By OMVIC Communications on
Thursday, February 6, 2020
So, you think you've found a nice used car. No accidents, good price…and only 131,000 kms.
Roxy (not her real name) thought so too. Which is why in early 2019 she contacted the private seller and paid him $5,400 for the car.
Unfortunately, the seller turned out to be a curbsider, an illegal, unlicensed dealer posing as a private seller, and the car—well, apparently it had discovered the fountain of youth, because it actually had more than 230,000 kms on it.
Curbsiders often sell vehicles that are undisclosed rebuilt wrecks or odometer-tampered,” said John Carmichael, CEO and interim Registrar of OMVIC, Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator. "And we have recently seen a significant uptick in the number of vehicles with rolled-back odometers sold by curbsiders.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Thursday, August 30, 2018
Pre-Delivery Inspection: Important Steps to Take
Bought a new car and waiting to take delivery? Make sure the excitement you feel lasts for days and isn’t snuffed out by any unexpected disappointments. Keep calm and take your time; ensure all your questions/concerns are answered to YOUR satisfaction. To help with this process, OMVIC recommends making a ‘vehicle delivery’ checklist:
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, August 24, 2018
Recently a consumer wrote to OMVIC:
We recently purchased a used vehicle from an OMVIC Registered Dealer
We were charged an administrative fee of $199. We questioned this and were given a vague answer;
the salesman insinuated this was a normal charge. I thought dealers couldn’t add fees.”
There can be some confusion when it comes to All-in Price Advertising. So let's clarify.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Thursday, August 2, 2018
Car-buyers have the right to expect Ontario dealers to include all fees and charges the dealer intends to collect, with the exception of HST and licensing (and safety standards certificate if the vehicle is advertised unfit/as-is) in any advertised price. It’s been the law since 2010. Unfortunately though, research conducted by OMVIC, Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator, has uncovered two significant problems: less than half of Ontario car-buyers know they have a right to all-in pricing; and, many are being overcharged because some dealers continue to add fees on top of their advertised prices.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Thursday, July 26, 2018
The new car you’ve seen at the dealership makes your heart pound; your pulse race and the thought of driving it makes you a little giddy. It must be love. You know what they say, first comes love, then comes…car ownership. However, before the dealer can pronounce you ‘car owner and car’, you need to take a step back and ask some serious questions.
Because, let’s face it, buying a new car is a lot like getting married: if you don’t do proper research and ask the right questions you can end up making an expensive mistake you’ll regret for years.
So, think of OMVIC as your marriage coach—here to help you start that discussion that will ensure the relationship between you and new your car is a happy and long lasting one.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Thursday, February 1, 2018
 “My friends say I don’t look a kilometre over 85,000.” Meanwhile, what the unsuspecting, hopeful single who swiped right doesn’t know is that deceitful old Buick’s odometer has been rolled back 100,000 km.
“I keep my body in great shape!!” Yeah right, that Venza was a complete write-off with structural damage that cost over $14,000 to get into “great shape”.
Both are classic cases of “carfishing”, quite similar to what online daters refer to as “catfishing”… simply, false advertising.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Thinking about decking the driveway with a new set of wheels this holiday season? Or resolving to improve your ride in the New Year? OMVIC would like to gift you with some great holiday car buying tips.
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