be needed. They will perform a 147-point inspection. You can use this in your negotiation and could save you a lot of money down the line.
Call us at 1-888-507-3435 or request an online quote to shcedule a 147-point vehicle inspection.
Our certified mechanics perform a 147-point inspection which you will receive electronically. The inspection includes:
- Thorough inspection of the vehicle’s mechanical, cosmetic and electrical systems
- Identify existing conditions
- Identify potential safety and financial problems
- Wheels will be taken off, vehicle raised and then taken on a test drive
Call us at 1-888-507-3435 or request an online quote for a 147-point vehicle inspection.
InstaMek will send a certified used car evaluator on-site. We come to you!
Our certified car mechanic perform a vehicle inspection to flag potential problems and provide you with an estimate of any auto repairs that may be needed. They perform a thorough, 147-point inspection, which you will receive electronically after the inspection.
You can use this in your negotiation and could save you a lot of money down the line.
Call us at 1-888-507-3435 or request an online quote for a 147-point vehicle inspection.
Call us at 1-888-507-3435 or request an online quote to get a same day, 147-point vehicle inspection.
Our mechanics come to you or to the seller to perform a 147-point inspection.
We strongly recommend getting a certified car mechanic to perform a vehicle inspection to be aware of potential problems and get an estimate of any auto repairs that may be needed. You can use this in your negotiation and could save you a lot of money down the line.
Call us at 1-888-507-3435 or request an online quote to hire a mechanic for a used car inspection
Our mechanics come to you or to the seller to perform a 147-point inspection! We strongly recommend getting a certified car mechanic to perform a vehicle inspection to be aware of potential problems and get an estimate of any auto repairs that may be needed. You can use this in your negotiation and could save you a lot of money down the line.
Call us at 1-888-507-3435 or request an online quote to book a car inspection
Our mechanics come to you or to the seller! We strongly recommend getting certified car mechanic to perform a vehicle inspection to be aware of potential problems and get an estimate of any auto repairs that may be needed. You can use this in your negotiation and could save you a lot of money down the line.
Call us at 1-888-507-3435 or request an online quote to get an on-site car inspection
Our Clients Say The Nicest Things
Greg Park
21:07 06 Jun 24
What a great service! Needed a pre-purchase inspection done before the weekend and was able to book an appointment for within 24 hours.Ali came by right on time and was amazing to deal with. Super friendly, very thorough, and more than willing to answer any questions I had during and after. Once he finished I received a detailed report by text and email within 30mins with everything clearly broken down and lots of photos.Highly recommend for a PPI or if you’re in a bind and need someone to come to you. Customer service online and over phone was great too. Thank you InstaMek!
Eric Vuong
21:34 25 Jan 24
I had a pre-purchase inspection with Instamek and had Ali Al Basha assigned for the inspection.Ali was professional and thorough with the inspection and walked me through all the current and potential issues I was looking at if I had purchased the vehicle. Although I did not end up purchasing the vehicle, the information that Ali had provided was very helpful in the decision.Overall, I'm very satisfied with the inspection, with the professionalism and detailed report provided.
Oli Mason
19:16 26 Sep 23
Great experience with Ali Al Basha from Instamek.I used Instamek do a pre-purchase inspection on an older vehicle. Ali was the mek that was assigned to the job, and he was very thorough, informative, and a pleasure to deal with.Although Ali was clear he was unable to provide 'yes' or 'no' advice on purchasing the vehicle, he gave me all the information I needed and walked through issues clearly so I was able to make my own informed decision.Overall a really positive and helpful experience – especially as someone with very little mechanical knowledge who was feeling the stress of a big purchase decision! Would definitely use again.
Diamond Huynh
21:07 24 Mar 23
Booked a pre-purchase inspection. I was having some trouble booking the service online, but whoever helped me over the phone was extremely patient and kind. Easy booking process over the phone.The inspection and report was very well done! They're thorough as they can be, provides pictures and recommendation for what to do next.I had some follow up questions for the mechanic himself and he was honest and kind. Thanks Ali!
Jaco Retief
00:15 26 Oct 22
Again super service from my requested service mechanic Jack. Very detailed in every step of the service.This time I also booked a specific diagnostic request for a driver power seat issue which he resolved in a short time (saving me a lot of money where another shop advised me that I will have to replace the seat and the official manufacturer service department was going to charge me 2hrs labour for diagnostic - issue was just a loose screw...Jack has been my regularly requested mechanic with #instamek (including pre-purchase inspection at the dealership) as he's proven his expertise and trustworthiness in identifying issues honestly and know that I'll be back safe on the road until the next service appointment.Thank you Jack, sincerely appreciate your top notch service!!
Sean Santos
23:12 16 Oct 22
I had InstaMek do a pre-purchase inspection for a used car I was looking at. They scheduled a mechanic to come to the dealership the next day during my appointment with the dealership. The mechanic Ali was punctual and friendly upon meeting him. He let me watch as he did his thorough inspection of the vehicle and showed me anything he found concerning. Turns out the vehicle had a few major safety issues that the dealership was not willing to repair or reduce the price for me. Ali's expertise and communication made walking away from the dealership the easiest decision I've made all year.
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