Ah December, the holidays are here and a new year looms.

There’s a spirited hustle and bustle unmatched by any other season…. but then comes the rest of the interminably long, dark, soul-sapping winter. We graupel (that’s a pun, not a typo btw) with blizzards, white-outs, treacherous driving, Vitamin D deficiency; and, the excitement that led up to the holidays is replaced by a pining for spring…. a spring that seems an eternity away. Our coping skills are put to a frosty test.

 

If you’re looking to purchase a late model used car or truck, chances are you’ve checked out some of the online auto marketplaces such as Kijiji, AutoTRADER or others. While there are a lot of legitimate vehicles available through these sites, there are also online scams you should watch out for.

The best way to protect yourself against scams is to educate yourself, ask lots of questions, and learn to recognize red flags.

 

How did Black Friday — the day of mega-amazing colossal unbelievable can’t-be-beat blow-out sales signifying the unofficial start of the Christmas shopping season — get its name? Some would say Black Friday marks the point many retailers turn a profit for the year, going from being “in the red” to being “in the black.” The more cynical among us might argue it’s consumerism run amok and a black mark on our society.  Though the origins of the name may be debatable, the lure of Black Friday is undeniable.

 

As consumers, we pay attention to brands. Brands tell us the quality and reputation of a product. The same can be said of Ontario’s mandatory branding program for vehicles.

Knowing what each brand means: Irreparable, Salvaged, Rebuilt and None will help to make an informed decision when it’s time to purchase a used vehicle and will also help to determine whether this is indeed a car you’d like to buy.

This Friday, November 15^th to Sunday, November 17^th, OMVIC will join over 500 exhibitors and 30,000 attendees for the 18^th annual National Women’s Show in downtown Toronto at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

There are some things which should last forever, like love, or a diamond ring, but a car payment is not one of them. Yet forever is how long it might feel if you take out an extended-term loan (e.g. 96 months), without educating yourself on the perils of negative equity—owing more for a car than it is worth.To avoid the pitfalls of an extended-term loan, consumers need to educate themselves and be honest about their needs and car-buying habits.

At two a.m. on Sunday, November 3rd, Daylight Savings Time will officially end. We mark this event by turning our clocks back and getting in one more hour of sleep.

Only Daylight Savings Time–and of course, Cher–can turn back time, but there is a nefarious group who also tries to do it: curbsiders– illegal, unlicensed vehicle dealers who roll back odometers to increase the value of the vehicles they’re selling. 

OMVIC, Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator, has ordered the immediate suspension of Hudson’s Fine Cars Inc., 3715 Keele St., Unit: 15 & 16, Toronto, and of the dealership’s  officer and director, Hamid Valizadeh. As a result, Hudson’s Fine Cars Inc. and Hamid Valizadeh cannot legally sell, lease, buy or consign vehicles.

In conjunction with the Suspension Order, a Proposal to Revoke the Registration of Hudson’s Fine Cars Inc., and Hamid Valizadeh, has also been issued.

Ontario’s Vehicle Sales Regulator, OMVIC, has made new car-buying resources available to educators in Ontario. The OMVIC Academy videos, student car-buying guide and teacher’s manual resources are part of a new initiative designed to create informed and confident car buyers. 

Whether you’re buying your first or twenty-first car, read up!

Just started college and need your own set of wheels? Embarking on a new job that requires having reliable transportation? Or maybe you’re a car-buying veteran and think you’ve got vehicle acquisition down pat - which by the way, research has shown to be unlikely. When it comes to dropping tens of thousands of dollars on a new vehicle, whether you’re a freshman or a senior, it’s a good idea to do your homework before heading to the dealership.

 Taking delivery of a new car is exciting and emotional, but as emotional as it is, you must do your best to stay grounded and take the necessary steps to make sure your purchase goes smoothly. Here are seven steps to help you.

To Steven Byrd, the pursuit of excellence has always been a team effort. 

Did you know that protections granted to consumers under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) cannot be nullified in a contract? Ontario’s CPA is THE LAW. Read on to learn about the protections available to consumers under the CPA if a dealer commits an unfair business practice.
The CPA applies to most Ontario businesses including car dealerships. Under the CPA there are two types of unfair business practices: false, misleading or deceptive representations; and unconscionable representations. Consumers who face an unfair business practice may be entitled to cancellation of their contract for up to one year from the date of contract signing. 

 

Because of their low price, rental vehicles may seem like an attractive offer to a car-buyer. While there are a number of perks, there are also some potential drawbacks that consumers need to be aware of. 

Last month, Sharon and Christine (not their real names), went car-shopping. The pair visited dealerships in Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie that had vehicles advertised online. 

But Sharon and Christine were not your average car-buying consumers: they were mystery shoppers and employees of Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator — (Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council). Their mission was simple: to ensure dealers and salespeople were in compliance with the all-in-price advertising provisions of Ontario’s Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA).

As a result of charges laid by OMVIC, Ontario’s Vehicle Sales Regulator, a Windsor auto repair business and its owner, received significant fines for illegal vehicle sales.

Recently, OMVIC received this question: “I was planning to buy a used car, but my financing didn’t get approved, can I get my deposit back?"

Let’s assume that the person who wrote this question, signed a contract and the dealer was to arrange financing.

When it comes to buying a car in Ontario, the majority of consumer/dealer interactions take place without a hitch, but when a transaction hits a pothole, consumers in Ontario can request advice or help from an OMVIC Complaint Handler.

But before filing a formal complaint with OMVIC, the regulator recommends consumers engage in the 2-step process mentioned below.

By law, anyone who trades in vehicles in Ontario must be registered with OMVIC, Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator—that’s every car dealer and salesperson.

We know that not everyone is going to buy a vehicle from an OMVIC-Registered dealer—some may choose to buy from a private seller—but buying from a registered dealer is ‘the safer way’ because of what you're legally entitled to.

Did you know that OMVIC regulates motorcycle sales as well as car, RV and light truck sales?

If you’re considering hugging the curb and embracing clear blue skies this summer, then getting acquainted with your rights as a motorcycle-buyer is a very good start.

Each day, OMVIC staff field calls and emails from car and motorcycle buyers seeking clarity on their rights as a consumer. As a motorcycle-buying consumer, you have certain rights.

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.

The majority of consumers borrow money for a vehicle purchase. Some choose to use a personal line of credit or arrange financing at their bank or credit union, but many have the dealer arrange the financing. This often makes sense—dealers have access to numerous lenders that may provide terms or rates unavailable elsewhere. But this doesn’t mean consumers shouldn’t carefully consider what is being offered and take steps to ensure they are getting the best possible finance rate and terms.

Not all relationships are built to last. You’ve had your car through good times and bad, but your needs have changed. You need more space, better reliability and the latest technology. It’s time to say goodbye to your current ride, and make room for a new(er) one.

There are a number of options for getting rid of your car, but we’ll focus on these three:

Selling privately

Trading it in

Selling it on consignment

Although buying a car can be intimidating, learning your car-buying rights is one of the best ways to squash your fears. As part of OMVIC’s mandate to protect and educate consumers, OMVIC offers free seminars to Ontario residents looking to improve their car-buying knowledge.

We’ve all heard the saying that geniuses are made not born. Child prodigies aside, genius is not innate; it’s the result of hard work, studying and applying what you’ve learned.

The same can be said of confident car-buyers.

And how does one become confident?

Easy. Enroll at the OMVIC Academy! Comprising five videos and featuring a car-buying guide, the OMVIC Academy was created to help consumers become smart, informed and yes—confident in their next car-buying experience.

Canada’s largest, outdoor student-run auto show returns this weekend! The Georgian College Auto Show, organized and staffed by students of the Automotive Business School of Canada, will take place on the Barrie Campus from May 31^st to June 2^nd and OMVIC will be there!

"I have a few questions about my vehicle purchase agreement."

All shoppers know the checkout drill, you hand over your money, your goods are packaged and then the cashier tells you by rote, “You have 10 days to return or exchange, as long as you have the receipt.” You nod--you probably won’t return your purchase, but it’s nice to know that you could. You walk out the door, and live your life. So here’s a question. When you sign a contract to buy a car from a dealer, there is,

a.       A 24 hour cooling-off period

b.       A 48 hour cooling-off period

c.       A 10 day cooling-off period

d.       No cooling-off period

Did you know that damage to a vehicle caused by flood waters can be difficult to spot and can sometimes take months to show up?

A flood-damaged vehicle can be dangerous

Flood damage can cause corrosion inside a vehicle’s sensitive electronics or safety components. The results could be catastrophic: air bags could fail to deploy; engines could shut off at highway speeds or steering could fail—flood damaged vehicles are not safe for the road. If you’re shopping for a used vehicle, it’s imperative that you learn to spot the signs of flood damage.

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.

Fifty-three per cent of Ontarians are either uninformed or misinformed when it comes to motor vehicle dealer advertising. According to OMVIC, Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator, only 47 per cent of Ontario’s car buyers know that if a dealer advertises a price for a new or used vehicle, that price must 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 as unfit).

Unfortunately, OMVIC still encounters some dealers adding fees to their advertised prices which is why the regulator has re-launched its province-wide consumer awareness campaign. 

A Markham area man has been charged after allegedly trying to sell a car with a rolled-back odometer to an undercover shopper from OMVIC, Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator. The charges came just weeks after 34 charges were laid against the man for the same alleged activity.

Arif Adnan Syed, 36, of Markham, is charged with curbsiding (acting as a dealer without registration) in violation of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA) and with committing an unfair business practice (making a false, misleading or deceptive representation), in contravention of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). Note: All charges are currently before the court; they are only allegations until proven.

 

 “I saw a 2006 Ford advertised on Kijiji for $1,600 ‘as is’ or $1,900 certified, so I arranged to meet the seller. The car looked decent: no rust, no dents or scratches. It was comfortable and very clean inside.”- Anonymous, Toronto car buyer.

At first glance this car buyer, let’s call her Sheila, agreed to—what appeared to be— ‘a pretty good deal’ for an older, used vehicle. Unfortunately, after buying the car, Sheila learned that ‘a pretty good deal’ was ‘too good to be true.’

The Drive Clean emissions program has ended. We’ve created a simple graphic to help you understand the changes.To learn more, visit the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Park’s webpage.

Illegal vehicle sales and odometer tampering have resulted in a 30-day jail sentence for a Mississauga man. Szymon Kozlowski, was found guilty of curbsiding—acting as a dealer without registration—contrary to the Motor Vehicles Dealers Act (MVDA), and of committing an unfair business practice—making a false, misleading or deceptive representation—in contravention of the Consumer Protection  Act (CPA).

OMVIC is packing up and hitting the road to be part of the Ottawa Gatineau International Auto Show March 21st to the 24th, at the Shaw Centre.This year the OMVIC booth will feature our brand new educational initiative, The OMVIC Academy.

OMVIC has ordered the IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION of 519224 Ontario LTD. o/a Tom Pirie Motor Sales, 190 Lombard Street, Smiths Falls, and of Thomas Pirie, officer and director of Tom Pirie Motor Sales. As a result, Pirie and Tom Pirie Motor Sales may not legally sell, lease, buy or consign motor vehicles. Consumers are warned not to buy or lease motor vehicles from, or sell or consign motor vehicles to, Tom Pirie Motor Sales, RV Kemptville or Thomas Pirie while the dealer’s registration is suspended/terminated.

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 a consumer is about to enter into the car-buying process feeling unprepared or ill-equipped, The OMVIC Academy has resources that will ensure they are entertained as they become confident and informed car buyers.

February is for lovers. February 14^this the most romantic day of the year for couples (and maybe the most oppressive day of the year for singles), but did you know about the other special days in February celebrating different kinds of love? February 5^th is National Weatherman’s Day, the 26^th is “tell a Fairy Tale Day” and the 15^th is the “International Day for Car Lovers.”

OMVIC has been providing consumer protection to Ontario’s car buyers for over 20 years, but not everyone knows OMVIC's mandate and how it is carried out. To help explain our mission, we created a quick reference guide.

A Markham area man and woman are facing dozens of charges related to the alleged illegal sale of vehicles (curbsiding), many with rolled back odometers.  

Investigators for OMVIC, Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator, found the accused bought 26 vehicles in 2018, many with very high mileage. Then, posing as private sellers, they offered the vehicles for sale on Kijiji. The odometers of many of the vehicles had been rolled back by significant amounts — in some cases, 200,000 to 300,000 kms . Euro Premium Auto Ltd., a corporation directed by one of the accused, was used to acquire many of the vehicles.  

Friday, January 25th is “Opposite Day.” We’re not sure who invented this special day, but we think it must be the same committee who decreed May 24^th “National Scavenger Hunt Day” or August 12^th “Middle Child Day.”

There seems to be no real consensus on how to celebrate Opposite Day – some eat breakfast for dinner or wear their clothes backwards. For OMVIC, Opposite Day is the perfect time to talk about negative equity, an expression that reveals itself to be contradictory. Negative Equity, just like “jumbo shrimp” and “confirmed rumour”, is an oxymoron.

Defining Negative Equity   

Negative equity actually means that you owe more for a car than what it’s worth. It becomes an issue when you want to trade in that car you still owe money on.   

If you’re thinking of leasing your next vehicle, it’s crucial to make an informed decision. Failure to do so could result in financial headaches down the road.

What is a Lease?

A lease is like a long-term car rental - you don’t actually own the vehicle. A leasing agreement typically runs over a series of months (36, 48, 60) with a set monthly payment. Leasing is available for both new and used cars.

The dealer and the company that owns the leased vehicle (lessor) are most often not the same organization. The dealer helps arrange the lease and offers other services to the consumer (lessee). Generally, the dealer does not handle the monthly lease payments and is not the organization with which you sign the lease; these functions are performed by an independently owned and operated finance company

As we slip into the driver’s seat and head out on the road in 2019, let’s look back in the rear view one more time. 2018 saw OMVIC on the road educating consumers about their buying rights and promoting industry professionalism by ensuring dealers and salespeople were informed of the regulations governing vehicle sales in Ontario.  

OMVIC, Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator, is warning consumers not to purchase vehicles from Arif Adnan Syed, Hafsa Nasser or Syed’s company, Euro Premium Auto Ltd. Note: Euro Premium is not a registered dealer.

OMVIC believes Syed and Nasser are curbsiders — illegal, unlicensed dealers. Operating from a home in central Unionville, the couple are allegedly buying high mileage vehicles and then, posing as private sellers, offering them for sale on Kijiji. The odometers of many of the vehicles sold have been rolled back by significant amounts — in some cases, 200,000 to 300,000 kilometres.

 

 Recently, OMVIC received this question:

“I’m considering buying a used sedan. It is two years old and has 20,000 km on it. Unfortunately, the OMVIC-Registered Dealer is not willing to show a CarFax report. My question is, “Is the dealer required by OMVIC to show a CarFax report?”

The short answer is…

No.

Instead, dealers are required to make 22 mandatory disclosure requirements related to a vehicle’s past use, history and condition, including accident repairs greater than $3,000 and the true distance a vehicle has travelled, but there is nothing in the Motor Vehicle Dealer’s Act (MVDA) that requires them to provide a history report like CARFAX Canada or AutoCheck (note: AutoCheck is only available to dealers). 

Buying a vehicle is a decision that should only be made after careful consideration, and for most consumers, one of those major considerations is how to finance the purchase.

The majority of consumers borrow money when buying a vehicle. Some choose to use a personal line of credit or arrange financing at their own bank or credit union, while many have the dealer arrange financing.

Having the dealer arrange financing often makes sense—dealers have access to numerous lenders that may provide terms or rates unavailable elsewhere. But this doesn’t mean consumers shouldn’t carefully consider what is being offered and take steps to ensure they are getting the best possible finance rate and terms.

How did Black Friday — the day of mega-amazing colossal unbelievable can’t-be-beat blow-out sales signifying the unofficial start of the Christmas shopping season — get its name? Some would say Black Friday marks the point many retailers turn a profit for the year, going from being “in the red” to being “in the black.” The more cynical among us might argue it’s consumerism run amok and a black mark on our society.  Though the origins of the name may be debatable, the lure of Black Friday is undeniable.

 

Admit it. Most of us can be…a little superficial.  Maybe your winter coat is Canada Goose, your boots are Sorel and your fleece is Arc’teryx; you order double ristretto venti half-soy nonfat decaf organic chocolate brownie iced vanilla double-shot gingerbread Frappuccino extra hot with foam whipped cream upside down double blended, one  Low and one NutraSweet, and ice because it’s Starbucks and no one drinks ‘coffee’ anymore, and; you want to buy that ruggedly sexy SUV you’ve seen on safari travel shows; the one all the celebs drive, cuz you know, it  will undoubtedly impress your friends.  Yes, about some things – we can be brand snobs.

 

A former Scarborough car dealer, Min Tian o/a Nice Auto Sales, pleaded guilty to retaining an unregistered salesperson, contrary to the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA), and was fined $12,500. Tian was charged by OMVIC, Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator, for allowing her husband, Zhijun Wang, to use her OMVIC Registration and ID to gain access to wholesale vehicle auctions where he purchased numerous vehicles. Many of the vehicles were then sold with rolled back odometers or altered VIN’s. Wang was also charged by OMVIC for acting as an unregistered salesperson: he was convicted and fined $25,000

On a wintery day in 2016, roads slicked with freezing rain, Tian Cheng Kuang was behind the wheel of his 2013 Mercedes Benz C350 and found himself sliding into the Hyundai Sedan stopped in front of him. Kuang stated he wasn’t going fast but when he stepped from his car he found “the front end almost fell off,” and he wondered, “how come my Mercedes Benz isn’t stronger than a Hyundai?” The answer, it turned out, had everything to do with the history of the Mercedes and resulted in the dealer who sold Kuang the car being charged by OMVIC, Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator, for making false, misleading or deceptive representations in contravention of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA).

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.

Buying a car is one of the most expensive purchases a consumer will make in their lifetime. It is a transaction that requires thought, research and knowledge. It’s important that consumers educate themselves BEFORE entering into an agreement to purchase a vehicle.

As Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator, OMVIC offers FREE Car-Buying Seminars to consumer and community groups.

 

Two friends at a café:

Scott: Why do you look so happy?

Dee: I’ve met someone perfect—kind, thoughtful and romantic.

Scott: You say that after every date!

Dee: But this one’s different! He’s seen me wearing my mouth guard and he doesn’t care that I can’t cook. I have finally found unconditional love!

Ah, the elusive unconditional love; while it may be what so many of us long for, it is not the type of love you should pursue when you buy a vehicle. To put it bluntly: steer clear of falling in unconditional love with a car. In fact, when buying a car, conditions can be your best friend.

 

A former Durham Region motor vehicle salesperson, who “victimized and betrayed” his customers, will be going to jail for the second time in less than a year. Ryen Maxwell, a once-registered salesperson at “Countryside Motors” and “Westbridge Vehicle Sales and Leasing” in Oshawa, has been sentenced to 180 days in jail for 10 breaches of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA) and the Consumer Protection Act (CPA).

 

 

“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.

 

Buying a new car can, and should be, a very exciting experience. When buying a used vehicle, consumers really only have two options: buy from a dealer/salesperson or buy privately. But remember, car-buyers are only protected by Ontario’s consumer protection laws when they purchase a vehicle from an OMVIC-Registered Dealer and therefore must take extra care when buying privately.

You've signed on the dotted line and taken possession of your new vehicle—congratulations! It was everything you dreamed of and more.

Suddenly you discover that 2018 Nissan 370Z Coupe has 3,000 more kilometres on it than what’s noted on your bill of sale.

Can you cancel the contract and take it back?

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. 

Thinking about decking the driveway with a new set of wheels this holiday season? Before you go dashing all the way to the dealership or checking out the nice and naughty list in the online car classifieds, find out if you’re a Dasher, or Blitzen? Take OMVIC’s ‘smart’ car buyer quiz to find out:

You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen. But do you recall…the “458 Italia Speciale?”

Rumours swirling around the North Pole claim Santa Claus is considering trading in his trusty team of reindeer for a 597 horsepower “black prancing stallion”. According to the elvish grapevine, the Ferrari’s front and rear movable flaps cut drag and its side slip angle control are better able to tackle unpredictable equatorial cross-winds. An elf at S.L.E.D. (Santa’s Lead Engineering Department), who wants to remain anonymous, described the current sleigh as having the aerodynamics of a “flat-sided igloo”.

Many car enthusiasts will tell you there are two types of people in the world: people who love cars; and, people who are wrong. The former, people who love cars, enjoy going to dealerships and taking the latest models for a test drive. They litter their conversation with terms like, “torque, turbo lag, dual-clutch automatic and direct injection”, while those of us in the latter group, the ones who are ‘wrong’, stare blankly whilst listening to these aficionados.

At least five days a week, Kelly Hult, college student and single mom of two toddlers (with a third on the way), commutes half an hour to school in Sault Ste. Marie. “My car didn’t handle the snow-covered highways very well,” explained Kelly with understated charm. “That’s why I decided to trade my 2011 Chevrolet Cruze for a slightly older pickup truck.” She settled on a 2008 Chevy Silverado.

All-In Price Advertising is the law in Ontario. If an OMVIC-Registered Dealer advertises a price for a vehicle (new or used), that price must include ALL fees and charges the Dealer intends to collect – minus the licensing fee and HST.

 

However, as with many rules in life, there are exceptions. 

Jack-o-lantern flames gutter in a chill wind. Discordant music echoes from once serene suburban houses. Lights strobe disorientatingly. Macabre figures adorn once neatly pruned trees. Grave markers appear with eerie and disturbingly piled leaves on lawns that were just yesterday pristine. Eyes narrow….senses heighten.  Ah yes…Halloween.  A time for fear….and fun. The little kids get 2 hours of costumed candy collection; and the bigger kids (i.e. most of us) break out our favourite horror films. So many of us love to get scared. There’s a visceral reaction to it – it awakens our primal “fight or flight” response.

OMVIC is celebrating its 20^th anniversary of providing consumer protection to Ontario’s car buyers, but not everyone knows about this regulator, what they do and how they can help.

There’s a new danger riding in on a storm for used car buyers—flood-damaged vehicles. “Authorities in the US have told us they expect about half a million vehicles to be flooded as a result of Hurricane Harvey alone,” said Tom Girling, Director of Investigations for OMVIC, Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator. “And they expect many of them will end up being exported—including to Canada.”

Vehicles that would have been completely unaffordable two decades ago are now financially accessible. Many consumers can buy the car of their dreams, with no money down, for a monthly, bi-weekly (or even daily) payment that has somehow become “affordable.” But how? Did cars get cheaper? Are we all significantly wealthier? Or is something else at play?

Do know the difference between buying a car from a dealership and buying privately? OMVIC staff will be happy to answer your car-buying questions and provide you with information about your car-buying rights at IMPORTFEST! 

Sending a “child” off to university or college can be traumatic – for the parents of course; the kid will be just fine. So to make it easier to keep ‘em coming home for more than just Thanksgiving and spring break, some parents will head out with their teens on an elusive hunt for a decent, but cheap, set of wheels. It’s worth noting decent and cheap can be difficult to find in peaceful coexistence in the automotive jungle.

When you owe more for a car than what it's worth, you have negative equity. Follow our infographic to find out how easily it can happen.

OMVIC, Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator, has ordered the immediate suspension of 1828780 Ontario Inc. o/a D L Auto Brokers, operated by Darrel Legare at 581 Lakeshore Drive, North Bay. As a result, Legare and D L Auto Brokers may not legally sell, lease, buy or consign vehicles. 

So what exactly is a lien?
A lien is a legal “encumbrance” registered on a person’s property to secure a debt the property owner owes to another person/business (commonly a bank/lender). In the case of a car loan, a bank (or finance company) will register a lien against the vehicle giving them the right to take possession of it should the borrower default on the loan and to sell the vehicle to recoup the outstanding debt.
So it’s really important you DON’T buy a vehicle with an outstanding lien!