There’s a growing trend amongst some consumers that may have unexpected financial consequences ‘down the road’. Known as Monthly Payment Junkies, these consumers ignore the potential pitfalls of financing a vehicle over an extended term such as 84-96 months and make their car-purchase decision based solely on a low monthly payment.

By now, you’re aware that all-in price advertising is the law for car dealers in Ontario. If a dealer advertises a price for a car (new or used), that price must include ALL fees and charges the dealer intends to collect, with the exception of HST and licensing. However research shows that a small minority of car dealers continue to add hidden fees or extra costs that exceed their advertised prices.

Ontario’s advertising regulations are clear: if an OMVIC-Registered Dealer advertises a price for a vehicle, that price MUST be all-inclusive with the exception of HST and licensing. Manufacturer advertisements don’t have to follow these rules, so it’s important to know whose advertisement it is you’re reading/viewing.

The Focus of OMVIC’s Annual Consumer Awareness Campaign!

A dog relishing a car ride; tongue lapping the air; fur flying in the wind – a sight that exemplifies simple joy; and it’s the imagery supporting OMVIC’s message: all-in price advertising – it’s putting the fun and excitement back into buying a car...and, it’s the law! The province-wide campaign utilizes TV, radio, online and social media advertising.

Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator, OMVIC, advises consumers and dealers that Club Autohaus Inc. located at 14 Stafford Drive, Brampton is no longer registered to buy, sell or lease vehicles.

Are cooling-off periods (i.e. an opportunity to cancel a contract and get back your money) the law in Ontario or simply urban myths? Test your consumer rights knowledge.

Many people want to sell their car but don’t want the hassle of posting a private ad or taking strangers for a test drive. It can be time-consuming and frustrating. For some, the answer is consignment: giving the vehicle to a dealer to sell but retaining ownership until the sale takes place. Consignment sales are especially common with unique vehicles such as motorhomes or classic cars.

Looking for something to do this weekend? Be sure to stop by the OMVIC booth at IMPORTFEST!  Learn more about your car-buying rights and have your questions answered by OMVIC staff!

Think you’re a pretty savvy car buyer? Understand dealer advertising? Let’s check; and find out if your consumer smarts are stuck in the first gear or set on cruise control.

Heading off to college or university and looking for a cheap set of wheels? If you're searching in the private automotive jungle remember, consumer protection laws in Ontario  don't apply to private vehicle purchases. Should something go wrong with a private car purchase, consumers are basically on their own with little recourse other than the court system.

Be sure to stop by the OMVIC booth at the Toronto Honda Indy this weekend, July 15^th to 17^th. Have your questions answered by OMVIC staff and learn about your rights when you purchase a vehicle from an OMVIC-Registered Dealer, in Ontario.

If you're looking to purchase a vehicle in Ontario, new or used, chances are you've checked out some of the online auto marketplaces such as Kijiji, AutoTRADER, Craigslist or others. While there are many legitimate vehicles available through these sites, there are also a number of sophisticated online scams you should watch out for.

Although changes to the safety inspection standards have been implemented, “as is” disclosure obligations remain unaltered. As such, “as is” disclosures must still be made on both contracts and advertisements.  In addition, dealers are still responsible to make all mandatory disclosures about the history and condition of the vehicle, in writing, even if the vehicle is being sold “as is.”

#DYK Since its creation on July 1, 1986, the Motor Vehicle Dealers Compensation Fund has paid out over 5 million in compensation to consumers. As the oldest and largest fund of its kind in Canada, the Compensation Fund offers the best protection for vehicle buyers in Ontario. Happy 30^th Birthday to the Compensation Fund!