Because of their low price, rental vehicles may seem like an attractive offer to a car-buyer. While there are a number of perks, there are also some potential drawbacks that consumers need to be aware of. 

Last month, Sharon and Christine (not their real names), went car-shopping. The pair visited dealerships in Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie that had vehicles advertised online. 

But Sharon and Christine were not your average car-buying consumers: they were mystery shoppers and employees of Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator — (Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council). Their mission was simple: to ensure dealers and salespeople were in compliance with the all-in-price advertising provisions of Ontario’s Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA).

As a result of charges laid by OMVIC, Ontario’s Vehicle Sales Regulator, a Windsor auto repair business and its owner, received significant fines for illegal vehicle sales.

Recently, OMVIC received this question: “I was planning to buy a used car, but my financing didn’t get approved, can I get my deposit back?"

Let’s assume that the person who wrote this question, signed a contract and the dealer was to arrange financing.

When it comes to buying a car in Ontario, the majority of consumer/dealer interactions take place without a hitch, but when a transaction hits a pothole, consumers in Ontario can request advice or help from an OMVIC Complaint Handler.

But before filing a formal complaint with OMVIC, the regulator recommends consumers engage in the 2-step process mentioned below.

By law, anyone who trades in vehicles in Ontario must be registered with OMVIC, Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator—that’s every car dealer and salesperson.

We know that not everyone is going to buy a vehicle from an OMVIC-Registered dealer—some may choose to buy from a private seller—but buying from a registered dealer is ‘the safer way’ because of what you're legally entitled to.

Did you know that OMVIC regulates motorcycle sales as well as car, RV and light truck sales?

If you’re considering hugging the curb and embracing clear blue skies this summer, then getting acquainted with your rights as a motorcycle-buyer is a very good start.

Each day, OMVIC staff field calls and emails from car and motorcycle buyers seeking clarity on their rights as a consumer. As a motorcycle-buying consumer, you have certain rights.

Few among us can buy a car with little preparation. For most, purchasing a vehicle is a sizable investment that demands significant research. Before deciding on which vehicle best suits your lifestyle and budget, you should know what your rights are.

The majority of consumers borrow money for a vehicle purchase. Some choose to use a personal line of credit or arrange financing at their bank or credit union, but many have the dealer arrange the financing. This often makes sense—dealers have access to numerous lenders that may provide terms or rates unavailable elsewhere. But this doesn’t mean consumers shouldn’t carefully consider what is being offered and take steps to ensure they are getting the best possible finance rate and terms.

Not all relationships are built to last. You’ve had your car through good times and bad, but your needs have changed. You need more space, better reliability and the latest technology. It’s time to say goodbye to your current ride, and make room for a new(er) one.

There are a number of options for getting rid of your car, but we’ll focus on these three:

Selling privately

Trading it in

Selling it on consignment

Although buying a car can be intimidating, learning your car-buying rights is one of the best ways to squash your fears. As part of OMVIC’s mandate to protect and educate consumers, OMVIC offers free seminars to Ontario residents looking to improve their car-buying knowledge.

We’ve all heard the saying that geniuses are made not born. Child prodigies aside, genius is not innate; it’s the result of hard work, studying and applying what you’ve learned.

The same can be said of confident car-buyers.

And how does one become confident?

Easy. Enroll at the OMVIC Academy! Comprising five videos and featuring a car-buying guide, the OMVIC Academy was created to help consumers become smart, informed and yes—confident in their next car-buying experience.

Canada’s largest, outdoor student-run auto show returns this weekend! The Georgian College Auto Show, organized and staffed by students of the Automotive Business School of Canada, will take place on the Barrie Campus from May 31^st to June 2^nd and OMVIC will be there!

"I have a few questions about my vehicle purchase agreement."