By OMVIC Communications on
Monday, December 23, 2019
Thinking about decking the driveway with a new set of wheels this holiday season? Before you go dashing all the way to the dealership or checking out the nice and naughty list in the online car classifieds, find out if you’re a Dasher or a Blitzen! Take OMVIC’s ‘smart’ car buyer quiz to find out.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Thursday, December 12, 2019
Ah December, the holidays are here and a new year looms.
There’s a spirited hustle and bustle unmatched by any other season…. but then comes the rest of the interminably long, dark, soul-sapping winter. We graupel (that’s a pun, not a typo btw) with blizzards, white-outs, treacherous driving, Vitamin D deficiency; and, the excitement that led up to the holidays is replaced by a pining for spring…. a spring that seems an eternity away. Our coping skills are put to a frosty test.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, December 6, 2019
If you’re looking to purchase a late model used car or truck, chances are you’ve checked out some of the online auto marketplaces such as Kijiji, AutoTRADER or others. While there are a lot of legitimate vehicles available through these sites, there are also online scams you should watch out for.
The best way to protect yourself against scams is to educate yourself, ask lots of questions, and learn to recognize red flags.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Thursday, November 28, 2019
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.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, November 22, 2019
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.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, November 15, 2019
This Friday, November 15th to Sunday, November 17th, OMVIC will join over 500 exhibitors and 30,000 attendees for the 18th annual National Women’s Show in downtown Toronto at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, November 8, 2019
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.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, November 1, 2019
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.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Thursday, October 24, 2019
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.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Thursday, October 17, 2019
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.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, October 11, 2019
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.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Thursday, October 3, 2019
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.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Thursday, September 26, 2019
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.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, September 20, 2019
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.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Thursday, September 12, 2019
To Steven Byrd, the pursuit of excellence has always been a team effort.
Since taking on OMVIC’s Director of Investigation’s role in June this year, Byrd has been busy familiarizing himself with the demands of his new role.
Byrd’s 33-year career has spanned across several sectors: military, policing, municipal and provincial governments, a Crown Corporation and now, motor vehicle sales regulation. There are however two common threads that have crisscrossed his professional journey.
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