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Every Vehicle Independently Certified

Before any vehicle reaches our lot, it passes a 162-point Mechanical Fitness Assessment performed by a licensed, independent mechanic shop — not our sales team.

Last reviewed: September 2026

Key Facts

Inspection Points
162 Points
Performed By
Licensed Mechanic Shop
Certification Type
Independent — Not In-House
Applies To
Every Vehicle

Zero competitors in Calgary offer verifiable third-party certification on every vehicle.

Most dealers inspect vehicles using their own staff — the same people who benefit from the sale. Our MFA is performed by an external licensed mechanic shop with no stake in the transaction. The report exists whether you ask for it or not.

Want an Inspected Vehicle?

Every vehicle passes 162-point inspection. Browse now.

★★★★★ 106+ Google Reviews · AMVIC Licensed · Free Delivery 300km

Why Independent Certification Matters

If you are financing a vehicle after credit challenges — a consumer proposal, a rough patch, or simply rebuilding from scratch — you have already dealt with enough uncertainty. Your vehicle should not add to it.

An in-house inspection is done by the same people who want to sell you the car. That is not an accusation — it is a structural conflict of interest that exists at most dealerships. Third-party certification removes that conflict entirely. The mechanic who signs off on the MFA report has no idea what we paid for the vehicle, and no reason to soften the findings.

The result is a document you can trust — not because we told you to, but because someone with no financial stake in the outcome produced it. You can request the MFA report before you commit to anything, and it becomes part of your deal documents at sale. When you are ready for financing any of these inspected vehicles, our full lender network is available to you.

What the 162-Point Inspection Covers

The Mechanical Fitness Assessment covers five major systems. Each category contains multiple checkpoints evaluated and documented by the certifying mechanic. These checks align with Alberta's vehicle inspection requirements — the provincial standard every licensed inspection station must meet.

Engine & Drivetrain

  • Engine compression and oil pressure
  • Transmission operation and fluid condition
  • Differential and driveshaft integrity
  • Cooling system and hoses
  • Belts and tensioners

Brakes & Suspension

  • Brake pad and rotor thickness
  • Brake lines and hydraulic system
  • Shock absorbers and struts
  • Control arms, ball joints, and tie rods
  • Steering rack and wheel alignment

Electrical & Safety Systems

  • Battery health and charging system
  • All lights — interior, exterior, signals
  • Airbag system and warning lights
  • Climate control and defrost
  • OBD-II diagnostic scan for fault codes

Body & Structural Integrity

  • Frame and unibody inspection for damage
  • Panel gaps and alignment
  • Evidence of prior collision repairs
  • Rust inspection — underbody and wheel wells
  • Door, hood, and trunk operation

Fluids, Filters & Emissions

  • Engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels
  • Power steering and transmission fluid
  • Air and cabin filter condition
  • Exhaust system and catalytic converter
  • Emissions compliance check

Our Inspection Process, Step by Step

1

Vehicle Sourced — Sent to Independent Shop

When we acquire a vehicle, it does not go straight to the lot. Before it is photographed, listed, or shown to a single buyer, it is sent to a licensed, independent mechanic shop. The inspection happens before we have any financial interest in selling you that specific car.

2

162-Point MFA Performed by Certified Mechanic

A certified mechanic at the external shop performs the full Mechanical Fitness Assessment — 162 checkpoints across engine, drivetrain, brakes, suspension, electrical systems, structural integrity, fluids, and emissions. The completed report is signed off by the mechanic who performed the work.

3

Pass = Listed. Fail = Not Sold.

If the vehicle passes, it goes on the lot. If it doesn't pass, it doesn't get sold — full stop. We don't list vehicles with outstanding issues, offer repair credits in lieu of fixing them, or make exceptions based on price point. The MFA result determines whether the vehicle enters our inventory.

See what you'd qualify for

Soft check, no commitment — three quick answers.

What Happens If a Vehicle Fails?

Not every vehicle we source makes it to the lot. When a vehicle does not pass the 162-point MFA, we do not list it, negotiate around the findings, or offer a discount to offset the issues. It simply does not become part of our inventory.

This means the vehicles you see on our lot are not a cross-section of everything we acquired — they are the ones that cleared an independent mechanical standard. That filter costs us inventory. We consider it a non-negotiable part of doing this right.

The MFA Report Is Yours to See

The Mechanical Fitness Assessment report is available upon request on any vehicle before you purchase. At the time of sale, it is included in your deal documents — so you leave with a permanent copy, not just our word.

Common Questions About Our Inspection

Who performs the vehicle inspection?

A licensed mechanic shop — not our sales team. Every inspection is independent of the dealership. We send vehicles to a certified third-party shop before they are listed for sale.

What is a Mechanical Fitness Assessment?

A Mechanical Fitness Assessment (MFA) is a comprehensive inspection covering 162 mechanical, safety, and structural checkpoints — including brakes, suspension, engine, drivetrain, electrical systems, and structural integrity.

Can I see the inspection report?

Yes. The MFA report is available upon request before purchase. It is also included in your deal documents at the time of sale — so you have a permanent record of the inspection.

What if something goes wrong after purchase?

We offer Lubrico extended warranties for additional peace of mind after your purchase. Lubrico plans are transferable across Canada and cover mechanical breakdowns beyond the initial inspection. Learn more about our warranty options.

What Our Customers Say

The buying experience was handled very professionally. Wes was very attentive and presented everything in an open and honest manner that gave me the reassurance that I made a good purchase.
John L.
I bought my RAV4 from Wes and Luke just before new years! We got the best service possible. I was at the dealership for a total of one hour and we had our deal done. The price was great.
Maqsood A.
Great experience with the team at Shift. The whole experience was easy from start to finish. Wes was quick to respond and answer all my questions. Luke was a dream with the paperwork.
Jess I.

Browse independently certified vehicles

Request the MFA report on any vehicle. All credit situations welcome.

★★★★★ 106+ Google Reviews · AMVIC Licensed · Free Delivery 300km

Ready to Find a Vehicle You Can Trust?

Browse our inventory — every vehicle independently certified — or talk to us about financing that works for your situation.

Ask for the MFA report on any vehicle. No obligation, no pressure.

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