Considering the information available, today’s informed consumers should have more confidence (and less anxiety) than ever before when buying a car. But that’s the rub; consumers have to do their part too. They need to research; ask questions; know when they’re protected (and when they’re not); and accept some of the responsibility for protecting themselves. An educated consumer is a protected consumer.

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

All-in pricing is the law! If an OMVIC-Registered Dealer advertises a price for a vehicle (new or used), the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA) requires that the price include ALL fees and charges the dealer intends to collect.

With millions of vehicles recalled, many for serious safety issues, it’s vitally important owners take steps to ensure they’re aware if a vehicle they own, or are thinking of purchasing, is the subject of a recall and to have recalled vehicles repaired/serviced.

Summer is just around the corner and you may be thinking about buying some new “toys”! Well, if it’s a motorhome (a driveable RV) purchased from a registered dealer, you’re protected by OMVIC and the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA). In the rare instance you encounter a problem with the dealership OMVIC may be able to assist; it also means you are protected by the Motor Vehicle Dealers Compensation Fund!

Remember Mehran Amini, the curbsider who was sentenced to 450 days in prison in January 2016 for selling vehicles with rolled-back odometers? He was sentenced to an additional 300 days in prison after being found guilty on his last set of charges. That’s 750 days in total – this is the longest ever jail sentence handed out for illegal car sales in Ontario! Read more…

Did you know that when you buy a car from an Ontario-registered dealer, there is no “cooling off” period? Once you sign a contract, sales are FINAL. So, before you sign the dotted line, it’s important to be certain that you have explored all options and are confident in your purchase—a car is a big Investment!

While most of us can appreciate, if not enjoy, a good prank, no one likes to be made a fool. And yet there are many scammers, con-men/ women and fraudsters in existence, trying to get rich doing just that. From phony CRA officers threatening to charge people for supposed tax arrears to larcenous paramours running romance scams, organized criminals are seeking victims everywhere; even the online vehicle sales marketplace.

Did you know that all-in price advertising is the law? If you answered NO , you probably need to sharpen your car-buying knowledge before signing any contracts or paying any deposits. An educated consumer is a protected consumer - OMVIC offers FREE car buying seminars. Read more to learn about all-in price advertising and how you can book a FREE car buying seminar today!

Bought a new car? Can’t wait to take delivery? When the big time comes, don’t let excitement take over completely – there are still important steps to take to ensure your purchase goes smoothly.

Rolled back odometers are very rarely an issue with vehicles sold by Ontario-registered dealers, in part because the possible ramifications are so “severe”; but where it is problematic, is with vehicles sold by curbsiders (illegal, unlicensed vehicle dealers). Click to read more…

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 more to learn about the protections available to consumers under the CPA if a dealer commits an unfair business practice.