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Difference between revisions of "Problem with a Used Car"
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Problem with a Used Car (view source)
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{{REVIEWEDPLS | reviewer = Mario Garcia, CarbonCure Technologies |date= October 2022}} {{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = cars}} | {{REVIEWEDPLS | reviewer = [https://www.carboncure.com/ Mario Garcia], CarbonCure Technologies |date= October 2022}} {{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = cars}} | ||
You bought a used car. Just days later, it broke down. Your mechanic says the problem will cost thousands to repair. What can you do? Learn your rights and steps you can take. | You bought a used car. Just days later, it broke down. Your mechanic says the problem will cost thousands to repair. What can you do? Learn your rights and steps you can take. | ||
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===More on each step=== | ===More on each step=== | ||
'''Step 1. Decide on what you want''' | '''Step 1. Decide on what you want'''<br> | ||
Once you understand your legal rights and options, decide what outcome you're seeking. | |||
Are you hoping to have the vehicle repaired? To get a refund? A discount? | Are you hoping to have the vehicle repaired? To get a refund? A discount? | ||
'''Step 2. Contact the seller directly''' | '''Step 2. Contact the seller directly'''<br> | ||
Try to raise any problems with the seller first. | |||
If you bought from a dealer, ask to speak to someone with authority, such as a manager or owner. Clearly explain your problem. Let them know the outcome you’re seeking. | If you bought from a dealer, ask to speak to someone with authority, such as a manager or owner. Clearly explain your problem. Let them know the outcome you’re seeking. | ||
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'''Step 3. Try dispute resolution (dealer only!)''' | '''Step 3. Try dispute resolution (dealer only!)'''<br> | ||
If the letter doesn’t clear things up, dispute resolution might. It involves a third party helping you and the dealer reach a solution. | If the letter doesn’t clear things up, dispute resolution might. It involves a third party helping you and the dealer reach a solution. | ||
Here’s an example. There’s a free program called the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Program. It can help you resolve disputes with car makers about defects or a warranty. [https://www.camvap.ca/participating-manufacturers/~english Visit the CMVAP website]. | Here’s an example. There’s a free program called the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Program. It can help you resolve disputes with car makers about defects or a warranty. [https://www.camvap.ca/participating-manufacturers/~english Visit the CMVAP website]. | ||
'''Step 4. File a complaint (dealer only!)''' | '''Step 4. File a complaint (dealer only!)'''<br> | ||
If you’re buying the vehicle from a dealer, you can file a complaint with the Vehicle Sales Authority of BC. [https://vsabc.ca/consumers/find-help-for-your-issue/make-a-formal-complaint-to-the-vsa/ Visit the VSA website]. | If you’re buying the vehicle from a dealer, you can file a complaint with the Vehicle Sales Authority of BC. [https://vsabc.ca/consumers/find-help-for-your-issue/make-a-formal-complaint-to-the-vsa/ Visit the VSA website]. | ||
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The authority’s website explains who can apply for compensation, what losses the fund covers, and how to file a claim. [https://vsabc.ca/consumers/find-help-for-your-issue/make-a-compensation-fund-claim/ Visit the VSA website to learn more]. | The authority’s website explains who can apply for compensation, what losses the fund covers, and how to file a claim. [https://vsabc.ca/consumers/find-help-for-your-issue/make-a-compensation-fund-claim/ Visit the VSA website to learn more]. | ||
'''Step 5. Contact a consumer agency or industry association (dealer only!) | '''Step 5. Contact a consumer agency or industry association (dealer only!)'''<br> | ||
'''The Better Business Bureau may not be able to solve the problem, but complaining to them can help others avoid problems going forward. | The Better Business Bureau may not be able to solve the problem, but complaining to them can help others avoid problems going forward. | ||
Better Business Bureau | :'''Better Business Bureau''' | ||
Receives complaints about local businesses that are members. | :Receives complaints about local businesses that are members. | ||
:Call 1-888-803-1222 | :Call 1-888-803-1222 | ||
:[https://www.bbb.org/ca/bc Visit website] | |||
Complaining to an association a car dealer is a member of can help get their attention. | Complaining to an association a car dealer is a member of can help get their attention. | ||
:'''Automotive Retailers Association''' | |||
:Many car dealers belong to this voluntary organization. | |||
:[https://www.ara.bc.ca/ Visit ARA] | |||
:'''Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association''' | |||
:A national, voluntary organization for RV dealers. | |||
:[https://www.rvda.ca/ Visit RVDA] | |||
'''Step 6. Take to social media''' | :'''New Car Dealers Association of BC''' | ||
:Representing franchised car dealers who sell new vehicles. | |||
:[https://www.newcardealers.ca/ Visit NCDA] | |||
'''Step 6. Take to social media'''<br> | |||
Consider telling your story on social media. Be factual and truthful about what happened — using foul or insulting language may work against you. | Consider telling your story on social media. Be factual and truthful about what happened — using foul or insulting language may work against you. | ||
Social pressure is powerful. The seller may be motivated to make things right to show they’re good citizens (corporate or otherwise). | Social pressure is powerful. The seller may be motivated to make things right to show they’re good citizens (corporate or otherwise). | ||
'''Step 7. Consider legal action''' | '''Step 7. Consider legal action'''<br> | ||
If you can’t solve the problem with the above steps, your next option may be to take legal action. | If you can’t solve the problem with the above steps, your next option may be to take legal action. | ||
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Seeking legal advice can help you clarify your options. | Seeking legal advice can help you clarify your options. | ||
Lawyer Referral Service | :'''Lawyer Referral Service''' | ||
Helps you connect with a lawyer for a complimentary 15-minute consult to see if you want to hire them. | :Helps you connect with a lawyer for a complimentary 15-minute consult to see if you want to hire them. | ||
:Call 1-800-663-1919 | :Call 1-800-663-1919 | ||
:[https://www.accessprobono.ca/our-programs/lawyer-referral-service Visit website] | |||
Access Pro Bono's Free Legal Advice | :'''Access Pro Bono's Free Legal Advice''' | ||
Volunteer lawyers provide 30 minutes of free legal advice to people with low or modest income. | :Volunteer lawyers provide 30 minutes of free legal advice to people with low or modest income. | ||
:Call 1-877-762-6664 | :Call 1-877-762-6664 | ||
:[https://www.accessprobono.ca/get-legal-help Visit website] | |||
===Go deeper=== | ===Go deeper=== | ||
