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: March 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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. Highly recommend.”
“I bought my RAV4 from Wes and Luke just before new years! Honestly 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, super convenient, professional and very helpful.”
“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. Was nice to meet them both when they delivered my new fancy ride!”
More About Our Process
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.