New, certified pre-owned or used
What new, certified pre-owned and used vehicles each get you, and the Alberta consumer protections that apply to all three.
New, certified pre-owned (CPO) and used vehicles each make sense for different buyers. Whichever you choose, Alberta's consumer protection rules apply when you buy from a licensed business.
What applies to all three in Alberta
- All-in pricing. An advertised price must include all fees and charges except GST and financing costs (AMVIC).
- Vehicle history. AMVIC says licensed businesses must disclose certain information about a vehicle's history, including past damage over $3,000 (AMVIC: before you sign).
- No cooling-off period. Once you sign, the contract is binding. Get every promise in writing first.
Questions for any CPO program
"Certified" means different things at different brands and dealers. Ask who certifies the vehicle (the manufacturer or the dealer), what the inspection covers, and what warranty comes with it. Get the answers in writing.
Guides in this section
Our first in-depth guides for this section are being written and fact-checked now. In the meantime, start with the overview above or browse all guides.