2007 APA-W-FIVE Used Car Investigation Toronto
Overall results:
Pass: 5
Fail: 14 Total: 19
Fail Curbsiders: 2
Detailed results:
Fail
Rapters Auto
2590 Weston Road
Toronto, M9N 2A6
416-663-6123
Advertised interest rate of 3% not available to good credit customers.
“Guaranteed approval” in ad prohibited under Ontario Standards of Business Practices.
Vehicles:
- Pontiac Montana 2001 (beige/brown), 196,400 km, $6,695
- Pontiac Montana 2000 (green), 196,867 km, $5,995
- Pontiac Montana 2001 (silver), 151,560 km, $6,995
Fail
IVN Auto Used Cars Wholesales
3891-A Keele Street
Toronto, M3J 1N6
416-663-9494
Excessive extra fees of $529. DOT “Certification” misrepresented in ad as a sort of government charge or remittance to a third party. In fact, no money is remitted to a government-empowered authority.
Fail
VC Flex
80 Toro Road
Toronto, M3J 2A8
416-661-1313
Excessive extra fees total $550. Ad does not mention that free gas applies only to V8 vehicles.
Vehicle:
- Ford Escape XLT 2004, 218,000 km, $9,990
Fail
Faraz Auto Sales
4747 Keele Street
Toronto
416-638-8132
Excessive extra fees of $448 total; ad fails to mention charge for safety certification. Advertised Odyssey from $10,900, with 160,000 km does not exist. Vehicle had 200,000 km. Odyssey with 160,000 km was $12,500. Venture not 100% accident-free as advertised.
Vehicles:
- Chevrolet Venture 2002, 66,960 km
- Dodge Caravan SE 2002, 91,500 km
Fail
Quality Used Cars Wholesalers Ltd.
58 Toro Road
North York, M3J 2A8
416-630-4340
One of the more misleading ads APA shopped in Toronto, with lots of tricks. Excessive extra charges of $525 total.
Bold print reads: “Free TV DVD no installation fee, no catch, no gimmicks”.
Ad misrepresentations regarding interest rate, free DVD TV, Venture, and price representations. Use of term “Free” in advertising prohibited in Ontario (not “free” because you have to buy the vehicle first). Misuse of term “Wholesalers” in retail advertising, which is prohibited in Ontario. Tricky ad promises “Only $25 per hour labour charged on vehicles purchased here for life of vehicle” in bold print. Fine print reads “$25 per hour and up”.
D.O.T. plaque on the wall is similar to a bogus charge levied by IVN Auto Used Car Sales. Ad promises free DVD no installation; on the lot, seller says there is an installation charge.
Mileage on 2004 Venture misrepresented -- “from 70K and up” actually 110,000 km. Ad says UCDA member.
Vehicle:
- Pontiac Montana 2003 $7,999 ($6,995 in ad)
Fail
Car Sense
3925 Keele Street
North York, M3J 1N6
416-398-1392
Highest extra fees observed by APA in Toronto this year of $1,020. Includes lien registration on dealer financing, misrepresented as costing $495. Ad guarantees credit approval, prohibited in Ontario. Term “as is” meaningless in Ontario – consumer still entitled to Sale of Goods Act implied warranty of fitness and right of rescission; consumer may not realize they have these rights because of the ad.
Advertising misrepresentations: No fees in ad really a $175 admin fee plus an excessive $350 safety certification fee if you don’t buy as-is. Advertised zero percent in-house financing is for a small balance of sale of about $1,000 for one year, with a $495 lien registration fee.
Vehicles:
- Pontiac Montana 2001, 134,000 km, $6,490
- Dodge Caravan 1999, 115,195 km, $5,490
- Dodge Caravan 2000, 126,481 km, $6,490
Pass
Warranty Auto Sales
1830 Lawrence Avenue East
Scarborough
M1R 2Y2
416-751-6653
Lowest extra fees in Toronto, seller provides some good information on the relative merits of Lubrico over Autogard.
Advertising misrepresentations on condition of vehicles: 2001 Montana: Ad reads “simply brand new. Perfect deal. Only $5,995. Wow.” APA inspection shows broken wipers, no defrost, leaks at oil pan and left-side driveshaft seal, A/C weak, contaminated coolant and leaking intake manifold gasket (leaking badly), noisy drive belt tensioner. Red Civic hatchback: Body panels don’t line up, both front fenders replaced, hood repainted, repaint right and left sides. Damage appears non-structural.
Vehicles:
- Pontiac Montana 2001, 216,694 km, $5,995
- Toyota Sienna 1998, 204,000 km, $7,700
Fail
Toronto Auto Group
2380 Lawrence Avenue East
Scarborough
416-285-6363
Salesperson: Imran (Tony) Solomon
Excessive extra fees totaling $979 comprised of Admin. fee ($199), safety certification ($385), and financing charge ($395). Ad fails to mention that bold print offers cannot be combined. Dealer does not fully disclose the extent of collision involvement on the 2003 Corolla. “No GST” prohibited in advertising, as is 100% credit approval.
Vehicles:
- Honda CRV 2000, 152,420 km, $10,995
- Toyota Corolla CE 2003, 156,852 km, $10,995
Fail
Collection Auto
1850 Lawrence Avenue East
Scarborough
416-665-0660
Ad does not mention a charge for safety certification, which dealer priced at either $200 or $400, depending on the results of the inspection. Both are in excess of the real cost around $50. Additional admin. Fee of $200.
Vehicles:
- Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1999, 140,836 km, $8,900
- Honda Accord SE 2000, 166,849 km, $8,900
- Toyota Camry XLE 1998, 184,485 km, $6,900
Fail
Auto Class
11,352 Yonge Street
Richmond Hill, L4S 1K9
905-780-6067
Use of term wholesale prices to the public a misnomer and prohibited in Ontario. Excessive extra fees total $548. Like IVN Autos Used Cars Wholesales, ad contains a phony charge for DOT -- more correctly described as safety certification charge by salesperson.
Significant proportion of collision-damaged vehicles. Seller says he “can tell a mile away” if a vehicle has been hit, and makes a theatrical demonstration of Toyota Echo to show it is collision-free. CarProof history search confirms Echo is a write-off.
Vehicles:
- Toyota Echo 2004, 60,988 km
- Kia Rio 2004
- Volkswagen Jetta GLS 2002
Fail
Daewoo Thornhill
8248 Yonge Street
Thornhill , L4J 1W6
905-762-8886
Salesperson: Ahmad (A.J.) Jafari
Excessive extra fees of $670. Ad says taxes and admin extra (no mention of safety and e-test). On the lot, seller adds an extra $275 charge for safety and e-test. 2003 Altima for $13,900 does not exist (it’s a 2002). Seller says it’s an error. Seller provides good information on “free” warranties and car loans with upfront payment holidays (doesn’t recommend either).
Vehicles:
- Nissan Altima 2002, 121,540 km, $13,900
- Mitsubishi Lancer ES 2003, 83,435 km, $14,454 (all included)
- Nissan Altima 2003, 112,708 km, $15,900
Fail
Jimiline Fine Cars Ltd.
1170 Sheppard Avenue West, Unit 27
North York, M3K 2A3
416-631-0614
Excessive extra fees totaling $525. Ad states prices do not include taxes and Admin. fees. Ad fails to specify the charges for safety and emissions certification, nor the amount of the Admin fee. Vehicles examined have no significant collision damage.
Vehicle:
- Toyota Echo 2003, 111,700 km
Pass
Save On Auto Inc.
1170 Sheppard Avenue West, Units 37, 37, 38
Toronto, M3K 2A3
416-636-7778
Extra charges limited to an Admin. Fee of $290. Under-reports collision on Acura (frontal collision). Altima is very clean. Corolla would not start, likely a dead battery.
Vehicles:
- Acura 1.6 EL 2000, 150,000 km, $9,900
- Nissan Altima 3.5 2002, 296,000 km, $8,900
- Toyota Corolla 2003, 130,000 miles, $4,900
Pass
N.B Trade Inc.
5655 Highway 7 West
Woodbridge
905-856-5085
Low fees which seller prepared to waive (safety and e-test included). Cars in generally good condition.
Vehicle:
- Honda Civic SE 1999, 103,000 km, $8,995
Pass
Ontario Motor Car
5274 Highway 7 West
Woodbridge, L4L 1T3
905-264-2266
Dealer declares prior collision damage on a report posted on the vehicle. APA-observed damage on the Audi A6 includes front fenders and hood replaced, and lots of body filler. Damage appears more significant than $1,500 reported by the dealer, but his estimate is consistent with the CarProof report. Protegé has somewhat more damage in CarProof report than dealer declares.
Ad mentions a charge for DOT (a bogus item, as there is no DOT in Ontario), but dealer doesn’t appear to require it. $249 admin. fee;
Vehicles:
- Hyundai Sonata GL 2000
- Mazda Protegé SE 2002, 142,728 km, $5,999
- Audi A6 Quattro 2.8 AWD 1999, 200,000 km, $8,999
Fail
Friendly Auto Sell
1181 Finch Avenue West
Toronto, M3J 2V8
416-736-7172
Dealer reports collision history inaccurately for two cars. Dealer says he bought the Maxima from Nissan Canada; according to ownership history search, this appears to mean car was bought at an auto auction and used to belong to Nissan. Extra charges limited to one $295 fee.
Regarding the Maxima, dealer says: “a slight accident, it runs straight”. APA inspection determines the floor and back wall of trunk were damaged, the back bumper replaced, and frame rails damaged and repaired. CarProof report shows impact with another vehicle dated 12/10/2004 for $9,516.
Regarding Jetta, CarProof entry for front-end impact dated 4/25/2003 is $10,381
Vehicles:
- Volkswagen Jetta 1.8L Turbo 2002, 141440 km, $11,495
- Nissan Maxima SE 2003, 154,108 km, $12,999 (on car), $12,495 (in ad)
Fail
Classified Wheels Inc.
1270 Finch Avenue West, # 10
Toronto, M3J 3J7
416-663-8080
Ad misrepresents lowest lending rate as 7.29%, it’s actually 7.9%. Excessive admin fee of $499. Amount not specified in ad.
Vehicles:
- Toyota Camry LE 2002, 133, 000 km, $11,900
- Acura 1.6L EL 1997, 44,000 km, $7,950
- Volkswagen Golf CL 2003, $11,600, 78,000 km
Pass
AM Sales
73 Alness Street, # 5
Downsview, M3J 2H2
416-663-3382
Relatively low extra fees of $195. Cars as represented, seller straightforward.
Vehicles:
- Toyota Echo (green) 2002, 113,000 km, $7,700
- Nissan Sentra 2004, 93,000 km
- Toyota Camry Solara 2000, $9,900, 139,000 km (on car), 130,000 km (in ad)
Fail
Curve Motor Sport
2100 Lawrence Avenue East
Scarborough, M1R 2Z7
416-752-2220
Vehicle collision history not consistent with dealer’s representations. Well- priced cars but a significant number damaged. Dealer obtains vehicles “in packages” from new-car dealers —“like ten Mazdas all together”.
Excessive finance fee of $400 not in ad, but required only with dealer-arranged financing. Moderate admin fee of $195.
Dealer states both Hyundai cars are accident-free, end-of-lease purchases from Hyundai Canada. CarProof report on Sonata shows frontal collision in November 2006 with damage appraisal of $9,084.
Protegé 2002 (tan): Dealer says bumper and fender repainted, possibly replaced. APA shopper asks if damage is structural, dealer says no. APA inspection reveals front and right-side damage, body filler, hood and fenders don’t line up, structural damage to frame rail. CarProof report shows claim for $3,506 in February 2005, and an earlier claim of $7,222 in May 2003 – total: $10,728.
Vehicles:
- Hyundai Sonata 2002, 88, 853 km, $8,450
- Hyundai Elantra (gold) 2003, $8,850
- Mazda Protegé (tan) 2002, from $8,850
Fail
Vladimir Vinogradov
123 Chelwood Drive
Thornhill, Toronto
L4J 7H8
905-761-5760
416-904-5760
Unlicensed curbsider or dealer selling junk from his home. Seller says his family is in the insurance business; they call him up and tell him they have cars and he goes to the U.S. to pick them up. He does this because it’s cheaper. Seller says both cars were involved in frontal collisions, with only the grille and hood replaced (non-structural damage).
Seller says, “If you’re interested, you can buy it without taxes.” APA asks, “How can you do that?” Seller replies, “It’s my secret”. Both cars are in his wife’s name. Seller permits inspection at his mechanic’s garage.
Blue Galant is a U.S. insurance write-off bought at a salvage auction.
APA inspection shows the car is not fit for the road. Incorrect underbody welds, a suspension control arm is wonky, incorrect lug nuts are chewing up the alloy wheels, and the front headlights are fogging.
Mazda 6: frame damage, airbag deployment, frame twisted. Car is from Massachusetts (yellow writing on windshield said 2006).
Vehicles:
- Mitsubishi Galant (blue) 2000, 46,877 miles
- Mitsubishi Galant 2000 (black), 102,000 miles
- Mazda 6 2006 (not for sale)
Fail
Raymond Khambatta
Ray’s Hi-Tech Automotive
171 Limestone Crescent
Toronto
416-832-1586
Curbsider who may be working with a used car dealer close by. Says car was purchased for his parents, but it’s too small for them. Seller showed photos and evidence of a New York DMV Salvage Certificate. APA’s expert determines the photos appear to come from a different Honda Civic. Seller states, “I don’t really sell cars. It just keeps me busy and out of trouble.” W FIVE confirms he’s sold 40 or more vehicles and is in trouble with Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council for curbsiding.
Seller says Civic shipped on tow truck to Canada. All-in price with taxes.
APA inspection reveals frontal impact, with moderate structural damage to the right front rail, which is still dented. Radiator upper and lower crossmembers replaced, non-Honda aftermarket fenders, aftermarket hood (with decals), A/C not working (fan and compressor). Electric windows lazy, wipers assembly sloppy, new aftermarket floormats – all not consistent with low indicated km.
Vehicle:
- 1999 Civic from New York City, 28,310 miles/39,000 km
一般认为从私人手中买车风险大，从dealer买可靠度大一些，不过从APA抽查的结果看，只有三成的dealer没有欺骗行为。
其中有些dealer在autotrader上有大量广告，更需千万小心。例如 Quality Used Cars Wholesalers Ltd. 同时在autotrder上登出500多辆车的广告，实际其yard根本就放不下这些车。
