Why is my gas mileage lower than advertised?
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Gas mileage as advertised on new vehicles is set under optimum testing conditions. Your driving habits and road conditions greatly influence actual gas mileage.
Here’s a list from BCAA on the best ways to improve the gas mileage on your vehicle:
www.bcaa.ca/ |
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Do I get two sets of keys when I buy a used vehicle?
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When buying a used car from a motor dealer, there is no rule that says you must be given two sets of keys. If you would like more than one, you need to make that a condition of the sale.
This is another example of the importance of knowing what you want and getting EVERYTHING in writing before you sign!
Here's a good example - Olsen On Your Side did a story regarding this very matter and Ian Christman was interviewed. Click on the link to view the video: "Get it in writing at the dealership video" |
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Do I need to test drive a new factory ordered vehicle?
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Your new vehicle has arrived from the factory, it's at the dealership and ready to be picked up. Before you sign the final documents, be sure to test drive the vehicle. Make sure it is exactly what you ordered. Is it the right model? Are all options included? Are the paint and interior colours correct? Does it drive smoothly?
Remember that errors do occur when vehicles are ordered. If options are missing or there are other issues with the vehicle, be sure these are addressed BEFORE you sign any paperwork or take delivery. |
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Vehicle Warranty
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When purchasing a used vehicle that has remaining manufacturer warranty on it, remember to contact the manufacturer to provide your contact information as the new owner. If there are any important service advisories or recalls on the vehicle, the manufacturer will be able to contact you directly.
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Vehicle Inspections
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Don’t wait until after you have purchased a used vehicle to have an inspection performed by a trusted mechanic. For the relatively small price, you can potentially save yourself a lot of time, expense and sanity down the road if there are issues with the vehicle. According to VSA Consumer Services, A LOT of consumer complaints may have been prevented if a presale inspection had been done.
For information on vehicle inspections, click here |
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Licensed Dealership vs. Private Seller
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There are some HUGE benefits to buying from a dealership. First, salespeople at a dealership must be licensed by the VSA (salespeople have a license card that you should request to see). Also, if there is a problem with the vehicle after the sale, it’s a lot easier to resolve with a dealership than it is with a private seller (thanks in part to the VSA). For these and many other reasons, there is often much less risk in dealing with a reputable, licensed vehicle dealership than with a private seller.
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NEEDS & BUDGET
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If you go blindly into a major transaction, without seriously considering your needs or budget, the likelihood of picking the perfect vehicle for the perfect price is pretty poor; you’ll probably swing and miss, and it will probably cost you.
For a fun article on this subject, go here. |
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TEST DRIVE
When you take your test drive, be prepared to drive for 30 minutes. A mistake often made is driving once around the block and calling it a day. You might feel rushed, or excited, or a combination of both. Take your time, stay objective, and start asking your salesperson, and yourself, the important questions!
Also, if you only hit the city streets for your test drive (say, just around the dealership), then you're missing out. Try to take the test drive through multiple road types, such as highway, gravel (if you can find it), etc. More thorough testing means less chance that you will be surprised later.
For more on this and other topics, visit www.vsastories.blogspot.com.
GET IT IN WRITING!!
Anything that a salesperson tells you that pertains to the sale should be put in writing.
Getting it in writing will prevent any confusion or arguments coming up at a later date. This is where you, the consumer, can become empowered by taking some responsibility for the content of your contract.
For more on what you need to know before you sign, click here.
BUYING PRIVATELY?
Here are SIX GREAT TIPS for buying privately:
1. Ask to see the sellers driver’s licence and proof of ownership
2. Check to see that the vehicle is registered in the name of the seller
3. The VIN on the registration should match the VIN on the vehicle
4. Get a comprehensive vehicle history report
5. Check for liens
6. Get an inspection from a trusted mechanic *Even if you know the seller, numbers 4, 5 and 6 are a MUST!!!!!!!
For a video on these points and others, click here
Shall I Buy or Shall I Lease?
If you can’t answer the question “To buy or not to buy?” leasing may be a good option for you.
There is no right or wrong answer to this dilemma – it all depends on your situation.
If you want lower monthly payments and you like driving new vehicles, leasing might be the option for you.
If you like to keep a car for a while, do not want to be restricted to a certain number of kilometers per year and a required maintenance schedule, you may prefer buying.
In brief, there are advantages and disadvantages to both leasing and buying.
As a consumer, make an educated choice based on the impact of buying or leasing for your budget.
- Do your homework.
- Talk to professionals at the dealership.
- Protect yourself by understanding the terms of your lease or purchase agreement.
Check out our Buying Tips on more information about leasing and what to pay attention to while finalizing a lease agreement http://www.mvsabc.com/leasing.htm.
There are many Lease or Buy calculators available online. Here is a link to one of them: http://consumer.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/oca-bc.nsf/eng/ca01851.html
Cooling Off Period:
After you have signed a lease agreement, BC law provides one clear day to cancel the lease. This term is known as a cooling off period. During this time the dealership should keep the vehicle in their possession and you may cancel the lease without penalty.
You may waive your right to a cooling off period and take the vehicle home if you are satisfied with the terms and conditions of the lease. In this case you need to sign a waiver that cancels your right to a cooling off period.
If you choose to keep your right to a cooling off period, you need to be aware of the following:
- The cooling off period begins when the lease documents are signed and the dealer has the vehicle on their lot.
- The day that you sign the lease agreement does not count against the one clear day.
- Days the dealership is closed do not count against the cooling off period, nor do statutory holidays and Sundays.
Examples:
- If you sign a lease on Friday and change your mind, and if you have not waived your right to a cooling off period, you must notify the dealer of your decision to cancel on Saturday. If Saturday is a statutory holiday, it’s best to cancel the lease during business hours on Monday next week.
- If you sign a lease on Saturday, it’s best to cancel it during business hours on Monday.
If you notify the company during business hours, protect your rights and get a written confirmation from the dealer that your contract has been cancelled. If you choose to cancel after business hours, be sure you have proof that you notified the company before midnight.
If you have left a deposit or down payment on a vehicle and you cancel your lease within the
cooling off period, the dealership must return your deposit.
And remember, the cooling off period only applies to leases, not to purchases.
For more information check our Leasing Tips.
Extended Warranties and Vehicle Servicing
Almost every car dealership offers extended warranty plans on new and used vehicles designed to give extra protection for your car and peace of mind for you. As with any purchase, it’s all about choices.
Take these things into consideration when deciding if an extended warranty is right for you:
- Is there an existing manufacturer’s warranty on the vehicle? If so, what does it include and has the previous owner followed the maintenance schedule.
- Warranties often require you to follow a maintenance schedule to keep your warranty active.
- Do you need to have maintenance done at the dealer to keep your warranty active? Or does the warranty allow you to service your car at a third-party garage as long as you keep your receipts?
- Is there an approved service facility nearby
- What does the warranty cover and what is not covered? Read the fine print!
- Is there a deductible amount to be paid on each warranty claim?
- Is there a cap on the dollar amount or number of repairs?
- Are there any benefits such as roadside assistance, towing, or rental car?
- Do you already have coverage for some of these benefits
- What is the reputation of the warranty company? Check with the BBB or Online!
Deposits
If you are asked to make a deposit towards your purchase, make sure the terms and conditions of taking the deposit are in writing.
By making a deposit you demonstrate your good faith and intention to proceed with the deal. As excited as you are about your purchase, it’s not a bad idea to protect yourself and expect the unexpected. So, take the time and read the fine print!
After reading the deposit agreement you should know under what circumstances you could get your deposit back and when you will not get a refund. If your purchase is subject to any conditions, for example that the vehicle must pass a mechanical inspection, make sure it’s included in the deposit agreement.
And remember, if you are not comfortable with the terms and conditions of the deposit agreement, it’s not too late to walk away and find a professional motor dealer that has deposit practices that work for you!
Documentation and other hidden fees
Vehicle buyers are encouraged to know all the costs before signing a purchase agreement. Documentation fees and other extra charges are sometimes added after the customer believes a final price has been negotiated. All advertising and the vehicle sticker must show the total price, including these dealer fees.
Special charges that are clearly stated in advertising or openly discussed as a part of the negotiating process are acceptable under B.C.’s consumer legislation. Automatic fees that are not shown in advertising and not discussed until the final papers are being signed, are likely illegal.
The only additional charges that can be added as standard or required are sales taxes, the Battery Levy and the Tire Levy.
For more information: Bulletin explaining where "doc fees" come from
Return Policies
Many people think that the law requires a 24-hour, seven-day, two-week, or 30-day return policy. This is not true. There is no universal return policy on the purchase of a vehicle.
However, some dealers do have return or exchange policies on the purchase of vehicles. If you have been told you can return the vehicle, make sure you get this policy in writing.
The reasons you can return the vehicle and the time period in which you must do it should be written on the bill of sale or contract. This way it will be simpler to undo the purchase, if necessary.
Stay tuned for information on the cooling off period on leases.
If you have questions, please contact:
VSA, Suite 208-5455 152 Street,
Surrey, BC, V3S 5A5,
Tel: (604) 574-5050,
Fax: (604) 574-5883
enquiry@mvsabc.com
