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Protect yourself. Read these important car-buying tips before you sign!
Everybody has their own list of concerns when it comes to buying a car. These concerns can be as specific as whether the car colour comes in a matte or, if you’re buying used, how many owners the vehicle has had. OMVIC suggests you start with these tips to begin a conversation with the dealer and determine whether the vehicle you’re interested in will be a worthy investment.
It is important to note that all Ontario dealers and salespeople must be licensed by OMVIC. So, if you’re buying from a dealer in Ontario, confirm that you’re buying from a registered dealer – look for the OMVIC-Registered Dealer decal or use the “ Find a Dealer/Saleperson” search button at omvic.ca. Remember: Only when you buy from a registered dealer do you benefit from consumer protection. If you buy privately and encounter problems, OMVIC cannot assist.
All-in price advertising is the law; a law meant to provide transparency to consumers and to create a fair and level playing field for dealers. Through past bulletins we’ve learned that if a dealer advertises a price for a vehicle (new or used), that price MUST include all fees and charges the dealer intends to collect.
Considering the information available, today’s informed consumers should have more confidence (and less anxiety) than ever before when buying a car. But that’s the rub; consumers have to do their part too. They need to research; ask questions; know when they’re protected (and when they’re not); and accept some of the responsibility for protecting themselves. An educated consumer is a protected consumer.
All-in price advertising is the law in Ontario; a law meant to provide transparency to consumers and create a fair and level playing field for car dealers. Through OMVIC’s on-going consumer awareness efforts, the public is becoming more informed of the all-in pricing rules when purchasing a car from an OMVIC-Registered Dealer — but there is still some confusion…