Checked October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. Rules differ by province and change, so use each regulator's own page before you rely on a rule.

You found a car online, the price looks right, and then the listing says "as is." Now you are reading provincial rules on a Tuesday night to learn what that means. It is an exciting purchase, and jargon makes it feel heavy.

The short answer

Many used cars come with no dealer warranty, and "as is" usually means you carry repair costs after the sale. But "as is" does not erase everything. Where an official page confirms it, some protections stay: disclosure duties on dealers in Ontario, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, a legal warranty in Quebec that applies even when a merchant says "as is," and, according to British Columbia's regulator, an implied warranty there (the Act itself lets it be varied, so read the contract). We could not confirm New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador from an official page today, so check with those consumer offices.

What does "as is" mean on a used car?

It depends on the province. Here is what each regulator says.

• Ontario. OMVIC's As-Is Sales Guideline reproduces the required statement. The vehicle "is being sold 'as-is' and is not represented as being in road worthy condition, mechanically sound or maintained at any guaranteed level of quality." It "may require substantial repairs at the purchaser's expense" and may not be registrable. You initial it. Under Ontario Regulation 333/08, a registered dealer cannot sell a used vehicle as-is to a buyer who is not a dealer if a current safety standards certificate has been issued for it. OMVIC also says it is not compliant to call a vehicle as-is without the required disclosures.

• British Columbia. The Vehicle Sales Authority says a dealer may sell "As Is - Where Is," meaning without repairs and without any dealer warranty. But "the vehicle must still meet minimum vehicle safety standards and it will still have an implied warranty under the Sale of Goods Act," and the dealer must disclose all known material defects. A vehicle sold as "Not Suitable for Transportation," properly advertised and marked, has no implied warranty. The Act itself says implied terms can be varied by express agreement, and its ban on contracting out does not cover goods that appear used, so ask what your contract says.

• Alberta. Alberta.ca says "unless otherwise stated, used vehicles are sold 'as is'," so flaws after the sale are the buyer's responsibility.

• Nova Scotia. Service Nova Scotia says a licensed dealer may sell a used vehicle "as is" with a "Sale of Vehicle Not Safety Approved" form, and no permit is issued until a valid inspection sticker is obtained in your name.

• Quebec. The Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC) says the legal warranty "applies even if the merchant claims to be selling or leasing a vehicle without a warranty (for example, 'as is' or 'as seen')."

What stays when a dealer says "as is"?

Disclosure and honest descriptions. Ontario.ca says a buyer can cancel within 90 days if the odometer reading, make, model and year, branded status or details of past use are not accurate. Saskatchewan's FCAA says licensed dealers must disclose material facts, such as taxi or police use, rental ownership within 24 months, or an altered odometer. Manitoba's Consumer Protection Office says licensed dealers must tell you the facts about the vehicle's history and condition. In BC, the VSA says a written agreement must state police, taxi, emergency, lease or rental use and damage costing more than $2,000 to repair.

Quebec's legal warranties. The OPC says legal warranties for use, reasonable lifetime and hidden defects "apply automatically and without charge." A hidden defect is an important defect present before the sale, not mentioned to you, that you could not have noticed with due diligence.

What may not stay. Ontario's safety standards certificate "is only an indication that the motor vehicle met certain basic standards of vehicle safety on the date of inspection."

Does Quebec give a warranty by mileage?

Yes, for cars sold by a merchant, and it is the clearest rule we found. The OPC says the warranty of good working order only applies to used automobiles built within the previous 7 years or less. For contracts on or after April 5, 2024, the length is whichever comes first of:

It covers parts and labour, but not normal maintenance, interior and decorative items, misuse after delivery, or defects the merchant listed on the label with a repair estimate. The merchant pays towing and repair, with no deductible, even if you bought an extended warranty. A car may still have the legal warranties when this one does not apply.

What about the other provinces?

Chasing a dealer for the actual warranty terms on each car is slow, and it is the kind of legwork Uobo does by text. Here is what we confirmed.

• Manitoba and Saskatchewan have general warranty pages, not written about cars. Manitoba's says you get an implied warranty on retail sales: products should be "fit for their intended purpose and … free of defects, except as described." Saskatchewan's FCAA describes statutory minimum warranties for most consumer products, "subject to some limitations and/or exceptions (including those for second-hand dealers)." Ask each office how they apply to a used car.

• BC, Ontario, Alberta and Nova Scotia are covered above.

• New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador: not confirmed. Ask the provincial consumer office before you sign.

What is the difference between the kinds of warranty?

Alberta's AMVIC says "not all warranties are the same and many are 'limited,'" so find out what is covered, for how long, and what you must do, such as keep maintenance records.

What should you check before paying for an extended warranty?

Ontario's OMVIC defines an extended warranty as a contract covering repair or replacement of parts, including labour, "beyond what is covered by law or the manufacturer's warranty." Ask:

1. Price and deductible. What does it cost, and is there a deductible?

2. What is covered. A 2014 Consumer Protection BC post on extended warranties in general (not about cars) suggests asking whether labour is included.

3. Exclusions. Get the list.

4. Who backs it. In Ontario, OMVIC says dealers may only sell extended warranties if the provider is insured or secured by a letter of credit. Quebec's OPC says insurance-type warranties are usually honoured by a third party.

5. Cancellation and refund. In Quebec you have 10 days after buying an additional warranty to cancel it in writing without fees, but not with an insurer authorized by the Autorité des marchés financiers. We found no matching rule for other provinces, so ask.

6. Pressure. That same 2014 post says not to feel pressured to buy on the spot.

The Car dealer add-ons explained page covers what plans like this are and what to ask before you say yes. For the wider price picture, see What gets added to an online car price.

What does Clutch say about its own warranty?

As of October 2026, Clutch's protection plans page shows four packages and says "your included protections and price are confirmed during checkout." Basic shows no warranty. Essential shows a "Standard warranty," described in its warranty section as "up to 90 days or 6,000 km, whichever comes first." (Clutch's FAQ words this as 3 months or 6,000 km.) It lists covered systems such as engine, transmission and brakes, and says wearable components, recommended maintenance and cosmetic imperfections are not covered. Clutch Care and Clutch Care Complete show an extended warranty, say "iA Financial Group will extend that coverage," and offer a downloadable details document. Read that document, and see our posts on Clutch's fees and add-ons and its money-back policy.

Is a private sale different?

Very. Most protections above concern dealers.

• Ontario. Ontario.ca says that if you buy privately you cannot claim on the Compensation Fund.

• Quebec. The OPC says its Consumer Protection Act "does not regulate transactions between 2 individuals," and that "sold as is" or "with no warranty" can mean you waive a claim, for example for a hidden defect. It also warns about "false private vendors," merchants posing as private sellers.

• British Columbia. The VSA says options are "very limited" and you will have to go to court.

• Manitoba. People selling their own cars do not have to give you the facts on the vehicle's history.

What should you ask for in writing before you pay?

1. Whether "as is" or "no warranty" appears, and what it means in your province.

2. Any dealer warranty: days and kilometres, what is covered, who repairs.

3. Whether any manufacturer's warranty remains.

4. The full terms of any paid plan: cost, deductible, backer, cancellation.

5. Every spoken promise. AMVIC and Manitoba both say to get promises in writing.

Check these in the Car purchase contract checklist before you sign, and use the Car delivery day checklist on arrival. If returns are your worry, see Can you return a car bought online in Canada?.

You may ask all of this.

Try these free tools

• Car purchase contract checklist: review price, fees, add-ons and every warranty promise before you sign.

• Car dealer add-ons explained: what warranty and protection plans are and what to ask.

• Car delivery day checklist: check the VIN, odometer, damage and paperwork on arrival.

Want a hand comparing warranty terms across listings? Text Uobo, a personal car agent that does the research, checks and dealer legwork by text, and is free for shoppers. Start here.