An Ottawa-area man was convicted on 36 counts of illegally selling motor vehicles, many with missing airbags. Ahmad Moussa, sole director of Quality Motors, 1417 Cyrville Road in Ottawa, was charged by OMVIC, Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator, with curbsiding — acting as a dealer without registration. 

When it comes to buying a vehicle in Ontario, it is important consumers do their homework before purchasing. But what exactly should that homework entail? Whether buying from a private seller or an OMVIC-Registered Dealer, this mnemonic will help consumers conduct research and ask the right questions during the car-buying process to make an informed purchase.

In Ontario, dealers or salespeople must be registered with OMVIC. In addition to passing the Automotive Certification Course, applicants must submit to additional background checks including a criminal background check. 

If you’re thinking about buying a car, or if you’re just an unabashed car enthusiast, come out to the Auto Show at Georgian College’s Barrie campus this weekend! Visit OMVIC's booth

Buying a car can be an emotionally charged experience with long-term financial implications. Smart consumers know a purchase of this importance requires research, knowledge and careful deliberation. OMVIC’s “Road to Buying a Car in Ontario” infographic helps consumers ask the right questions during the car-buying process. 

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…

The vast majority of consumer/dealer transactions go well. In those rare instances when problems arise, OMVIC’s Complaints and Inquiries Team provides information and services to help address the situation. These services are provided free of charge to all Ontarians.

Thinking about buying a camping trailer, motorhome, boat or ATV? It’s important to know your rights; and believe it or not, depending on what you buy (or whom you buy from) your rights, like your mileage hauling a 5^th wheel camper, may vary.

The Deputy Registrar of OMVIC has ordered the immediate suspension of Personal Touch Auto Limited, located at 747 Great Northern Road, Sault Ste. Marie, following serious consumer complaints and an inspection. As a result, the dealership cannot legally sell, lease, consign or buy vehicles.

Consumers are warned not to buy or lease vehicles from, or sell or consign vehicles to, Personal Touch Auto Limited or Gino Burzese while the dealer’s registration is suspended.

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 visuals supporting OMVIC’s TV message: Buying a car? The fun is back! Ontario made all-in price advertising the law for Ontario car dealers – no more hidden fees. All-in price advertising – it’s your right! 

Whether buying from a private seller or an OMVIC-Registered Dealer, OMVIC provides many informative services to help consumers ask the right questions during the car-buying process to protect themselves and make an informed purchase. OMVIC’s FREE Car-Buying Seminar is a service available throughout the province to consumer or community groups, first-time car buyers, new Canadians and students. 

A Stittsville man has been convicted of curbsiding (acting as a motor vehicle dealer without registration) under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA). OMVIC conducted an extensive investigation into the illegal vehicle sales of Soidan (Danny) Ismail (also “Ismal”). The investigation led to 29 MVDA curbsiding charges and an additional 30 charges under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) for making false, misleading and deceptive representations regarding the history and condition of vehicles sold. Ismail was convicted on 19 of the charges and fined $40,000.

Effective April 1, 2017, light-duty vehicles, such as most passenger cars, vans and SUVs, no longer require a Drive Clean emissions test when sold or transferred.

Learn more about the latest Drive Clean program changes and what you can do before purchasing a vehicle to ensure it is free of emissions issues.

All-in price advertising has been the law for all Ontario car dealers for more than seven years! And yet, only 33 per cent of Ontario consumers know they are entitled to all-in pricing when buying a car; the other 67 percent are either uninformed or misinformed.

Live in Eastern Ontario? Thinking about buying or leasing a new car? Stop by the OMVIC booth (Level 2, Room 201) at the 2017 Ottawa-Gatineau International Auto Show and have your vehicle buying questions answered by OMVIC staff. You can even test your Car- Buying IQ!