In Quebec, the Consumer Protection Act (LPC) provides an automatic legal warranty of good working order on every used car sold by a merchant. Many buyers don't know about it, and some sellers don't mention it. Here are your rights.
1. The 4 LPC warranty categories
The length depends on the age and mileage at the time of sale. Section 159 of the LPC defines four categories:
| Cat. | Vehicle criteria | Minimum warranty |
|---|---|---|
| A | Less than 2 years OR less than 40,000 km | 6 months or 10,000 km |
| B | Less than 3 years OR less than 60,000 km | 3 months or 5,000 km |
| C | Less than 5 years OR less than 80,000 km | 1 month or 1,700 km |
| D | More than 5 years AND more than 80,000 km | None (LPC s. 37, 38) |
The first limit reached is the one that applies. For example, for category B: if you drive 5,000 km in 2 months, the warranty is over even if the 3 months have not elapsed.
2. What the warranty covers
The LPC warranty covers any mechanical problem that prevents the vehicle from being used for its normal purpose. This includes:
- Engine and transmission.
- Braking system.
- Steering, suspension, axles.
- Critical electrical system (ignition, alternator, battery).
- Exhaust system.
3. What is not covered
- Normal wear: tires, brake pads, wiper blades, end-of-life battery.
- Cosmetics: paint, interior, accessories.
- Damage caused by an accident or misuse.
- Category D, unless an additional warranty is voluntarily offered.
4. Repairs: who pays?
During the LPC warranty period, the merchant must repair the fault free of charge (parts and labour). You pay no deductible, which is the big difference from a paid additional warranty.
5. What you need to do
- Read the sales contract: the warranty category (A, B, C or D) must be written on it. If it isn't, the seller is in violation.
- Keep your maintenance invoices: a lack of maintenance can void the warranty.
- Notify the seller as soon as the fault appears: don't have it repaired elsewhere without contacting the dealership first.
Additional warranty: useful or not?
For category C or D vehicles, an additional warranty can be worthwhile. It extends coverage (often 12, 24 or 36 months). Read the exclusions and the list of covered parts carefully before accepting.
At BonAuto
All our vehicles are sold with the LPC warranty category clearly indicated in the contract. Our inventory shows the year and mileage of each vehicle to help you understand the protection that applies. Contact us if you have questions about a specific vehicle.