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 wants to get stuck with a lemon.

One of the key pillars of protection offered to Ontario consumers who purchase from a registered dealer is the mandatory disclosure requirement. Ontario’s Motor Vehicle Dealers Act requires OMVIC-Registered Dealers to disclose in writing a vehicle’s past use, history and condition. For example, dealers must disclose incident or collision damage repairs exceeding $3,000.

Thinking about buying a car for your budding academic star? Or perhaps you’re a student looking to purchase a set of wheels to keep you coming home for the holidays? Visit OMVIC at the Maclean’s Student Life Expo this weekend, October 15-16 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and have your car-buying questions answered by OMVIC staff!

Buying a car can be a huge financial commitment and no one wants to end up with buyer’s remorse due to unexpected repairs soon after purchase. That is why it’s vital consumers exercise their ‘due diligence’ before purchasing their next used vehicle – and in many cases, that means getting a pre-purchase mechanical inspection.

Making car-buying decisions based solely on a low monthly payment could be financially hazardous and is becoming a problematic trend amongst many consumers. When buying a car it’s important consumers are aware of the potential consequences of financing vehicles over extended terms (e.g. 84-96 months). In some instances, particularly if the consumer has bruised credit and therefore only qualifies for a high interest loan, stretching the repayment term out can result in paying more in interest than the actual purchase price of the vehicle. Consumers should ensure they are getting the finance terms they want and can afford.

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.