Jul 5

Friday, July 5, 2019 

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.

OMVIC’s website is chock full of useful information to help you learn your rights, whether you plan on buying a vehicle from an OMVIC-Registered Dealer or a private seller. But why not get your feet wet first with a few questions from our interactive car-buying quiz? Test drive your car-buying smarts before you start perusing ads or visiting dealerships.

Let’s get into gear with these six questions:

1.When you buy a car from a registered dealer, there is a 48-hour “cooling off” period.

• A.True
• B.False

2. If a dealer’s advertisement includes a price for a vehicle, you should expect:

• A. The dealer is likely to add other fees to the advertised price
• B.The advertised price must be all-in; the dealer can only add HST and licensing.
• C.There are no rules around dealer advertising; buyers beware!
• D.Both a & c

3. When selling a used vehicle, dealers are required to disclose information about the past use, history and condition of the vehicle.

• A.True
• B.False

4. Curbsiders are:

• A.Private sellers
• B.Unlicensed dealers
• C.Mechanics
• D.Another name for a registered dealer

5. If you have a problem with a vehicle you bought from a private seller:

• A.You can contact OMVIC for assistance
• B.You’re protected by numerous Ontario consumer protection laws
• C.You’re on your own
• D.Both a & b

6.If you have a problem with a vehicle purchased from dealer:

• A.You can contact OMVIC for assistance
• B.You’re on your own - there are no consumer protection laws for retail automotive sales
• C.You can submit a claim to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation
• D.You can have your MPP intervene

So, how did you do?

 

Question 1 (Answer: B)

When buying a car there is no “cooling–off” period. So, don’t sign a contract unless you’re certain you want to complete the transaction.

Question 2 (Answer: B)

Dealers must include all fees and charges they intend to collect in the advertised price. Examples of fees or charges include: Freight, PDI-PDE (pre-delivery inspection/ expense), Administration fee, Government levies (air tax, etc.) and OMVIC fee ($10).

Question 3 (Answer: A)

By law, dealers are required to provide in writing 22 specific disclosures. They include (not limited to): previous use as a daily rental (unless subsequently owned by someone other than a dealer), previous registration in another province/state, required repairs to major components and the true distance the vehicle has travelled. Additionally, dealers must disclose all material facts about the vehicles they sell.

Question 4 (Answer: B)

Curbsiders are illegal, unlicensed dealers who often pose as private sellers. They often misrepresent the vehicles they sell: many are previous write-offs with undisclosed accident-repairs or are odometer-tampered. 

Question 5 (Answer: C)

OMVIC regulates dealers and salespeople. There are no consumer protection laws for private vehicle sales. If something goes wrong with a private transaction, you’re on your own with little recourse other than to sue civilly.

Question 6 (Answer: A)

OMVIC has a Complaints and Inquiries Team who may be able to assist should a problem arise with a dealer. For assistance, or to file a complaint, contact OMVIC at 1-800-943-6002 ext. 3942. This service is FREE to Ontarians. A free translation service is also available in over 150 languages.  

About OMVIC

An educated and informed consumer is a protected consumer. Visit omvic.ca to learn more about your car-buying rights as well as additional tips for buying a car in Ontario.

For more car-buying tips, check out the OMVIC Academy. You can view other resources, such as multilingual videos and download the OMVIC Car-Buying Guide

 

Connect with OMVIC on social media!

    Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council

@omvic_consumers

   @omvic_official


   Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council


www.omvic.ca


  www.ontario.ca/page/consumer-protection-ontario

OMVIC Copyright ©2019