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Toronto, March 10,
2008
- On Saturday, March 8
CTV’s
W-Five aired “A Bad Road
Trip”, part of which highlighted
the threat of illegal,
unregistered sellers, known in
the industry as “curbsiders.”
Curbsiders put unsuspecting
consumers at risk by selling
vehicles that often have
accident damage, rolled
odometers or liens against them.
And usually, there is very
little recourse for buyers who
fall victim.
In response to the curbsiding
problem, the Ontario Motor
Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC)
lays over 2,000 curbsiding
charges annually. Although
collection of fines is currently
the responsibility of the
courts, new legislation –
expected to be in force later
this year – will increase
the minimum curbsiding fine to
$2,500, and will also provide
OMVIC with tools to ensure
payment of those fines.
Consumers in the market for a
used vehicle should be wary of
curbsiders. Below are some quick
vehicle-buying tips:
Avoid curbsiders.
Curbsiders pose as private
sellers, but are really in the
business of selling stolen,
damaged, rebuilt or
odometer-tampered vehicles.
Since they are not registered
dealers, you have no recourse if
you become their victim.
Suspected curbsiders can be
reported at 1-888-NOCURBS.
You have the right to
know the history of the vehicle.
Ensure the seller provides a
Used Vehicle Information Package
(UVIP) before purchasing a
vehicle. Under Ontario law, it’s
the private seller’s
responsibility to provide a
UVIP. The package will list the
names of all the previous owners
in Ontario, determine if there
are any outstanding Ontario
liens registered against the
vehicle, and include the name of
the current vehicle registrant.
It is critical to ensure the
vehicle is in the name of the
seller. If it is a different
name, you may be dealing with a
curbsider. For greater certainty
about the vehicle’s history,
consider purchasing a CARFAX or
CarProof vehicle history report
(www.carproof.com).
Only the current
owner should be selling the
vehicle. Since the name
of the current owner will be
printed on the UVIP, it is
critical to confirm the identity
of the individual selling the
vehicle. Ask to see photo ID and
proof of ownership. Take into
consideration where you meet the
seller. It is best to deal at a
person’s residence in order to
verify the address. Avoid
meeting the seller in a public
place such as a mall or parking
lot. If you do meet at the
seller’s premises, are there
other cars for sale? If so, you
may be dealing with a curbsider.
If you do decide to purchase the
vehicle, do not pay cash. Issue
a cheque made out to the name of
the current owner listed on the
UVIP. A curbsider will prefer
cash, so that the buyer will
have no way of tracking him down
after the sale.
Get an inspection by
a mechanic you trust.
You should know the true
condition of the vehicle.
Although you may ask the seller
for maintenance and repair
records, it is in your best
interest to have the vehicle
inspected by an unbiased
mechanic you trust. A mechanic
may find problems with the
vehicle that the seller failed
to disclose. If you are dealing
with a curbsider, the vehicle
may be accident-damaged or the
odometer may have been rolled
back. It may have also been
previously used as a cab or
police cruiser.
Shopping with a
registered motor vehicle dealer
means you’re protected.
A vehicle is a major purchase so
no matter where you buy, you
should always research the
vehicle and know your rights.
All Ontario dealers are
registered by OMVIC. You may
verify registration at
www.omvic.on.ca or by
calling 1-800-943-6002. OMVIC
also provides complaint handling
should you run into trouble with
your transaction. In Ontario,
all vehicle purchasers are
protected by the Motor Vehicle
Dealers Compensation Fund when
you buy from a registered
dealer. This protection is lost
when you buy privately.
Questions about purchasing
used or new vehicles in
Ontario can be directed to OMVIC at
1-800-943-6002. Consumers are
also encouraged to view OMVIC’s
student awareness video,
Know Your Ride,
which is available
online.
About OMVIC
OMVIC administers the Motor
Vehicle Dealers Act – a public
protection statute – on behalf
of the Minister of Government
and Consumer Services. OMVIC’s mandate is to
maintain a safe and informed
marketplace by ensuring
registration of dealers and
salespeople, regularly
inspecting all of Ontario’s
8,600 dealerships, maintaining a
complaint line for consumers and
conducting investigations.
OMVIC’s Board of Directors
includes nine elected dealers
and three consumer
representatives appointed by
government. OMVIC is also
responsible for administering
the Motor Vehicle Dealers
Compensation Fund on behalf of a
Board of Trustees.
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