This month we discussed what you need to know whether you buy privately or from an OMVIC-Registered dealer. Whichever way you choose to purchase a vehicle, educate yourself and learn about your rights—and risks—involved.

In our December 11^th blog post, we highlighted the protections that come with buying from a registered dealer. We created an infographic for this week’s post to remind you of those rights if you buy from an OMVIC-Registered dealer.

It’s Financial Literacy Month! And while Financial Literacy Month in November is always important, this year’s theme of financial literacy in uncertain times really hits home.

If ever there was a time to get smarter about money, it’s now!

Let's kick off the discussion with how to budget for the vehicle you want to buy. Typically, the biggest expense when buying a car is the car itself, but what other expenses should you consider? There are gas and parking of course, but let's look at the additional costs, so you don’t get blindsided later on!

A consumer contacted OMVIC's Complaints and Inquiries team to ask about all-in price advertising and dealer fees.

I recently purchased a used vehicle from an OMVIC-Registered Dealer and he charged me an administrative fee of $199. I questioned this and the dealer said it was a normal charge. I thought dealers couldn’t add fees. Doesn't this violate all-in-price advertising?

OMVIC's Complaints and Inquiries team get a range of car-buying questions. Because they know consumer protection legislation inside and out, they can answer your queries or direct you to the correct department. 

Here are two questions the team received last week about the importance of getting what you want from a dealer in writing.

Did you know that in addition to cars, light trucks and RVs, OMVIC also regulates motorcycle sales?

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

 

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.

OMVIC’s website is chock full of useful information to help you learn your rights, whether you plan on buying a vehicle from an OMVIC-Registered Dealer or a private seller. But why not get your feet wet first with a few questions from our interactive car-buying quiz? Test drive your car-buying smarts before you start perusing ads or visiting dealerships.

The plaintive cry of a loon. The echoing rumble of an approaching storm. The shrill mating call of a cicada. The exasperated (and annoying) whine of three backseaters wanting to know “are we there yet?” Ahh, the heartwarming sounds of a Canadian summer. As Canadians, we cram as much into our short summers as possible; and we love our summer toys. We ATV. We camp. We boat. And why? Cuz there’s no wifi ‘out there,' but the connection is unforgettable.

Now a skeptic might define camping as a vacation where you spend a fortune to live like a pauper; but true believers know, campers have s’more fun. But putting those wonderful graham cracker, toasted marshmallow, melting chocolate campfire delicacies aside, if truth be told, camping or boating can be expensive – very expensive.

 

An Oakville dealership and four of its staff were fined a total of $21,500 for breaching the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA) Code of Ethics.
Oakville Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Ltd., Reg Nimeck, Gordon Nimeck, Andrew De Clavasio and Camillio Comparone were disciplined by OMVIC, Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator, for failing to comply with Ontario’s all-in price advertising regulation.

 

When it comes to buying a vehicle in Ontario, it is crucial consumers do their research before making a purchase. Whether buying from a private seller or an OMVIC-Registered Dealer, homework will help prepare consumers to buy a car.

 

 

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 a conversation with the dealer to determine whether the vehicle you’re interested in will be a worthy investment.

 

Let’s cast one final look back at 2019 before it disappears from the rearview mirror forever!

As we head boldly into an exciting new decade, remember that when it comes to buying a car in Ontario, OMVIC’s commitment to your consumer protection and education remains as steadfast as ever.

 

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 a Blitzen! Take OMVIC’s ‘smart’ car buyer quiz to find out.