How did Black Friday — the day of mega-amazing colossal unbelievable can’t-be-beat blow-out sales signifying the unofficial start of the Christmas shopping season — get its name? Some would say Black Friday marks the point many retailers turn a profit for the year, going from being “in the red” to being “in the black.” The more cynical among us might argue it’s consumerism run amok and a black mark on our society.  Though the origins of the name may be debatable, the lure of Black Friday is undeniable.

 

As consumers, we pay attention to brands. Brands tell us the quality and reputation of a product. The same can be said of Ontario’s mandatory branding program for vehicles.

Knowing what each brand means: Irreparable, Salvaged, Rebuilt and None will help to make an informed decision when it’s time to purchase a used vehicle and will also help to determine whether this is indeed a car you’d like to buy.

This Friday, November 15^th to Sunday, November 17^th, OMVIC will join over 500 exhibitors and 30,000 attendees for the 18^th annual National Women’s Show in downtown Toronto at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

There are some things which should last forever, like love, or a diamond ring, but a car payment is not one of them. Yet forever is how long it might feel if you take out an extended-term loan (e.g. 96 months), without educating yourself on the perils of negative equity—owing more for a car than it is worth.To avoid the pitfalls of an extended-term loan, consumers need to educate themselves and be honest about their needs and car-buying habits.

At two a.m. on Sunday, November 3rd, Daylight Savings Time will officially end. We mark this event by turning our clocks back and getting in one more hour of sleep.

Only Daylight Savings Time–and of course, Cher–can turn back time, but there is a nefarious group who also tries to do it: curbsiders– illegal, unlicensed vehicle dealers who roll back odometers to increase the value of the vehicles they’re selling. 

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 one wants to get stuck with a lemon.

OMVIC, Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator, has ordered the immediate suspension of Hudson’s Fine Cars Inc., 3715 Keele St., Unit: 15 & 16, Toronto, and of the dealership’s  officer and director, Hamid Valizadeh. As a result, Hudson’s Fine Cars Inc. and Hamid Valizadeh cannot legally sell, lease, buy or consign vehicles.

In conjunction with the Suspension Order, a Proposal to Revoke the Registration of Hudson’s Fine Cars Inc., and Hamid Valizadeh, has also been issued.

Ontario’s Vehicle Sales Regulator, OMVIC, has made new car-buying resources available to educators in Ontario. The OMVIC Academy videos, student car-buying guide and teacher’s manual resources are part of a new initiative designed to create informed and confident car buyers. 

OMVIC, Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator, has ordered the immediate suspension of 1833111 ONTARIO Inc., operating as Autoshow Orillia 2011, located at 454 West St. South, Orillia and of the dealership’s officer and director, Chadwick McIntyre.  As a result, McIntyre and Autoshow Orillia 2011 cannot legally sell, lease, buy or consign motor vehicles.

In conjunction with the Suspension Order, a Proposal to Revoke the Registrations of McIntyre, Autoshow Orillia 2011 and the dealership’s one salesperson has also been issued.

Whether you’re buying your first or twenty-first car, read up!

Just started college and need your own set of wheels? Embarking on a new job that requires having reliable transportation? Or maybe you’re a car-buying veteran and think you’ve got vehicle acquisition down pat - which by the way, research has shown to be unlikely. When it comes to dropping tens of thousands of dollars on a new vehicle, whether you’re a freshman or a senior, it’s a good idea to do your homework before heading to the dealership.

 Taking delivery of a new car is exciting and emotional, but as emotional as it is, you must do your best to stay grounded and take the necessary steps to make sure your purchase goes smoothly. Here are seven steps to help you.

To Steven Byrd, the pursuit of excellence has always been a team effort. 

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 on to learn about the protections available to consumers under the CPA if a dealer commits an unfair business practice.
The CPA applies to most Ontario businesses including car dealerships. Under the CPA there are two types of unfair business practices: false, misleading or deceptive representations; and unconscionable representations. Consumers who face an unfair business practice may be entitled to cancellation of their contract for up to one year from the date of contract signing. 

 

Because of their low price, rental vehicles may seem like an attractive offer to a car-buyer. While there are a number of perks, there are also some potential drawbacks that consumers need to be aware of.