Toyota Canada Inc., (TCI) announced it will begin fixing accelerator pedals in recalled Toyota Division vehicles by the end of this week. Toyota’s engineers have developed a solution that involves modifying the pedal assembly to eliminate the excess friction that has caused the pedals to stick in rare instances.

Toyota Canada announced, on January 21, it was recalling approximately 270,000 Toyota vehicles equipped with a specific accelerator pedal assembly and suspending delivery of the eight models involved in the recall on January 26. The company also announced that Toyota would stop production of the affected models on North American production lines for the week of February 1 allowing the company to focus on fixing vehicles for customers whose models are involved in the recall.

Toyota vehicles affected by the recall and delivery suspension are:

* Certain 2009-2010 RAV4
* 2009-2010 Corolla
* 2009-2010 Matrix
* 2005-2010 Avalon
* 2007-2010 Camry
* 2010 Highlander
* 2007-2010 Tundra
* 2008-2010 Sequoia

No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by these actions. Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Highlander hybrids and certain Camry models, including Camry hybrids.

Should a driver experience a sticking accelerator pedal while driving, the vehicle can be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes. The brakes should not be pumped repeatedly because it could deplete vacuum assist, requiring stronger brake pedal pressure. The vehicle should be driven to the nearest safe location, the engine shut off and a Toyota dealer contacted for assistance. Although the accelerator pedal action may return to normal, NO further attempt to drive the vehicle should be made.

Information and answers to questions about issues related to this recall are available to customers at www.toyota.ca and at the Toyota Customer Interaction Centre at 1-888-TOYOTA-8.

How Toyota Will Fix Recalled Vehicles

Toyota has pinpointed the issue that could, on rare occasions, cause accelerator pedals in recalled vehicles to stick in a partially open position. The issue involves a friction device or lever, in conjunction with a spring in the accelerator pedal assembly, that is designed to help control the force necessary to depress the pedal and the return force necessary to release the pedal to allow for smooth operation of the accelerator pedal. Due to the materials used, wear and environmental conditions, surfaces may, over time, begin to stick and release instead of operating smoothly. In rare instances, the friction of the accelerator pedal may increase to a point where the accelerator pedal may become harder to depress, slower to return or, in the worst case, become stuck in a partially depressed position.

Toyota’s solution for current owners is simple, effective and quick to deploy. A precision-cut steel reinforcement bar will be installed into the assembly that will reduce the surface tension between the friction shoe and the adjoining surface. With this reinforcement in place, the excess friction that can cause the pedal to stick is eliminated. The company has confirmed the effectiveness of the newly modified pedals that had previously shown a tendency to stick.

The new device is a mobile transponder reader that: About a year ago, the OPP began piloting the mobile transponder reader on 407 ETR and have now completed their testing. When operated, the mobile transponder reader allows the OPP officer to detect whether a vehicle is driving on 407 ETR with a valid transponder. The pilot program focused on testing the device for accuracy, its reliability and suitability for toll enforcement purposes, health and safety of the OPP officer, and to ensure that the device wouldn’t interfere with other cruiser equipment. “The pilot program was very successful,” said OPP Staff Sergeant Ed Hickey, 407 Detachment, Highway Safety Division. “The officers involved in the testing of the mobile transponder reader were pleased with the results, as far as its accuracy and reliability. The officers have been trained and are ready to use this new enforcement tool.

The device allows theofficers to safely enforce sections of the Highway Traffic Act with respect to toll highways, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” said Staff Sergeant Hickey. “The mobile transponder reader will allow for more effective toll highway violation enforcement, and it also has the ability to detect whether a transponder has been reported stolen,” said Imad Nassereddine, 407 ETR’s Chief Traffic Operations Officer. “At 407 ETR, we are always looking for advancements in tolling technology and are happy that the OPP is bringing toll enforcement along the highway to a new level.

“407 ETR is a state-of-the-art electronic toll highway, so it makes sense to have enforcement tools to match,” added Nassereddine. Consists of three components: 1. An antenna which is mounted on the right side of the OPP cruiser and points to the right; 2. The reader, which is a small box located in the trunk of the cruiser; and 3. A display unit which is mounted inside the cruiser.

Sunglasses
Have your sunglasses with you at all times to shield your vision.   There’s nothing like driving with the sun’s glare in front of you.

Wet Leaves
Fallen leaves retain large amount of water and can create a slippery surface.  Drive slowly through them and avoid hard or panic breaking.

Frost
Fall brings the first frost; use caution when approaching bridges and overpasses. Open surfaces are more prone to collect frost on the roadway surface.

Drowsy Drivers
This is also the season when clocks turn back one hour.  Incidences of drowsiness are much higher during the first weeks following the time changes.

If this happens to you stop at a safe area until you feel that you can continue driving safely.

Lights
With shorter days comes shorter light, making it difficult to see pedestrians, cyclists and children playing in the early evening.  Be sure that your lights are on and be prepared to stop.

Speed
Drive according to weather conditions and be courteous to other drivers.

Seatbelt
When traveling, remember to buckle up the whole family. Children should be secured in appropriate child safety seats.

Remember to take some time and enjoy the beautiful colour of fall with your family. Whatever you do, think safety first.

Sources:
http://www.dot.state.pa.us/PENNDOT/Districts/District10.nsf/262f3c0c6dc77de985256ce9005bdd86/057210cb8d7653748525708b0058182d?OpenDocument
http://www.carjunky.com/news/auto_updates/10312001_e.shtml
http://www.minnesotasafetycouncil.org/facts/factsheet.cfm?FS=31&CID=2
http://www.castrol.com/castrol/genericarticle.do?categoryId=9008605&contentId=7011914

Maintenant que l’automne est arrivé, il est important de se rappeler les dangers routiers qui l’accompagnent.  Voici donc des conseils à suivre pour les prévoir.

Lunettes de soleil
Avoir des lunettes de soleil avec soi en tout temps pour ne pas être aveuglé.  Il n’y rien de pire que devoir conduire la voiture avec le soleil directement dans les yeux.

Feuilles mouillées
Les feuilles mortes tombées au sol absorbent une grande quantité d’eau et rendent la chaussée très glissante.  Conduire lentement à travers ces amas et éviter tout freinage sec ou paniqué.

Frimas
Avec l’automne, vient le frimas; redoubler de prudence à l’approche des ponts et les autoponts (voies élevées).  Les surfaces exposées aux éléments sont plus portées à se recouvrir de frimas glissant.

Conducteurs somnolents
Cette saison est aussi celle au cours de laquelle on change l’heure.  Les statistiques indiquent que la somnolence est beaucoup plus fréquente pendant les semaines qui suivent ce changement d’heure.

Lorsqu’on ressent de la somnolence au volant, il faut s’arrêter dans un endroit hors danger et repartir une fois qu’on se sent rafraîchi et capable de bien conduire.

Phares
Il y a de moins en moins de clarté au fur et à mesure que les journées raccourcissent et donc il est plus difficile de voir les piétons, les cyclistes et les enfants qui jouent dehors en début de soirée.  S’assurer d’allumer les phares et être préparé à arrêter.

Vitesse
Conduire en conséquence des conditions atmosphériques et être courtois envers les autres conducteurs.

Ceinture de sécurité
Lorsqu’on conduit, voir à ce que toute la famille boucle sa ceinture de sécurité.  Les enfants doivent être attachés dans un siège de sécurité pour enfants.

C’est le temps de profiter de la splendeur des couleurs de l’automne en famille.  Mais avant tout, il faut penser sécurité, puis circuler !

Sources:
http://www.dot.state.pa.us/PENNDOT/Districts/District10.nsf/262f3c0c6dc77de985256ce9005bdd86/057210cb8d7653748525708b0058182d?OpenDocument
http://www.carjunky.com/news/auto_updates/10312001_e.shtml
http://www.minnesotasafetycouncil.org/facts/factsheet.cfm?FS=31&CID=2
http://www.castrol.com/castrol/genericarticle.do?categoryId=9008605&contentId=7011914

Since December 2007, the Highway Safety Code provides that:

“Between 15 December to 15 March, the owner of a taxi or passenger vehicle registered in Quebec may not put the vehicle into operation unless it is equipped with tires specifically designed for winter driving, in compliance with the standards prescribed by government regulation. The prohibition also applies to any person renting out passenger vehicles not equipped with that type of tires. (…)”

This measure will come into effect in the fall of 2008. It is important to remember that tires specifically designed for winter driving constitute a safe solution for driving in winter. They are designed to provide maximum grip on snow- and ice covered surfaces.

Please see the question-answer document on winter tires:

1) During what part of the year is the use of snows tires mandatory in Québec?
Under the Highway Safety Code, all taxis and passenger vehicles registered in Québec must be equipped with tires specifically designed for winter driving from December 15 to March 15. This also applies to passenger vehicles for rent in Québec. This measure will come into effect by decree in the fall of 2008.

2) What is the purpose of introducing this measure into the Highway Safety Code?
This new measure is designed to increase highway safety.

Information collected in 2005 shows that 38% of the accidents that occur during the winter involve at least one vehicle that is equipped with all-season tires. These vehicles are therefore strongly overrepresented in these accidents. In addition, the proportion of the occurrence of loss of control is even higher when the vehicles involved are equipped with all-season tires.

Tires that are designed specifically for winter driving conditions are a safe solution for driving in winter. They are designed to achieve maximum adherence on snow or ice covered surfaces.

3) What types of vehicles will have to be equipped with tires specifically designed for winter driving?
This measure is directed at taxis and passenger vehicles that are registered in Québec, as well as passenger vehicles that are rented in Québec.

4) What is the definition of winter tires?
The draft regulation, published on July 9, 2008 in the Gazette officielle du Québec, defines tires specifically designed for winter driving as those that meet one of the following criteria prior to December 15, 2014:¦lt;br /> Tires on which one of the following inscriptions appear: Arctic, Blizzard, Ice, LT, Snow (but not mud and snow), Stud or Winter.
or
Tires on which the icon representing a mountain with a superimposed snowflake appears.

Starting on December 15, 2014, the draft regulation specifies that only those tires on which the icon representing the mountain with the superimposed snowflake appears shall be considered to be winter tires.

On October 22-23, 2007 Toronto City Council approved the Personal Vehicle Tax (PVT) as a new taxation measure within the City of Toronto, pursuant to the statutory authority granted under the City of Toronto Act, 2006.

The report “Personal Vehicle Tax- Administrative Design Features and Implementation Authorities”, was approved by City Council on April 28, 2008.

The tax is designed to be compatible with the Provincial vehicle permitting system, and to be implemented in a manner that is fair to all taxpayers.

The City of Toronto’s Personal Vehicle Tax is a tax for residents of the City of Toronto who own or lease a personal vehicle (passenger vehicle, light commercial vehicle registered for personal use only, motorcycle or moped).

1. What is the PVT?

City Council has requested that the Province of Ontario collect the PVT on the City’s behalf when you pay for your licence plate renewal.

2. Who will be collecting the PVT?

The City has asked the Province to refuse your plate renewal request if your PVT is not paid, similar to the current requirements under the Province’s Drive Clean program.

3. What if I don’t pay the PVT when I renew?

Council approved the PVT starting September 1, 2008.

4. When will the City start charging the PVT?

Council approved the Personal Vehicle Tax at the following flat rates for each vehicle licence plate renewal:
-$60 per personal vehicle (passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles for personal use) per year
-$30 per personal motorcycle (motorcycle and limited speed motorcycle) or moped per year

5. How much will the PVT be?

All Toronto residents who own or lease a personal vehicle (passenger vehicle, light commercial vehicle registered for personal use only, motorcycle, or moped) will be responsible for paying their PVT.

6. Who will have to pay the PVT?

7. Who will not have to pay the PVT?
Vehicles for Commercial Use
- The PVT does not apply to vehicles registered to commercial or institutional owners.

Historic Vehicles
- Owners with vehicles classified as “Historic” under the Provincial registration system that have a designated licence plate will not be charged the PVT. Other Exempt Individuals and Entities – other individuals and entities that are not charged the Provincial vehicle registration permit fee or are exempt under the City of Toronto Act, 2006 will not be charged the PVT.

8. How often will I have to pay the PVT?
PVT will be charged at the time of plate renewal.

Yes, if the vehicle plate is registered to you, either jointly, or as an individual, you will be responsible for the PVT.

9. I lease a vehicle. Will I have to pay the PVT?

No. The PVT will only apply when you are renewing your licence plate.

10. I just bought a car and am getting a new licence plate – will I have to pay the PVT?

No. The PVT is only charged when you renew your licence plate as a Toronto resident.

11. I just moved into the City and notified the Ministry of Transportation of my new address. Will I have to pay the PVT for the period of time between when I moved to the City and when I have to renew my licence plate again?

The City will collect the PVT for any vehicle plate renewal date that falls on or after September 1, 2008. If you renew a plate with an expiry date on or after September 1before the tax implementation date of September 1, the City is asking the Province to collect the tax the next time you renew your licence plate. This ensures that the implementation of the tax is fair to all taxpayers.

12. My licence plate expires after the PVT’s September 1, 2008 effective date. Will I have to pay the PVT if I renew my licence plate before September 1, 2008?

At the time of the subsequent renewal, you will also be required to pay the PVT for your next renewal period.

You will not be responsible for the PVT for your July 2008 licence plate renewal since the renewal date is before the effective date. You will begin to be charged the PVT the next time you renew your licence plate.

13. My licence plate needs to be renewed in July. When will I have to pay the PVT if it is effective as of September 1, 2008?

The PVT will only apply if the vehicle permit was set to expire on or after Sept 1, 2008. Collection of the tax begins September 1, 2008.

14. My licence plate expired a few months ago and I did not renew it. I want to renew my licence plate now- will I have to pay the PVT?

No. The PVT will only be charged for the vehicle licence plates you renew. Collection of the tax begins September 1, 2008. If your licence plate was set to expire on or after September 1, 2008, but was renewed before that date, the PVT will be collected the next time you renew your licence plate. If the permit was set to expire before September 1, 2008, you will not be charged the PVT.

15. I have two vehicles: I am not going to renew my licence plate for the first car but I will be renewing the licence plate for my second car before September 1, 2008. Will I still have to pay the PVT for both vehicles?

No. The PVT will only be charged for the vehicle licence plates you renew.

16. I am not going to renew my current 2-year licence plate ever – do I have to pay the PVT?

Visit www.toronto.ca for more information.

Driving an automobile requires your full attention and concentration. When you’re at the wheel, you have to be constantly on the lookout for anything that might occur on the road unexpectedly. Use of a cell phone while driving, therefore, is a major distraction.

HAZARDS OF USING A CELL PHONE WHILE DRIVING

Driving while you’re making a call increases the risk of an accident. According to a Québec study, the chance of having an accident rises 38% when drivers are using a cell phone. The likelihood of violating the Highway Safety Code (ex. running a red light, failing to obey a mandatory stop) also increases. The number of times a driver uses a cell phone also raises the risk: drivers who use a cell phone a lot run a higher risk of collision than occasional users. Using a cell phone while driving affects how you drive and operate a vehicle:

• You react more slowly when braking in an emergency.
• You have difficulty driving in a straight line, avoiding obstacles on the road or maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles.
• You are less aware of what is happening around you, both inside and outside of the vehicle.
• Your field of vision is reduced. That’s why, effective April 1, 2008, use of a hand-held cell phone that does not have a “hands-free” function is prohibited while driving.

PENALTIES Committing this type of offence will result in the following:
o $115 fine (including court costs)
o 3 demerit points.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Drivers who are holding a cell phone in their hand are presumed to be using it.
• Any device that has a telephone function, such as a wireless information device (ex. BlackBerry), is deemed to be a cell phone and is therefore prohibited when it is held in the hand.
• To use a device with a telephone function, drivers must bring their vehicle to a stop in a location where parking is authorized.
• Except where necessary, no one is allowed to bring a vehicle to a stop on the shoulder of a highway, on a highway on-ramp or highway off-ramp.
• Drivers who are waiting at a red light or delayed in traffic are considered to be driving their vehicle.
• Use of a “hands-free” cell phone is permitted.

“HANDS-FREE”

Use of a “hands-free” cell phone or other device is permitted. However, the simple fact of carrying on a telephone conversation is still a source of distraction that diverts the attention of the person behind the wheel. Despite the fact that a motorist’s hands are free to drive, using a “hands-free” device is not a risk-free option and is not advisable.

SAFETYTIPS

• Turn off your phone before setting off and let your voice mail take all messages.
• If you absolutely must use your phone, pull your vehicle into a location that does not pose a danger to you or others on the road:
  - to the side of the road where the speed limit is 70 km/h or less;
  - into a parking lot;
  - into a service area.
• Ask a passenger to answer or make the call for you.

WE ARE ALL RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR CONDUCT ONTHE ROAD

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Web site www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca

____________________________________________________________________________________________

LE CELLULAIRE «TENU EN MAIN»: INTERDIT!

La conduite automobile exige toute votre attention et votre concentration. Au volant, vous devez

constamment être à l’affût des nombreux imprévus qui peuvent survenir sur la route. Or, se servir d’un téléphone au volant constitue une importante source de distraction.

LES DANGERS DU CELLULAIRE AUVOLANT

Conduire et téléphoner en même temps augmente le risque d’accident. Selon une étude réalisée au Québec, un conducteur qui utilise un téléphone cellulaire a 38% plus de risques d’accident. Le risque d’infractions au Code de la sécurité routière (ex: brûler un feu rouge, ne pas respecter un arrêt obligatoire ) augmente lui aussi. En outre, le risque augmente avec la fréquence d’utilisation: les grands utilisateurs ont un risque plus élevé de collision que les utilisateurs occasionnels. L’usage du téléphone cellulaire au volant affecte vos habitudes et vos performances de conducteur:

• Vous prenez plus de temps pour freiner dans une situation critique.
• Vous avez de la difficulté à maintenir une trajectoire droite, à éviter des obstacles sur la route ou à garder une distance sécuritaire avec les autres véhicules.
• Vous avez moins conscience de ce qui se passe autour de vous, que ce soit à l’intérieur ou à l’extérieur de votre véhicule.
• Votre champ visuel est réduit. C’est pourquoi, depuis le 1er avril 2008, l’utilisation d’un téléphone cellulaire tenu en main, c’est-à-dire sans la fonction «mains libres», est interdite au volant.

PÉNALITÉS
Le fait d’avoir commis cette infraction entraîne :

• une amende de 115 $ (ce montant inclut les frais judiciaires )
• 3 points d’inaptitude.

CE QU’IL FAUT SAVOIR

• Tout conducteur qui tient en main un téléphone cellulaire est présumé en faire usage.
• Tout appareil doté d’une fonction téléphonique, tel un terminal mobile de poche (ex: le BlackBerry), est donc également interdit, si tenu en main.
• Pour utiliser en main un appareil doté d’une fonction téléphonique, le conducteur doit s’immobiliser dans un endroit où le stationnement est autorisé.
• Sauf en cas d’urgence, nul ne peut s’immobiliser sur l’accotement ou dans une voie d’entrée ou de sortie d’une autoroute.
• Lorsqu’elle attend à un feu rouge ou est prise dans un bouchon de circulation, une personne est considérée comme conduisant son véhicule.
• Le téléphone cellulaire «mains libres» est permis.

«MAINS LIBRES»
L’utilisation d’un téléphone cellulaire ou autre appareil comportant un dispositif «mains libres» est permise. Cependant, le seul fait de tenir une conversation téléphonique constitue une source de distraction qui détourne l’attention du conducteur de la conduite du véhicule. Aussi, l’utilisation d’un appareil avec dispositif «mains libres» est déconseillée, car elle représente un risque, même si vous ne le manipulez pas.

CONSEILS DE SÉCURITÉ

• Éteignez votre téléphone avant de prendre la route et laissez la messagerie vocale prendre vos appels.
• Si vous devez absolument utiliser votre téléphone, rangez-vous d’abord dans un endroit sécuritaire pour vous ainsi que pour les autres usagers de la route :
  - sur le bord d’une route où la vitesse maximale est de moins de 70 km/h;
  - dans un stationnement;
  - dans une aire de service.
• Vous pouvez demander à vos passagers de répondre pour vous ou de faire l’appel à votre place.

ON EST TOUS RESPONSABLES  DE NOTRE CONDUITE

POUR PLUS D’INFORMATION
Par Internet www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca

ATLANTA — Manheim Consulting’s chief economist Tom Webb recently discussed current market trends, including leasing, repossessions and more.

According to Webb, lease penetration rates, although not actual volumes, gained ground this year.

“In today’s market, it is easier to sell consumers on the advantage of avoiding the residual risk that is inherent in a retail finance contract,” Webb explained. “But what does this mean from the lessor’s standpoint? If the portfolio is not overly subvented and contains a good mix of vehicles, it should perform well.”
However, as Chrysler and Ford recently reported, their mix has been heavily on the side of larger vehicles, which many consumers are losing interest in. This means big hits on residuals.

For instance, Ford reported a $2.1 billion impairment charge last week, while Chrysler indicated that it is leaving the manufacturer-supported leasing market altogether in the U.S. and de-emphasizing leasing as an option in Canada. GMAC confirmed to Auto Remarketing Tuesday that it is halting manufacturer-supported leasing in Canada due to residual drops.

“Residuals on some of these products have moved down substantially,” Webb explained to Auto Remarketing late yesterday. “It is more difficult to put together attractive lease products.”

Basically, he said that no one in the marketplace expected the consumer shift toward smaller, more fuel-efficient units would have been as strong as it is. “Some companies adjusted to the market the best they could. Some pulled leases forward but prices continue to get hit,” he noted.

Looking ahead, Webb said residual losses will continue into next year. After 2009, he anticipates that these big residual hits will start to be mitigated.

However, he did not that pulling out of manufacturer-supported leasing completely, such as what Chrysler is doing in the U.S., can seriously hurt new-vehicle sales.

“Lease customers are much more loyal to the brand. They may end up with dissatisfied customers,” Webb stated. In fact, consumers who prefer to drive large SUVs and trucks tend to see themselves better off leasing and may not want to incur the risk of what these units’ resale values will be if they purchase instead of lease.

After dropping in 2006, off-lease volumes are climbing again in 2008 and expected to continue their growth into next year, Manheim reported.

Meanwhile, as off-lease volumes are rising, so, too, are repossessions. Essentially, Webb said that these units are reaching “peak levels” in 2008. The industry is undergoing a correction, though, and Webb foresees a reduction in the volume of repossessions into 2009.

“Auto lenders have been on the front lines of both deteriorating economic environment, which has led to higher delinquency rates, and the credit crisis, which has increased the cost of (or reduced the availability of) new funds for originations,” he said.

“The result has been higher default rates, lower recovery rates on repossessions, a tightening of lending standards and substantial slowing of originations. This has set the stage for repossession volumes to fall in 2009,” Webb continued.

Going forward, he doesn’t expect auto lenders to loosen underwriting standards again for quite a while. At least until the economy recovers.

Continuing on, the report went on to indicate that new-vehicle sales into the commercial and government fleet industry climbed to 1 million units in both 2006 and 2007, but Webb said they are, “set to fall to less than 930,000 in 2008 based on the 7.2-percent decline in sales in the first half of the year.

“End-of-service fleet volumes are, however, based on past sales, and as a result will continue to rise in 2009 and 2010,” he concluded.

Bulletin # 58 – August 1’st, 2008
SAFE HIGHWAY DRIVING TIPS THIS SUMMER

Many consumers fall victim to dishonest dealers who misrepresent used vehicles; from tampered odometer to rebuilt vehicles.  This is one of the main reasons why we should protect ourselves and do our due diligence prior to purchasing any used vehicle.  Below are some of the things to consider the next time you’re in the market for a used vehicle.

Vehicle history – it is important to know if the vehicle has been involved in any accident, junked, salvage, rebuilt or stolen.  As a buyer you have the right to know what type of vehicle you’re about to purchase.

Proper Inspection - make sure the vehicle is inspected by a certified technician.  Have them check for any signs of leakage or accident.

Odometer Reading – some sellers turn odometers back to get more profit for the vehicle.  According to AutoFacts one in ten vehicles has this discrepancy (both U.S. and Canada). You can protect yourself by obtaining a complete vehicle history report.

Vehicle’s Registration – make sure the vehicle you are buying is registered in the name of the seller.  Also ensure that the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) that appears on the registration matches the one found in the dashboard.

Outstanding Liens - finding out if there is a secured 3^rd interest on the vehicle you want to purchase is very important prior to purchasing the vehicle.

Recalls - to find out if your vehicle has any outstanding recall, you may visit the Transport Canada website. The information on their database is based on makes and models and not VIN specific.  If you want to obtain a recall information based on the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle an Auto Facts vehicle history will provide you that information.

Avoid “Curbsiders” – pose as private individuals, but are actually in the business of selling vehicles that are damaged, stolen, odometer-tampered or have liens against them (OMVIC).  Check for the UCDA logo at your local dealer.  You may also visit the UCDA website to confirm that the seller is a licensed dealer.

Never Pay Cash – make sure to pay with a certified cheque or a bank draft with the seller listed as payee.  This will ensure that you have a record of payment.

Warranty – ask for at least a 30-90 day warranty if you’re buying from a dealer.  Make sure the warranty is documented and never take any verbal commitment from the seller.

Sources:

http://www.apa.ca/template.asp?DocID=136
http://www.omvic.on.ca/news/archives/news_releases_archive/news_release_2004-02.htm
http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/recalls/search_e.asp
hhttp://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070427/wfive_apasurvey_070427/20070428?hub=WFive
http://www.ucda.org/index.html
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080307/wfive_apa_080307/20080307?hub=WFive
http://www.cbc.ca/consumers/market/tips/usedcars.html
https://www.carproof.com/Default.asp