By OMVIC Communications on
Saturday, January 16, 2021
The UVIP’s second and third sections offer areas for car-buyers to fall into traps: it’s important to stay informed. Rolled back odometers, fraudulent names and unclear seller locations can lead to trouble.
Our last post explained why consumers buying cars privately should understand the Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP), a document designed to help buyers learn about a used car’s history.
There are no consumer protections when buying a car privately: the more you know about the vehicle and the seller, the safer you will be.
This week focuses on the UVIP’s second and third sections: ownership history.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Saturday, December 19, 2020
In our December 4th blog post, we discussed the pros and cons of buying a car privately. Because you don’t get the same protections as buying from an OMVIC-Registered dealer, you should be vigilant.
For this week’s post, we created an infographic reminding you about what to know if you buy from a private seller.
For our final blog post of 2020, we’ll present you with another infographic to remind you of the benefits you get if you decide to buy a car from an OMVIC-Registered dealer.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, December 7, 2018
Thinking about decking the driveway with a newer set of wheels this holiday season? Considering buying that vehicle privately? Well, OMVIC suggests you check this list twice to help you spot the naughty sellers, so you only buy from the nice.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, February 9, 2018
 Forrest Gump’s mama was right – “life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get.”
Who doesn’t love the taste of a delicately handcrafted, square shaped, chocolate covered caramel - with a little sprinkle of sea salt on top? It’s divine! But when you bite into a similarly square shaped chocolate and are met with a pungent, medicinal orange flavour or a thick, white mystery filling… you can’t help but feel deceived.
Buying a car privately can sometimes leave you with a similar feeling of disappointment. Albeit, on a far greater scale, not to mention you can’t get the bad taste out of your mouth by simply disposing of the disappointment discreetly into a tissue.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Monday, March 13, 2017
 Live in Eastern Ontario? Thinking about buying or leasing a new car? Stop by the OMVIC booth (Level 2, Room 201) at the 2017 Ottawa-Gatineau International Auto Show and have your vehicle buying questions answered by OMVIC staff. You can even test your Car- Buying IQ!
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By OMVIC Communications on
Monday, March 6, 2017
 Curbsiders are lying in wait in online marketplaces, ready to pounce on unsuspecting consumers. So if you’re purchasing a car in Ontario – Protect Yourself!
To mark Fraud Prevention Month, read OMVIC’s blog this week to learn about your car-buying rights and when they apply, and learn how to spot the telltale signs of a curbsider!
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By OMVIC Communications on
Thursday, December 17, 2015
When buying a car from an OMVIC-Registered Dealer or privately, it’s important to protect yourself. One of the key steps before you decide to purchase is to take the vehicle on a thorough test drive. Don’t just take it around the block.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, November 6, 2015
 Many consumers in Ontario don’t know where to turn when something goes wrong with a vehicle purchase; they mistakenly believe that car dealerships are akin to the Wild Wild West where lawlessness was commonplace and bandits plentiful. But the truth of the matter is quite the opposite. Car dealers and salespersons must be licensed and abide by the rules and regulations of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA), the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) and a strict Code of Ethics; and the “sheriff” administering and enforcing the laws is OMVIC – Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, October 23, 2015
 Do you remember trick-or-treating? Can you recall the tangible excitement of running from house to house; trying not to trip, or worse, lose some of the candies stashed in your pillow case. And there was a secret communication shared by the young ghouls, witches and ghosts as they transited the neighborhood – where to find the best ”loot”…
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By OMVIC Communications on
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
 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.
“Many consumers looking for an inexpensive vehicle assume their best bet is to buy privately,” explained Terry O’Keefe, Director of Communications and Education for OMVIC ...
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By OMVIC Communications on
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
 So you think you’ve found a great deal on a car. The price is right … and mileage isn’t too high. But it’s for sale by a private owner. You know there are some risks involved with a private sale, but do you know how to protect yourself? What happens if you end up with a real lemon … or worse?
Buying A Used Car Privately Can Be Risky
Keep in mind that there are no "lemon laws" in Ontario and no consumer protection legislation that covers private transactions. According to Terry O’Keefe, OMVIC Director of Communications and Education, “Should a person purchase privately and something goes wrong, that consumer would unfortunately be on their own.”
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