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Good used vehicles are in demand. With careful shopping, some
research and a little common sense, you should be able to find a vehicle that
will fit your needs.
Recent hurricanes in the U.S. Gulf states have led to many motor
vehicles suffering flood damage. By following some simple tips, Ontario
consumers can not only protect themselves from unknowingly purchasing a flood
damaged used vehicle but also from purchasing any used vehicle they may later
regret.
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Always ask to view the Used Vehicle Information Package
(UVIP).
In Ontario, a seller must provide a UVIP to a
prospective buyer. For a fee of $20, a UVIP can be purchased:
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Buy from dealers registered with the Ontario Motor Vehicle
Industry Council (OMVIC).
- Vehicles purchased from these dealers are protected by
the Motor Vehicle Dealers Compensation Fund, which is a fund that was
established to compensate consumers (up to $15,000) who suffered a financial
loss arising from a transaction with a registered dealer.
- To find out if your dealer is registered with the Ontario
Motor Vehicle Industry Council visit ExtraWeb Consumers* - The OMVIC's
online services website. Click on "Search for Dealers".
- For additional information on the Motor Vehicle Dealers
Compensation Fund visit Ontario Motor Vehicle
Industry Council*. Click on "Compensation Fund".
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Always inspect a vehicle in the daylight before you buy
it.
Kicking the tires isn't enough.
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Look for obvious signs of water damage.
These include:
- The smell or sight of mould and mildew, water, sand, silt
or mud under the carpets or behind the dashboard;
- Rust on interior screws where water shouldn't end
up.
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Don't forget less obvious signs of water damage.
These include:
- Checking or looking for stains or discolouration of the
upholstery;
- Lifting up some of the trim and looking for stains,
discolouration or rust;
- Checking for water, sand, silt or mud in the spare tire
compartment, storage areas inside the vehicle as well as in crevices inside the
engine compartment;
- Looking for unusual rusting among various components in
the engine areas.
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Take the vehicle to a mechanic or to a diagnostic centre
for a check-up before finalizing the purchase.
They may be able to uncover less obvious
signs of damage including water damage that may result in electrical systems
short circuiting, resulting in safety devices, such as airbags not
working.
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Test as many components as possible.
- Radio, windshield wipers, turn signal, headlights and
heating/air conditioning systems to name a few.
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Ask to view the service records for the vehicle.
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Check carefully for excessive wear.
- Interior upholstery, the seats, even the brake and
accelerator pedals.
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Look closely at the exterior.
Ripples on the body of a vehicle suggest that
bodywork has been done and that the vehicle could have recently had bodywork
hastily completed.
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Take the vehicle for a road test that allows driving at
different speeds on different road conditions.
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If you are importing a motor vehicle into Canada
(regardless of whether it may be from an area affected by flooding or not), be
sure to check with the federal Registrar of Imported Vehicles.
This will enable you to become familiar with
appropriate rules and procedures that apply. For additional information visit:
Registrar of Imported Vehicles
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Consider obtaining additional information about vehicle
history of a vehicle that may have been registered in other parts of North
America.
You may be able to find this information on
the Internet.
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For information on vehicle branding in Ontario and
equivalent brands from other Canadian and US jurisdictions:
See Mandatory Branding Program
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See more tips on how to avoid unknowingly buying a flood
damaged vehicle.
Visit the
Insurance Bureau of Canada*
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