Did you know that OMVIC offers translation services to both consumers and dealers? Non-English speakers can clearly communicate any questions or concerns they may have to OMVIC staff.

In Ontario, there is no cooling-off period when purchasing a vehicle from an OMVIC-Registered dealer – all sales are final. So it’s important … before you sign the contract … do your research and determine if leasing is right for you.

It’s Sunday morning and you’re scrolling through the online classifieds looking for a car…you find a private sale that sparks your interest – “for sale by owner.” What do you do next?

Here are some tips for buying a car privately in Ontario. Remember, consumer protection laws only apply if you purchase a car from an OMVIC-Registered Dealer. If something goes wrong with your private purchase, you’re on your own with little recourse (other than to sue civilly). So, if you choose to buy privately be informed and do your research.

It’s Financial Literacy Month! Interested in buying a new or used car? As November comes to an end and the holiday shopping season intensifies, it’s important that consumers are aware of the dangers of “…Being a Monthly Payment Junkie.”  Read more to learn about negative equity. #FLM2015 

Thinking about buying a car? Do you know what additional fees a dealer can add to an advertised price? Do you know exactly what a dealer must tell you about a vehicle’s past-use or condition? Do you know what protections are available if you choose to buy a vehicle privately? If you answered no to any of these questions, you probably need to sharpen your car-buying knowledge before signing any contracts or paying any deposits.

All-in price advertising is the law; a law meant to provide transparency to consumers and create a fair and level playing field for car dealers. Through OMVIC’s continuous consumer awareness efforts, the public is becoming more informed on the rules surrounding all-in price advertising when purchasing a car from an OMVIC-Registered Dealer — but there is still some confusion…

Many consumers in Ontario don’t know where to turn when something goes wrong with a vehicle purchase; they mistakenly believe that car dealerships are akin to the Wild Wild West where lawlessness was commonplace and bandits plentiful. But the truth of the matter is quite the opposite. Car dealers and salespersons must be licensed and abide by the rules and regulations of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA), the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) and a strict Code of Ethics; and the “sheriff” administering and enforcing the laws is OMVIC – Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator.

Do you remember trick-or-treating? Can you recall the tangible excitement of running from house to house; trying not to trip, or worse, lose some of the candies stashed in your pillow case. And there was a secret communication shared by the young ghouls, witches and ghosts as they transited the neighborhood – where to find the best ”loot”…