CONSUMER PROTECTION
Important Information for Manitoba Car Shoppers
Consumer Protection laws in Manitoba ensure that car shoppers are treated fairly by dealerships when buying a new or used vehicle. This includes protection against deceptive advertising, hidden fees, unfair sales practices and vehicle safety. In the event of a dispute, or problem that can't be resolved with the dealer, car shoppers have the option of seeking guidance from various regulatory agencies.
Have you been charged additional fees unfairly?
Contact
Consumer Protection Office
Phone: 204-945-3800
Toll-Free: 1-800-782-0067
Email: consumers@gov.mb.ca
Questions or concerns regarding a Certificate of Inspection?
Contact
Manitoba Public Insurance Vehicle Standards and Inspections
Phone: 204-985-0920
Questions or concerns about a dealer?
Contact
Dealer Inspector | Manitoba Public Insurance
Phone: 204-985-8770
Ext: 4375
Motor Vehicle Advertising and Information Disclosure Regulation
The Motor Vehicle Advertising and Information Disclosure Regulation is in place so that car shoppers in Manitoba can make informed decisions before purchasing a vehicle. Licensed vehicle dealers must follow the law when advertising and selling vehicles - they must disclose all known facts about the vehicle's history, condition, and pricing.
Advertised Price Must Be An All-In Price
- Dealers must advertise the total all-in price which includes all fees and charges, such as administration fees, service charges as well as any fees that may be added in the financing office.
- Dealers may exclude the retail sales tax and the federal goods and services tax (PST and GST), but only if the advertisement indicated they are not included.
- The dealer may offer a consumer other add-ons such as extended warranty, but it is at the discretion of the consumer as to whether or not they wish to purchase any additional products from the dealer.
- In other words, a consumer responding to a dealer advertisement must be able to purchase the vehicle for the advertised price + PST & GST. No other fees, period.
Information Disclosure
Certain details must be clearly written on every sales contract, and licensed dealers are required to review this information before having a customer sign a contract. Dealers must also provide you with the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the particular vehicle you intend to buy. You can use this information to do a lien search through Manitoba's Personal Property Registry. You can also use the VIN to purchase a vehicle history report, if this is not provided by the dealer.
Licensed dealers must tell you if the vehicle:
- is new or used
- is no longer under manufacturer's warranty because it has been cancelled
- was declared a lemon in another jurisdiction
- has been bought back by the manufacturer through CAMVAP
- was damaged by flood or fire
- has been used as an emergency vehicle (ex: police, fire, ambulance)
- has been used as a taxi or limo
- has been rented on a daily or other short-term basis
- was written off and branded as salvagable
- has been make to look as if it is a better model than it actually is (or 'rebadged")
- is significantly different from the original or advertised model of the vehicle
- has been damaged and the cost of repairs from one incident was more than $3,000 (if the actual total cost of repair is known, the dealer must tell you)
- is new to Manitoba, and if so, where it was previously registered
Download the Motor Vehicle Advertising and Information Disclosure Regulation.What is a Certificate of Inspection
A Certificate of Inspection (COI) is required when registering a newly acquired used vehicle in Manitoba. The COI confirms that a vehicle has met basic standards of operation in Manitoba. A COI does NOT include a detailed inspection of the engine or transmission and is not a guarantee of the overall quality of the vehicle.
A licensed dealer in the province must supply you with a valid COI if you are purchasing a used vehicle.
What is Included in the Inspection
- Brakes
- Suspension
- Tires
- Lights
- Exhaust System
- Seat Belts
- Steering
- Other components and systems
If you still have questions - contact the Manitoba Used Car Dealers Association using the form below....
Manitoba UCDA
Quick Contact Form...
MEMBER SUPPORT | CONSUMER QUESTIONS
Contact us by using this form and we will be in touch with you.