Inspect Before You Buy
Why is this a good idea?
It's about protecting yourself. Make the right choice when you buy a used vehicle by spotting trouble before you close the deal.
It's also the law. Any newly-purchased vehicle, whether it's used or brand new, must have a valid provincial safety inspection certificate (called a Certificate of Inspection or COI in Manitoba) before it can be registered.
![An auto mechanic working under the hood of a car.](/-/media/Manitoba/auto/images/auto-half-mechanic.jpg?h=300&iar=0&w=533&hash=AA0190991EAA5F1AC94441DF3F78332B)
The requirements of a standard provincial safety inspection involve examining the steering, suspension, brakes, exhaust and other vehicle components.
But a Pre–Purchase Inspection performed by one of CAA’s Approved Auto Repair Services® (AARS™) facilities goes above and beyond the standard provincial safety inspection. A Pre–Purchase Inspection looks deeper into the vehicle to identify potential problems, particularly in the power train. CAA recommends a Pre–Purchase Inspection at three key stages:
- Before buying a used vehicle
- Before your warranty expires
- Before any major repairs
![An auto mechanic changing the oil filter under the hood of a car.](/-/media/Manitoba/auto/images/auto-half-mechanic-oil-filter.jpg?h=300&iar=0&w=533&hash=44B8012DC9A0662C6E867462F4148E65)
Where do I go for an inspection?
You can get a Pre–Purchase Inspection or a standard provincial safety inspection at one of our select Approved Auto Repair Services (AARS) facilities located throughout Manitoba.
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Buy & sell checklists.
Handy tips on what to keep in mind when you are buying or selling a vehicle.
Read![Mechanical first aid](/-/media/core/icons-playbook/png/auto/icons--mechanical-first-aid.png?h=40&iar=0&w=40&hash=4CC8A0E1361311781F5F5D70CAE645D1)
CAA Vehicle Inspection Service.
Offered at our AARS automotive Winnipeg locations, as well as across Manitoba.
Learn More