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Protect yourself. Read these important car-buying tips before you sign!
Friday, October 16, 2015
Last week’s blog post provided tips on how to avoid “buyer’s remorse” when purchasing a vehicle. One tip recommended car-buyers review competitive advertisements before visiting a dealership to purchase a vehicle.
“All-In Price Advertising—It’s Putting The Fun And Excitement Back Into Car Buying…
And It’s The LAW!”
So, you purchased a car yesterday — walked into the dealership while the kids were in hockey practice, found a vehicle that tweaked your interest, and began negotiating a price. Before the kids’ practice was over, you were the owner of a new car! Congratulations. Fast forward to getting home after practice excited to tell your partner the big news — “Honey, guess what? We bought a new car today!” Uh oh, it’s that look…what did I do?
Your partner’s reaction triggers a feeling of doubt and concern, and you proceed to the internet to look up your new car, to prove to your partner that you got a great deal, that you are a savvy consumer. While browsing the web to review prices of the vehicle you just purchased, the first advertisement you see is from a local dealership, for the exact same vehicle—what’s that? The price advertised is lower than what you paid? Uh oh, again, that feeling of doubt and concern intensifies—you proceed to review other comparable advertisements and the prices only validate that you paid more than the average advertised cost. You think to yourself; I should’ve reviewed advertisements before I bought the car, so I could’ve gotten a better deal…the feeling of remorse kicks in.
In August 2015, OMVIC launched a consumer awareness campaign designed to inform consumers about all-in price advertising requirements — one of the protections received when buying a vehicle from an OMVIC-Registered Dealer.
“This is a very positive message –one that benefits consumers and dealers alike,” explained Terry O’Keefe, OMVIC Director of Communications and Education. “All-in price advertising not only provides transparency to consumers, it creates a level playing field for all dealers.”
While most dealers adhere to the all-in pricing regulations OMVIC continues to have concerns with the levels of non-compliance by some dealers. A review of recent discipline decisions demonstrates the seriousness with which OMVIC treats the issue. But it is impossible for OMVIC to review all of the millions of ads on radio or in online marketplaces or newspapers placed by dealers, which is why it’s vitally important consumers understand all-in pricing and do their research before buying.
To learn more about your rights as a consumer, visit omvic.ca
Copyright OMVIC ©2015