Buying a vehicle, whether new or used, can be confusing—perhaps even intimidating. And while the thought of acquiring a new vehicle is exciting, the process can be stressful. So if potential car buyers feel unprepared,The OMVIC Academy will  ensure they become confident and informed.

OMVIC, Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator, knows that with understanding comes empowerment, so the regulator has launched a series of fun and educational videos where would-be car buyers get educated—so they don’t get schooled.

“The OMVIC Academy videos and associated Car-Buying Guide are a lighthearted and amusing departure from many of our traditional communications channels,” explains Terry O’Keefe, OMVIC’s Director of Communications and Education. “But the humour and style of story-telling will help us reach an audience that might not otherwise gain this information.”

Taking style cues from sitcoms of the ’80s and ’90s, each of the two to three-minute videos follows students Ling, Timmy, Justin and Ellen as they are guided to becoming “confident car buyers” by the sagacious Professor OMVIC.

Currently numbering five, The OMVIC Academy videos explore:

• All-in price advertising
• Long-term financing and negative equity
• The dangers posed by curbsiders
• The differences in protection available to consumers who buy from a dealer vs privately
• How consumers can protect themselves if buying privately

Leverage the OMVIC Academy—Get Educated

The resources available on OMVIC’s website, are targeted to first-time buyers and new Canadians.
OMVIC also encourages high school teachers and driving school instructors to utilize the Academy resources. “These are unique and valuable resources that will inform and help protect students as they prepare for their first vehicle purchases.” Even consumers who’ve bought dozens of vehicles will benefit from the lessons learned at the OMVIC Academy.