When must a vehicle be inspected before it can be sold at retail?

A vehicle must be inspected between the time it comes into a dealer's inventory and the time it is sold at retail to ensure that it meets safety and operational standards. This inspection process is essential for maintaining quality and legality in vehicle sales. It ensures that the dealer is providing a safe and compliant vehicle to the consumer.

Having this inspection occur before retail sale protects the dealership from selling a vehicle that might have defects or issues that could lead to liability or customer dissatisfaction. Proper inspection also fosters a positive reputation for the dealership and encourages consumer trust, as buyers can be confident that the vehicle has been thoroughly checked and any necessary repairs have been made.

Other options do not align with the correct timing for inspections; for instance, inspecting the vehicle before it enters the dealer's inventory would not account for any changes made during the time it is in the inventory. Similarly, performing inspections after a vehicle has already been sold does not help the dealer ensure compliance or quality for customers who rely on the dealer's responsibility for the vehicle's condition at the point of sale.