New car purchases

Illegal practices

• Misrepresentation
• Manufacturing defect

• Odometer
• Unreasonable clauses

The merchant must provide you with all of the information needed to make an enlightened decision. This information must be true and comprehensive.

 

Misrepresentation

Consumers are most often victims of misrepresentation concerning:

• the warranty's scope;
• the vehicle's power and performance;
• the possibility of cancelling a contract of sale for a cash purchase signed with another merchant;
• the pretence that signing a contract of sale for a cash purchase is the equivalent of reserving a vehicle, without any obligation on the consumer's part.

Sometimes, information is hidden which, if revealed, could hinder the sale of the vehicle you are interested in. The facts that are most often hidden from consumers are:

• changes made to standard equipment;
• longer delivery period than indicated on the contract;
• various costs that are added to the price upon delivery;
• the depreciation of the vehicle offered in exchange by the consumer between the time of the agreement and delivery of the new vehicle;
• the existence of a manufacturer's defect on the vehicle.

 

Manufacturing defect

Manufacturer's defects are the defects most often hidden from consumers. Some car models are sold to consumers despite the fact that the manufacturer, merchant and salespersons are aware of an anomaly or major mechanical problem affecting the vehicle.

The salesperson is obliged to inform the consumer of anything that might influence his decision. The consumer must know the measures taken by the manufacturer to correct the problem identified on the vehicle he is interested in.

 

Odometer

Altering the odometer is a major offence. Although the scope of this phenomenon is difficult to assess, lawsuits have shown that some vehicles sold as new have already driven hundreds of kilometres.

 

Unreasonable clauses

The law prohibits merchants from using contracts of sale containing provisions allowing them to unilaterally decide whether a consumer has defaulted on one or more obligations, thereby releasing them from the consequences of a fact for which they or their representatives are responsible, etc.