Released on June 14, 2016
New regulations now require salespersons to tell buyers more information when it comes to buying a vehicle. For example, if the car has been in a crash or has hidden damage the dealer must tell the buyer before the purchase is made. Consumers have stronger protections when it comes to buying a vehicle due to new Vehicle Dealer Regulations under The Consumer Protection and Business Practices Act (CPBPA). These rules came into effect in February, 2016. The disclosure rules require licensed dealers to tell customers important facts about a vehicle before it is sold.
These facts include, but are not limited to:
- an SGI Saskatchewan VIN search;
- if the odometer has been tampered with or doesn’t record the true mileage; and
- if the vehicle was owned by a rental company in the last two years.
Disclosure gives consumers important information so they can make the best decision possible before they make a purchase. Failure to disclose required information before a sale is completed may lead to a recovery of losses or a refund of money and return of the vehicle to the dealer.
Buy from a licensed dealer
The new disclosure requirements do not apply to private sales. Consumers enjoy greater protections under the CPBPA when buying from a licensed dealer.
FCAA411
For more information about the new disclosure rules, visit www.fcaa.gov.sk.ca/vehicle-disclosure
Contact FCAA
If consumers have questions about the new disclosure requirements or have a dispute with a licensed dealer, they can contact the Consumer Protection Division toll free at 1-877-880-5550 or by email at consumerprotection@gov.sk.ca.
To ensure they are buying from a licensed dealer, consumers can search the name or licence number to confirm the validity on http://www.fcaa.gov.sk.ca/fcaa411/.
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For more information, contact:
Matthew Barton
Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6067
Email: matthew.barton@gov.sk.ca