By OMVIC Communications on
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
The Vehicle Sales Authority of British Columbia (VSA) has warned both consumers and dealers of an online car-buying scam that arrived just in time for the holiday season. A fake website was created, using the name and address of a legitimate and licensed car dealership in British Columbia; however, it is a website for a phantom dealership that shows a fake roster of employees and consumer testimonials.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Planning to deck the driveway with a new ride
during the holiday season? Thinking about taking advantage of the flurry of Boxing
Day promotions? OMVIC would like to gift you with some key holiday car-buying
tips...
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, December 16, 2016
Whether shopping for a vehicle privately or from an OMVIC-Registered Dealer, consumers should take steps to protect themselves; and one of the key steps is to take a thorough test drive.
In many instances, taking a short drive around the block or a quick spin in the parking lot just won’t cut it. To get the most out of a test drive, OMVIC suggests consumers follow these tips...
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By OMVIC Communications on
Thursday, December 8, 2016
OMVIC, Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator, has recently heard from a small number of consumers who encountered problems when trading-in vehicles to a dealer. These consumers traded-in vehicles that still had money owing on them — loans that were to be paid off by the dealer as part of the financing of the consumers’ new vehicles. “Unfortunately the dealers did not pay off the loans immediately,” explained Laura Halbert, OMVIC’s Director of Compliance. “This left the consumers making payments on their new cars as well as on their trade-ins.”
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, December 2, 2016
OMVIC has launched a new Car-Buying Quiz to help consumers test their car-buying smarts.
This fun an interactive tool “drives” consumers down an information highway where they are quizzed on important car-buying topics including: All-in price advertising, the warning signs that help identify curbsiders and the amount of time (or lack of) to cancel a contract.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, November 25, 2016
 Car Shopping on Black Friday? Remember, buying from an Ontario-registered dealer does provide consumer protection, but a signed contract is still FINAL! There is “No Cooling Off Period”
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, November 18, 2016
Introducing OMVIC’s new interactive Road to Buying a Car in Ontario infographic! Whether buying from an OMVIC-Registered Dealer or a private seller, this step-by-step guide will help consumers ask the right questions during the car-buying process. Navigating from start to sold, the ‘how to roadmap’ identifies potential dangerous potholes and the detours consumers can make to ensure their next car purchase is a safe one!
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, November 11, 2016
Buying a car is one of the most expensive purchases a consumer will make in their lifetime. It is a transaction that requires thought, research and knowledge, which is why it is important that consumers educate themselves BEFORE entering into an agreement to purchase.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, November 4, 2016
 There are two benefits to trading-in your vehicle at the dealership; saving on taxes and on time. There are tax advantages (you'll only have to pay HST on the difference) and you save time and effort of having to sell it privately.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Thursday, October 27, 2016
 As adults, little is as exciting and yet equally fearful as the Halloweens of our childhood…with perhaps one exception – buying a car. In that acquisition many of us steel ourselves with the same heightened sense of “prepare for anything” as a nine year old on Halloween. Our fight-or-flight response is awakened; because this is, for most, a large purchase; it can be scary, and no wants to get stuck with a lemon.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, October 21, 2016
 One of the key pillars of protection offered to Ontario consumers who purchase from a registered dealer is the mandatory disclosure requirement. Ontario’s Motor Vehicle Dealers Act requires OMVIC-Registered Dealers to disclose in writing a vehicle’s past use, history and condition. For example, dealers must disclose incident or collision damage repairs exceeding $3,000.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, October 14, 2016
Thinking about buying a car for your budding academic star? Or perhaps you’re a student looking to purchase a set of wheels to keep you coming home for the holidays? Visit OMVIC at the Maclean’s Student Life Expo this weekend, October 15-16 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and have your car-buying questions answered by OMVIC staff!
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, October 7, 2016
Buying a car can be a huge financial commitment and no one wants to end up with buyer’s remorse due to unexpected repairs soon after purchase. That is why it’s vital consumers exercise their ‘due diligence’ before purchasing their next used vehicle – and in many cases, that means getting a pre-purchase mechanical inspection.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, September 30, 2016
Making car-buying decisions based solely on a low monthly payment could be financially hazardous and is becoming a problematic trend amongst many consumers. When buying a car it’s important consumers are aware of the potential consequences of financing vehicles over extended terms (e.g. 84-96 months). In some instances, particularly if the consumer has bruised credit and therefore only qualifies for a high interest loan, stretching the repayment term out can result in paying more in interest than the actual purchase price of the vehicle. Consumers should ensure they are getting the finance terms they want and can afford.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, September 23, 2016
There’s a growing trend amongst some consumers that may have unexpected financial consequences ‘down the road’. Known as Monthly Payment Junkies, these consumers ignore the potential pitfalls of financing a vehicle over an extended term such as 84-96 months and make their car-purchase decision based solely on a low monthly payment.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
 By now, you’re aware that all-in price advertising is the law for car dealers in Ontario. If a dealer advertises a price for a car (new or used), that price must include ALL fees and charges the dealer intends to collect, with the exception of HST and licensing. However research shows that a small minority of car dealers continue to add hidden fees or extra costs that exceed their advertised prices.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, September 9, 2016
Ontario’s advertising regulations are clear: if an OMVIC-Registered Dealer advertises a price for a vehicle, that price MUST be all-inclusive with the exception of HST and licensing. Manufacturer advertisements don’t have to follow these rules, so it’s important to know whose advertisement it is you’re reading/viewing.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, September 2, 2016
The Focus of OMVIC’s Annual Consumer Awareness Campaign!
A dog relishing a car ride; tongue lapping the air; fur flying in the wind – a sight that exemplifies simple joy; and it’s the imagery supporting OMVIC’s message: all-in price advertising – it’s putting the fun and excitement back into buying a car...and, it’s the law! The province-wide campaign utilizes TV, radio, online and social media advertising.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, August 26, 2016
Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator, OMVIC, advises consumers and dealers that Club Autohaus Inc. located at 14 Stafford Drive, Brampton is no longer registered to buy, sell or lease vehicles.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, August 19, 2016
 Are cooling-off periods (i.e. an opportunity to cancel a contract and get back your money) the law in Ontario or simply urban myths? Test your consumer rights knowledge.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Thursday, August 11, 2016
 Many people want to sell their car but don’t want the hassle of posting a private ad or taking strangers for a test drive. It can be time-consuming and frustrating. For some, the answer is consignment: giving the vehicle to a dealer to sell but retaining ownership until the sale takes place. Consignment sales are especially common with unique vehicles such as motorhomes or classic cars.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, August 5, 2016
Looking for something to do this weekend? Be sure to stop by the OMVIC booth at IMPORTFEST! Learn more about your car-buying rights and have your questions answered by OMVIC staff!
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, July 29, 2016
 Think you’re a pretty savvy car buyer? Understand dealer advertising? Let’s check; and find out if your consumer smarts are stuck in the first gear or set on cruise control.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, July 22, 2016
 Heading off to college or university and looking for a cheap set of wheels? If you're searching in the private automotive jungle remember, consumer protection laws in Ontario don't apply to private vehicle purchases. Should something go wrong with a private car purchase, consumers are basically on their own with little recourse other than the court system.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
 Be sure to stop by the OMVIC booth at the Toronto Honda Indy this weekend, July 15 th to 17 th. Have your questions answered by OMVIC staff and learn about your rights when you purchase a vehicle from an OMVIC-Registered Dealer, in Ontario.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, July 8, 2016
 If you're looking to purchase a vehicle in Ontario, new or used, chances are you've checked out some of the online auto marketplaces such as Kijiji, AutoTRADER, Craigslist or others. While there are many legitimate vehicles available through these sites, there are also a number of sophisticated online scams you should watch out for.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Thursday, June 30, 2016
In Ontario, there is no cooling-off period when purchasing a vehicle from an OMVIC-Registered dealer – all sales are final. Before you sign the contract, it is important to do your research and determine if leasing is right for you.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, June 24, 2016
Although changes to the safety inspection standards have been implemented, “as is” disclosure obligations remain unaltered. As such, “as is” disclosures must still be made on both contracts and advertisements. In addition, dealers are still responsible to make all mandatory disclosures about the history and condition of the vehicle, in writing, even if the vehicle is being sold “as is.”
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, June 17, 2016
#DYK Since its creation on July 1, 1986, the Motor Vehicle Dealers Compensation Fund has paid out over 5 million in compensation to consumers. As the oldest and largest fund of its kind in Canada, the Compensation Fund offers the best protection for vehicle buyers in Ontario. Happy 30th Birthday to the Compensation Fund!
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, June 10, 2016

OMVIC (Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council) is Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator. With a mandate to protect consumers OMVIC enforces the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act and other consumer protection statutes on behalf of the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Thinking about buying a car? Want to see the newest models in a unique no-selling, no-pressure environment? Then plan a trip to Barrie this weekend!
Georgian College Auto Show – June 3–5
This weekend, June 3–5, North America’s largest outdoor auto show is being held in Ontario. The Georgian College Auto Show is 100% student run and it’s taking place at the college’s Barrie campus.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, May 27, 2016
All-in price advertising is the law; a law meant to provide transparency to consumers and to create a fair and level playing field for dealers. Through past bulletins we’ve learned that if a dealer advertises a price for a vehicle (new or used), that price MUST include all fees and charges the dealer intends to collect.
But what are the other ‘advertising’ rules consumers should be aware of to stay protected?
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, May 20, 2016
Considering the information available, today’s informed consumers should have more confidence (and less anxiety) than ever before when buying a car. But that’s the rub; consumers have to do their part too. They need to research; ask questions; know when they’re protected (and when they’re not); and accept some of the responsibility for protecting themselves. An educated consumer is a protected consumer.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, May 13, 2016
All-in price advertising is the law in Ontario; a law meant to provide transparency to consumers and create a fair and level playing field for car dealers. Through OMVIC’s on-going consumer awareness efforts, the public is becoming more informed of the all-in pricing rules when purchasing a car from an OMVIC-Registered Dealer — but there is still some confusion…
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, May 6, 2016
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, April 29, 2016
With millions of vehicles recalled, many for serious safety issues, it’s vitally important owners take steps to ensure they’re aware if a vehicle they own, or are thinking of purchasing, is the subject of a recall and to have recalled vehicles repaired/serviced.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, April 22, 2016
 Summer is just around the corner and you may be thinking about buying some new “toys”! Well, if it’s a motorhome (a driveable RV) purchased from a registered dealer, you’re protected by OMVIC and the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA). In the rare instance you encounter a problem with the dealership OMVIC may be able to assist; it also means you are protected by the Motor Vehicle Dealers Compensation Fund!
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By OMVIC Communications on
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Remember Mehran Amini, the curbsider who was sentenced to 450 days in prison in January 2016 for selling vehicles with rolled-back odometers? He was sentenced to an additional 300 days in prison after being found guilty on his last set of charges. That’s 750 days in total – this is the longest ever jail sentence handed out for illegal car sales in Ontario! Read more…
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, April 8, 2016
Did you know that when you buy a car from an Ontario-registered dealer, there is no “cooling off” period? Once you sign a contract, sales are FINAL. So, before you sign the dotted line, it’s important to be certain that you have explored all options and are confident in your purchase—a car is a big Investment!
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, April 1, 2016
 While most of us can appreciate, if not enjoy, a good prank, no one likes to be made a fool. And yet there are many scammers, con-men/ women and fraudsters in existence, trying to get rich doing just that. From phony CRA officers threatening to charge people for supposed tax arrears to larcenous paramours running romance scams, organized criminals are seeking victims everywhere; even the online vehicle sales marketplace.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, March 25, 2016
 Did you know that all-in price advertising is the law? If you answered NO , you probably need to sharpen your car-buying knowledge before signing any contracts or paying any deposits. An educated consumer is a protected consumer - OMVIC offers FREE car buying seminars. Read more to learn about all-in price advertising and how you can book a FREE car buying seminar today!
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By OMVIC Communications on
Thursday, March 17, 2016
The 2016 Ottawa-Gatineau International Auto Show March 17th to 20th
Looking for something to do in the Ottawa-Gatineau area this March Break? Be sure to stop by the OMVIC booth (Level 2, Room 202) at the 2016 Ottawa-Gatineau International Auto Show. Have your questions answered by OMVIC staff and test your car buying IQ!
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By OMVIC Communications on
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Bought a new car? Can’t wait to take delivery? When the big time comes, don’t let excitement take over completely – there are still important steps to take to ensure your purchase goes smoothly.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, March 4, 2016
 Rolled back odometers are very rarely an issue with vehicles sold by Ontario-registered dealers, in part because the possible ramifications are so “severe”; but where it is problematic, is with vehicles sold by curbsiders (illegal, unlicensed vehicle dealers). Click to read more…
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, February 26, 2016
 Did you know that protections granted to consumers under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) cannot be nullified in a contract? Ontario’s CPA is THE LAW. Read more to learn about the protections available to consumers under the CPA if a dealer commits an unfair business practice.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Thursday, February 11, 2016
The #CIAS2016 February 12th to 21st
Be sure to stop by the OMVIC booth P231, level 800 at the 2016 Canadian International AutoShow. Have your questions answered by OMVIC staff and maybe have some car buying myths busted!
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By OMVIC Communications on
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
 Like cars, not all relationships are built to last. Our love wanes. We grow bored. New models tempt us with exciting features, better handling, firmer suspensions; it’s irresistible. Yes, there’s nothing quite like the stimulating, even obsessive, love affair…with a new car. But how do you “break up” with your old ride? There’s generally three ways to go about it.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, February 5, 2016
“No Pets Allowed” — Consumers and retailers alike are accustomed to this “rule” when entering a retail place of business.
But, did you know that in Ontario all organizations that provide goods and services to the public are legally required to allow people with disabilities to be accompanied by a “service animal”? Read more to learn why.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has overturned a decision of the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT) that ordered the provincial vehicle sales regulator, OMVIC, to grant a licence to a man convicted of firebombing New York State government offices.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, January 22, 2016
Mehran Amini was sentenced to 450 days incarceration after being found guilty on two counts of curbsiding (acting as a dealer without registration) contrary to the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act and one count of engaging in an unfair business practice (related to odometer tampering) in contravention of the Consumer Protection Act. “This is the longest sentence handed out in Ontario for illegal vehicle sales,” explained Michael Rothe, Director of Legal Services for OMVIC, Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator.
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