There’s a new danger riding in on a storm for used car buyers—flood-damaged vehicles. “Authorities in the US have told us they expect about half a million vehicles to be flooded as a result of Hurricane Harvey alone,” said Tom Girling, Director of Investigations for OMVIC, Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator. “And they expect many of them will end up being exported—including to Canada.”

Vehicles that would have been completely unaffordable two decades ago are now financially accessible. Many consumers can buy the car of their dreams, with no money down, for a monthly, bi-weekly (or even daily) payment that has somehow become “affordable.” But how? Did cars get cheaper? Are we all significantly wealthier? Or is something else at play?

Do know the difference between buying a car from a dealership and buying privately? OMVIC staff will be happy to answer your car-buying questions and provide you with information about your car-buying rights at IMPORTFEST! 

Sending a “child” off to university or college can be traumatic – for the parents of course; the kid will be just fine. So to make it easier to keep ‘em coming home for more than just Thanksgiving and spring break, some parents will head out with their teens on an elusive hunt for a decent, but cheap, set of wheels. It’s worth noting decent and cheap can be difficult to find in peaceful coexistence in the automotive jungle.

When you owe more for a car than what it's worth, you have negative equity. Follow our infographic to find out how easily it can happen.

Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator is providing educational information and tips to consumers who are financing their next car-purchase. “Traditionally the most common source of complaints received by OMVIC relate to vehicle condition or contract cancellation” explained John Carmichael, OMVIC CEO and Registrar. “However we are noticing an increase in complaints specific to finance agreements; and in the past few years, this has led to a number of dealers facing charges or licence revocation.”

OMVIC, Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator, has ordered the immediate suspension of 1828780 Ontario Inc. o/a D L Auto Brokers, operated by Darrel Legare at 581 Lakeshore Drive, North Bay. As a result, Legare and D L Auto Brokers may not legally sell, lease, buy or consign vehicles. 

Thinking about buying a used car? There is a lot of information out there, so paring down that information to what is essential can seem like a daunting task. 

Once you have narrowed down your options on budget and brand of vehicle and are ready to start visiting dealerships, knowing about mandatory disclosure requirements is essential.  

So what exactly is a lien?
A lien is a legal “encumbrance” registered on a person’s property to secure a debt the property owner owes to another person/business (commonly a bank/lender). In the case of a car loan, a bank (or finance company) will register a lien against the vehicle giving them the right to take possession of it should the borrower default on the loan and to sell the vehicle to recoup the outstanding debt.
So it’s really important you DON’T buy a vehicle with an outstanding lien! 

Dealers in Ontario are required to include the following statement on the contract of any vehicle sold “as is”:

“The motor vehicle sold under this contract is being sold “as-is” and is not represented as being in roadworthy condition, mechanically sound or maintained at any guaranteed level of quality. The vehicle may not be fit for use as a means of transportation and may require substantial repairs at the purchaser’s expense. It may not be possible to register the vehicle to be driven in its current condition.”

An Ottawa-area man was convicted on 36 counts of illegally selling motor vehicles, many with missing airbags. Ahmad Moussa, sole director of Quality Motors, 1417 Cyrville Road in Ottawa, was charged by OMVIC, Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator, with curbsiding — acting as a dealer without registration. 

When it comes to buying a vehicle in Ontario, it is important consumers do their homework before purchasing. But what exactly should that homework entail? Whether buying from a private seller or an OMVIC-Registered Dealer, this mnemonic will help consumers conduct research and ask the right questions during the car-buying process to make an informed purchase.

In Ontario, dealers or salespeople must be registered with OMVIC. In addition to passing the Automotive Certification Course, applicants must submit to additional background checks including a criminal background check. 

If you’re thinking about buying a car, or if you’re just an unabashed car enthusiast, come out to the Auto Show at Georgian College’s Barrie campus this weekend! Visit OMVIC's booth

Buying a car can be an emotionally charged experience with long-term financial implications. Smart consumers know a purchase of this importance requires research, knowledge and careful deliberation. OMVIC’s “Road to Buying a Car in Ontario” infographic helps consumers ask the right questions during the car-buying process.