If a motor-vehicle dealer advertises a price for a vehicle (new or used), the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA) requires that the price include all fees and charges the dealer intends to collect. Learn more here: All in Price Advertising

Many consumers mistakenly shop for a vehicle solely based on a low monthly payment rather than the actual price. Often referred to as “monthly payment junkies,” some of these consumers find themselves financing a vehicle over extended terms (84-96-108 months). In many instances, this can lead to “negative equity” (owing more for a vehicle than it is worth). Learn more here:  Auto Financing and Negative Equity

Curbsiders are illegal, unlicensed vehicle dealers who pose as private sellers, though some operate from small automotive businesses (repair shops, rental companies, etc.). Curbsiders often sell vehicles that are undisclosed, rebuilt write-offs or are odometer-tampered. Learn more here:  Curbsiding

Registration with OMVIC is mandatory for all dealers and salespeople in Ontario. Consumers who buy from OMVIC-Registered dealers have a right to All-in price advertising; Full disclosure of vehicle history and condition; Cancellation rights (for specified non-disclosures) and access to the Motor Vehicle Dealers Compensation Fund. To learn more about your rights when buying from a dealer visit:  Buying from a Registered Dealer

Consumers are only protected when buying from an OMVIC-Registered Dealer, so if they decide to buy privately, they need to educate themselves and take extra care. Learn more here:  Tips for Buying Privately

And There's More!

From test-drive tips to spotting scams, below are additional links to OMVIC resources for consumers. There's even a car-buying quiz to test your car-buying IQ.

Test Driving Tips

When buying a car privately or from a registered dealer, consumers have to learn to protect themselves; and one of the key steps is taking a thorough test drive—not just around the block. To learn more visit: Test Driving Tips

Devices capable of reprogramming the odometer in many of today’s computerized vehicles are readily available online for a few hundred dollars. As well, unscrupulous individuals advertise “odometer correction services” on many online marketplaces. These easily accessible methods unfortunately mean vehicles with rolled-back odometers are increasingly offered for sale online. To learn more visit: Can Odometers be Rolled Back?

Online scams routinely target Ontario car buyers through fake ads found on popular websites such as Kijiji, AutoTRADER and Craigslist. To learn how to identify these scams visit: Telltale Signs of a Car-Buying Scam

Trading-in a vehicle (versus selling privately) has pros and cons. On the downside, dealers generally offer the wholesale value of a trade-in, which could be less than what a consumer might get selling privately. On the positive side, trading in a vehicle is easier, faster and more secure; it avoids the myriad of headaches (e.g. no-shows, ownership transfer, obtaining secure payment) associated with selling privately; and, there are tax savings to be had when trading in. To learn more visit: Trade-In Tips

The majority of consumers borrow money for a vehicle purchase. Some choose to use a personal line of credit or arrange financing at their own financial institution but many have the dealer arrange financing. Often though, having the dealer arrange financing makes sense—dealers have access to numerous lenders that may provide terms or rates unavailable elsewhere. But this doesn’t mean consumers shouldn’t carefully consider what is being offered and take steps to ensure they are getting the best possible finance rate and terms. To learn more visit: Financing - Considerations, Questions and Tips When Arranging Auto Financing

A lease is a long-term car rental that typically runs over a series of months (36, 48, 60) with a set monthly payment. Leasing is available for both new and used cars. To learn more visit: About Leasing

Extended warranties cover some mechanical breakdowns, not necessarily the normal wear and tear a vehicle experiences. Extended warranties are not all created equal;much like vehicles, they come in every shape and design. To learn more visit: Extended Warranty

Picking up a new vehicle can be exciting! But there are several important factors to consider at the time of delivery. To learn more visit: Vehicle Delivery Tips

Is your car-buying know-how stuck in first gear or set on cruise. Test yourself using OMVIC’s Car Buying Quiz You can even share your results and challenge your friends.