October 15, 2026Before buying a used car in Quebec: what a pre-purchase inspection covers, the documents to ask for and SAAQ rules for a vehicle from another province.
Why have a car inspected before buying it
A used car can hide structural rust, worn brakes, a leak or a transmission problem that a test drive won't reveal. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent garage gives you the list of repairs to expect: something to negotiate the price with, or a reason to walk away in time.
What a pre-purchase inspection checks
The content varies from one garage to another; ask for the checklist before booking.
- ✓Frame and underbody: rust, welds, signs of an accident
- ✓Brakes, suspension, steering and tires (even wear or not)
- ✓Oil, coolant or transmission fluid leaks
- ✓Reading the on-board computer's error codes
- ✓Road test: noises, vibrations, gear changes
Documents to check
Mechanical condition isn't enough: also check the vehicle's legal status.
- ✓The registration certificate, in the seller's name
- ✓The Register of personal and movable real rights (RDPRM), to make sure no loan is attached to the vehicle
- ✓The maintenance history and repair invoices
- ✓Outstanding manufacturer recalls
Vehicle from another province
According to the SAAQ, a used vehicle from outside Quebec must undergo a mechanical inspection before it can be registered. The same applies to a severely damaged vehicle that has been rebuilt, or one stored for more than 12 months. Check before buying: the inspection and any required repairs belong in your budget.
Book an inspection
Choose a garage with no connection to the seller, and allow an hour to an hour and a half. On Garago, you can find a garage offering pre-purchase inspections near the vehicle and book online.
