Only a few clicks separates you from a new car in today’s digital economy. But before rushing to the digital checkout, be sure to familiarize yourself with the unique dynamics and potential risks of online car shopping.

In the past few years, more and more Ontarians have decided to skip showroom visits entirely, opting to buy through online dealers instead – sometimes without even seeing a car first. The reach of the internet has also allowed buyers to look for cars far outside of their hometowns. /p>

This newfound convenience and freedom can come with potential risks. Here are a few tips on how to stay safe when buying..

For first time car buyers, knowing what to expect from the sales experience can help smooth anxieties. Buying a car is often the second most expensive purchase Ontarians make. Buyers should understand what to expect from dealers and salespersons throughout the buying process.

Here are the top five things to expect at a dealership when you’re ready to buy.

Apart from HST and licensing fees, the price you see in a dealership car ad in Ontario is the maximum price you are expected to pay for your vehicle: not a penny more. It’s the law.

In Ontario, the advertised price of new and used vehicles sold at dealerships must include all fees and charges a dealer will collect once a sale is completed. When examining the price of a car, get a detailed breakdown of all the following fees and charges from the dealer, which should be included in the all-in price.

If you suffer a financial loss from a motor vehicle purchase, the Motor Vehicle Dealers Compensation Fund (MVDCF) may provide relief if you meet the eligibility criteria, which includes purchasing from an Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC)-registered dealer. As the oldest fund of its kind in Ontario, it has provided much-needed financial relief to many consumers since its inception.

Buying a new or used vehicle can be stressful if you don’t know where to start, but resources and help are available online. Before you sign on the dotted line or step into a dealership for your next car, here are the top 3 ways consumers can ensure a smooth car-buying process.

With an increase in online shopping and working from home, online scams are more widespread, and consumers must stay informed to protect themselves from fraud. Buying from an OMVIC-registered dealer ensures you’re protected by Ontario’s consumer protection laws and have access to the Motor Vehicle Dealers Compensation Fund.

One example of fraud includes a dealer posting an ad for a non-existent car to gain access to your finances or personal information. As a consumer, asking the right questions and recognizing red flags can save you time and money.

Check out these three tips to better recognize possible signs of a fraudulent car advertisement and ask the right questions to protect yourself when buying a car.

Discovering a newly purchased vehicle has an unsavoury past can cause major headaches: knowing a vehicle’s history can keep you protected. Finding undisclosed accidents, unpaid liens, unreturned recalls and more can lead to unexpected, expensive payments – or worse – for consumers.

Before signing for your next vehicle, check through a CARFAX Canada Vehicle History Report (VHR) to get the details you need to protect your wallet – and yourself.

A CARFAX Canada Vehicle History Report (VHR)’s registration, service record, and open recall sections tell you about the condition of the car, how it’s been cared for and whether there are any defects associated with the model you are considering.

Shawn Vording, Vice President of Automotive Sales at CARFAX Canada, takes us through all three sections and points out what consumers need to pay attention to.

Understanding a vehicle’s history can be challenging, but CARFAX Canada reports offer easy-to-understand icons summarizing the vehicle highlights corresponding with each section in the VHR, including liens, accident damage, branding, service records, open recalls and whether the vehicle has been stolen. The icons make the report easier to understand so you can feel confident in your purchase.

A CARFAX Canada history report offers consumers an overview of a vehicle's condition and value. We've asked Shawn Vording, Vice President of Sales at CARFAX Canada, to guide us through each section, starting with report summary icons, lien check and accident damage.

A CARFAX Canada Vehicle History Report (VHR) is essential for anyone buying a used car. Knowing a vehicle’s history helps you determine its safety and value. It will also let you know if you need to take any additional steps. For example, a history report may identify if the vehicle was in an accident, prompting you to ensure it gets repaired. A VHR also helps you understand the vehicle’s maintenance history, so you know how well it has been cared for and its overall condition. This information offers peace of mind and can be helpful when negotiating a fair price. This month, we’re focusing on how to understand the CARFAX Canada VHR. In this post, we go over the differences between a CARFAX Canada and a UVIP and summarize how the VHR can help consumers. In the remaining weeks, we will speak to Shawn Vording, Vice President of Sales at CARFAX Canada, and get him to explain each section of a VHR in detail.

If you’re buying a car privately, the Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) is indispensable. Remembering what to check for may help protect you from fraud and make you a more knowledgeable consumer. We’ve created a graphic to help you remember five important things to check on a UVIP.