Last winter, Tara Harper thought she was purchasing a secure vehicle after a safety inspection at a Winnipeg Canadian Tire approved a used SUV. However, the vehicle broke down shortly after she bought it from a private seller for $5,000 in early February, leaving the college student stranded and frustrated as it was her first car. The seller attempted to fix an engine issue, but Harper’s doubts about the vehicle’s safety led her to have it inspected by Todd Holmes, a certified mechanic and family friend, who immediately deemed it unsafe due to severe frame corrosion. Subsequent inspections by Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) revealed even more safety concerns, raising serious safety risks.
Expert George Iny of the Automobile Protection Association highlighted that provincial safety inspection systems might provide a false sense of security to consumers, potentially leading them to believe the vehicles they purchase are safe. Harper and her family faced a prolonged battle for compensation, with the seller shifting blame to Canadian Tire, and MPI and the retailer initially refusing to take responsibility. However, after Go Public intervened, Canadian Tire reimbursed Harper for the vehicle as a goodwill gesture, emphasizing that their inspection procedures were followed.
MPI took action against the Canadian Tire Polo Park location, suspending its permit for 12 months due to integrity issues in inspections. Across the provinces, varying levels of oversight were reported regarding garage inspections, with Manitoba issuing 54 suspensions over the past five years.
Iny emphasized the importance of independent vehicle assessments by trusted mechanics to ensure safety, as certain crucial components like the frame may not be adequately covered in standard safety inspections. While certain provinces exclude engines and transmissions from safety inspections, Iny advised buyers to seek additional assessments to safeguard their purchase.
Harper’s experience shed light on the risks associated with private vehicle sales, as they lack the regulatory protections offered by dealerships. The family, facing significant repair costs for the vehicle’s frame, planned to dispose of it due to safety concerns. Harper’s ordeal significantly impacted her perception of vehicle ownership and underscored the challenges posed by provincial safety inspection systems.