Laws Of Buying A Used Car From A Dealer May 2026
Buying a used vehicle from a dealer involves specific legal protections designed to ensure transparency and fairness. In Ontario, these rights are primarily governed by the and overseen by the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC) . Key Legal Protections & Requirements
: Dealers must disclose 22 specific pieces of information in writing, including the vehicle's history, accurate odometer readings, and past use (e.g., if it was a rental, taxi, or police vehicle).
The vehicle's "branding" (e.g., if it was previously salvage, rebuilt, or irreparable). laws of buying a used car from a dealer
Significant past uses, such as being a former emergency vehicle. Safety and Warranties Buying a new or used vehicle: your rights | ontario.ca
: By law, any price advertised by a dealer must include all fees and charges they intend to collect, except for HST and licensing. This includes "hidden" costs like administration fees or pre-delivery inspections. Buying a used vehicle from a dealer involves
: To offer these protections, a dealer must be registered with OMVIC. Buying from an unregistered seller (often called a "curbsider") leaves you with little legal recourse if the deal goes wrong.
You have a legal right to cancel a contract within if the dealer fails to provide accurate information regarding: The make, model, or year. The odometer reading. The vehicle's "branding" (e
: Unlike some other consumer purchases, there is no cooling-off period for motor vehicle contracts in Ontario. Once you sign, the contract is generally binding. Cancellation Rights
