September 2018
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Dealer Fees Are Not Illegal, But They Must be Included in the Advertised Price
Recently a consumer wrote to OMVIC:
"We recently purchased a used vehicle from an OMVIC Registered Dealer. We were charged an administrative fee of $199. We questioned this and were given a vague answer; the salesman insinuated this was a normal charge. I thought dealers couldn’t add fees."
There can be some confusion when it comes to All-in Price Advertising and dealer fees. So let's clarify:
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Buying a Car for a Student
You've known for a while that this day would come. And when your kids argued with you about the unfairness of curfews or doing chores, you might have even longed for it, but now that it's time for your darling daughter or son to head off to university or college, you realize you're not prepared for them to leave home. Don't worry about them…they're more than ready. In an effort to stave off empty nest syndrome, you decide to get your offspring a car—nothing too fancy, just a cheap yet decent set of wheels, so they can drive home to visit at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Reading Week, or when they need to get four loads of laundry done.
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Picking up a New Vehicle?—These Delivery Tips Will Help Ensure the Final Process in Your Vehicle Acquisition Goes Smoothly
Bought a new car and waiting to take delivery? Make sure the excitement you feel lasts for days and isn’t snuffed out by any unexpected disappointments. Keep calm and take your time; ensure all your questions/concerns are answered. To help with this process, OMVIC recommends making a 'vehicle delivery' checklist:
1. Take a thorough walk-around with the salesperson to inspect for scratches/damages. This should be done in daylight or a well-lit area.
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OMVIC administers and enforces the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA) on behalf of the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. OMVIC maintains a fair and informed vehicle sales marketplace by regulating dealers and salespersons, regularly inspecting Ontario's 8,000 dealerships and 27,000 salespeople, maintaining a complaint line for consumers and conducting investigations and prosecutions of industry misconduct and illegal sales (curbsiding). OMVIC is also responsible for administering the Motor Vehicle Dealers Compensation Fund on behalf of its Board of Trustees.
Consumer Line is OMVIC’s consumer guide to Ontario’s motor vehicle dealer industry. It is published throughout the year, delivered free via e-mail and provides consumers with useful tips, industry news and important, up-to-date information.
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