2005 APA Used Car Investigation - Toronto

AUTOMOBILE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION
2005 APA Used Car Investigation - Toronto

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DEALER

VEHICLE

RATING

COMMENTS

1

Premium Cars Wholesale

1897 Wilson Avenue

 416-746-4141(Farzad)

1996 or 1997 Mazda Cronos V6, 156,816 km (odometer), $5,295 (ad) $5,999 (on car) 1YVGE22D3T5551746 1999 Corolla VE 2T1BR12E7XC771018
 

Fail

Ad says "all vehicles come certifed and emissions tested". Dealer says cars are not prepared or checked prior to an offer to purchase. Dealer will perform a 130-point inspection and do all repairs needed. Salesperson ''doesn't know'' accident history, as vehicle records only show if the car is branded. All cars are trade-ins from other dealers; no out of province and no auction vehicles. Permits off-site inspection ar buyer's repair shop subject to refundable deposit. Cronos (96 in ad, 97 on windshield): APA inspection shows hood and fenders replaced, poorly aligned panels, front right impact, most of car repainted, A/C broken, right front brake line corroded (left side replaced), lots of underbody corrosion for an Ontario vehicle. Failure to disclose collision. Muffler leak, blue smoke from exhaust (burning oil), odometer cut-out damaged. (Except for ad, dealer made no representations about the mechanical condtion of the car.) Vehicle condition not consistent with indicated 156,000 km. 1999 Corolla VE: Inspection shows serious frontal impact and panels poorly aligned, paint overspray
behind grill, almost all repainted. History search reveals a collision claim for $11,169 in 2002. Material fact not disclosed by dealer.
 

2

Rough Riders

4150 Chesswood Drive Scarborough M1S 1S6

416-636-5455/275-0906/ 636-0554

1999 Chevrolet Cavalier, 112,090 km, $3,850 3G1JC5249XS805354
 

Fail

Fine print lists excessive extra fees: $199 admin. and $350 retail package (total is $549). Two-year powertrain warranty from AutoGuard is included Warranty repair limit is $1,700 three times a year for up to 24,000 km (not true). Dealer encourages inspection by buyer's mechanic. Cars are trade-ins purchased from dealers or wholesalers. Dealer spends about $450 per car to recondition for sale. 1999 Cavalier: ad says ''excellent driving, looks new, new tires, A/C cold, certified, emissions tested and up to 3 years warranty available''. Dealer says car has never been repainted. Inspection shows right-side fender, grill, front bumper, doors repainted. Body filler in fender and doors (damage appears non-structural). Large dent in right rear door. Tires bald (dealer says will replace with near new). Front brake discs rusty, power steering fluid low, leaking. A/C working. Car fails to meet advertised cosmetic condition, misrepresentation of collision history.

3

King Fine Cars Inc. 1270 Finch Avenue West Unit 8 North York M3J 3J7

416-665-5505
 

2000 Nissan Altima, 108,000 km, $8,888 1N4DL01D5YC153774 2000

 Chrysler Neon, 142,000 km, $4,400

1C3ES46C4YD653853

 1999 Nissan Altima, 92,963 km, $8,900

Pass

Cars purchased from franchised dealers in "packages" five at a time. Inspection at buyer's garage permitted with a $200-$300 refundable deposit. All cars come with a third party two-year powertrain warranty plus safety and emissions certification. 2000 Altima: ad states "accident free $8888". Seller says car is "accident free original". APA inspection shows front bumper and right rear door repainted. Windshield replaced. Many underhood parts painted: intake manifold, EGR valve, fuel rail, exhaust manifold. Rusty for Ontario vehicle. $190  administration fee not disclosed in Auto Mart ad.

4

T4 Rama Auto Inc 1900 Wilson Avenue (near Weston Road)

1-866-346-0198

1996 Dodge Caravan, 190,000 km, $4,500

Pass

Ad states 2-year powertrain warranty on all vehicles, confirmed by dealer. Dealer says certification after offer to purchase. Inspection at buyer's garage permitted with refundable deposit. Caravan: dealer says 3.3L V6 superior to the base 3L engine (correct). High mileage lowers price by $2,000 (corect). Dealer says he does not roll back mileages.Dealer says buyer must perform required maintenance and would be prudent to keep records for warranty purposes (correct).

5

Ideal Fine Cars

4286 Weston Road Toronto M9L 1W9

2000 Honda Civic EX , 130,000 km

Fail

Ad states: 3 to choose from $8888. Fine print in the ad states all prices plus administration fee and PDI. Cash purchasers have to pay $450 more than the advertised price(!). Ad lists mileages for each of the three Civics of 130,000 km, 90,000 km, 45,000 km (nice touch). Dealer says price drops to $450 below advertised if buyer chooses dealer financing as dealer gets a kickback from Royal & Scotia Banks. Cars are one owner lease returns. Inspection at buyer's repair shop easy to obtain. Six month/6000 km Lubrico powertrain warranty included. Dealer says there was a slight front accident on the Civic, nothing major, no frame damage. Suggests shopper's mechanic look it over. APA inspection shows grill, both front fenders and hood replaced, body filler in both front doors, and non-factory welds on upper and lower lateral supports. Fail for under-reporting collision damage. Seller congenial, low pressure.
 

6

Save On Auto

1170 Sheppard Avenue West Unit 36,37,38 (corner Allen Road)

2003 Ford Focus SE Wagon, 65,000 km, $9,900

Pass

Fine print in ad mentions admininistration fee but fails to specify the amount. Dealer says it's $290 and includes 3 year/65,000 km powertrain warranty. Dealer says maximum claim of $1,600 with a $100 deductible (good information). Dealer states car would normally list for $4,000 more, but "we got it from insurance". Dealer does not explain this means it is likely a write-off. Dealer says "we never buy cars from Quebec...nothing is ever true--the kilometers are not true or the cars are accidented." Focus: Dealer says owner drove it into garage door, no longer wanted the car, and returned it to "insurance". Repairs would be performed after buyer makes offer. APA inspection confirms minor impact, non-structural.
 

7

Auto Place Trading Co 445 Queen Street East Toronto

1996 Honda Civic DX hatchback, 108,189 miles (US car), $5,300 2HG (B,D, or E?) J634XTH100242,

2002 Toyota Echo, 4-door, 43,372 km, $10,900 JTDBT123520243511

1998 Honda Civic DX, 2-door, 112,463 km, $6,900 1HGEJ6120WL813207

Fail

Dealer says fender-benders do not show up in accident history (often true). Cars are purchased from dealers and checked before purchase. Dealer does not accept any cars involved in collisions. All cars come with 2-year AutoGuard warranty up to $850, customer pays the rest. Ad states Civic DX Hatchback "extra clean in and out, certified and emission tested". Dealer believes car had more than one owner. Traded by the last owner (a professor) to a local Mazda dealership. Seller says car has A/C. APA inspection shows body filler in one fender, one door. Door snagging fender when opened. Muffler rusted through, A/C not working (compressor failure). Car drives acceptably for age and mileage. 98 Civic DX coupe: seller says original paint. APA inspection shows both fenders replaced, bumpers, hood, doors, quarter panels repainted; lots of bpdy filler in quarter panels and right door. Echo: partial APA inspection; grill, bumper, hood and upper support replaced after frontal impact. Both front doors repainted. A/C lines kinked from impact. Price low for stated mileage and equipment. Fail for misrepresenting collision damages.

8

Best Value Auto Sales

3560 St. Clair Avenue East Scarborough M1K 1M2

416-265-3160

1994 Buick Century, 138,000 km, $2,995 1G4AG53M7R6477607

1993 Chevrolet Cavalier V6, 180,000 km, $1,995 1992

 Pontiac Grand Prix, 125,000 km, $2,895 1G2WH51T2NF218846

Fail

Ad states "satisfaction guaranteed", "no GST, no PST, all cars certified and emissions tested, FREE warranty this week only". Fail on ad (satisfaction guarantee) . Satisfaction guaranteed in ad is misleading as it's not a refund or exchange privilege; it means seller will attend to safety items before delivery to the buyer. Average cost to prepare a car for sale is $300-$500. Off-site inspection not permitted; buyer`s mechanic must come to the facility. Century: Body repainted to correct rusting. Front brake discs rusty. Steering and transmission leaks. Low coolant level, oil dirty, engine misfiring. Condition fair to poor for indicated mileage. Cavalier: Full repaint, front brake discs rusty, power steering and transmission leaking, A/C not working, oil dirty, engine misfire (black smoke). Dealer says all cars include a 1-year AutoGuard powertrain warranty with a maximum claim of $700.

9

Suzuki Pickering

970 Brock Road Pickering L1W 2AT

 905-420-4800

2000 Chrysler Cirrus, 116,000 km, $7,900 1C3EJ46X2YN208155

1988 Mercedes Benz 300E, 220,000 km (on odometer), $5,888

Pass

Very tricky ad--all payments are bi-weekly for 60 months with $2,500 downpayment at 7.9%. Administration fee mentioned in fine print but not the amount ($398 and $30 fuel charge). All prices final. Dealer calls UCDA for VIN search on every car. If they say "no", there's a problem. Cars listed above were all bought at auction; less risk than buying from an individual. Cirrus: Salesman says advertised $70 bi-weekly is $140 per month (not true). Manager drops price of car twice to close deal, to $7,000 with free oil changes for a year. Monthly payment of $137.72 is based on 5-year financing (car would be 10 years old by the time it was paid off!). Mercedes: manager recommends not buying the car as the odometer reading may not be true and it's too old to finance. Some pressure to close. Dealer keeps a photocopy of shopper's driver's license.

10

Liberty Auto

3718 Kingston Road Scarborough

416-261-7572

1999 Toyota Corolla LE, 140,000 km $7,900 2T1BR12E3XC747296

1997 Honda Civic CX, 193,522 km $5,900 2HGEJ6437VH004190

1997 Honda Civic Si, 150,000 km $5,900 1HGEJ8124VL806495

Fail

Dealership does not charge extra fees. "The price is the price". Price includes two-year 24,000 km powertrain warranty from AutoGuard or A-Protect available for $200 and an additional $50 for 2 years with unlimited mileage. First salesman says "cars are from trade-ins, dealers and auctions". "We certify the car...We can't tell you a lie because we're a Motor Vehicle Inspection Station". Next day a different salesman says "cars are from insurance auctions". "We fix them, put them back together...we check them for safety; the body, too." Off-site inspection by buyer's mechanic not permitted because people steal parts. 1999 Corolla: Carproof title search shows Ontario registration since Sept. 2001 (no info earlier). Major collision and salvage title issued in June 2004. APA inspection shows windshield, bumpers, front fenders and hood replaced. Structural damage:
non-factory welds, subframe squashed. Most of vehicle repainted. Air bag light disconnected or inoperable. Brakes rusty. A/C inoperable, wiring harness cut. Missing windshield washer reservoir and various fasteners discovered loose in trunk. 1997 Civic Si: seller says only hood, bumper and front light replaced. "We get a certificate that says it's okay for the road". First Carfax record is in Ontario in October 2001. Salvage title November 2003. Rebuilt title 2004. APA inspection shows fenders, hood replaced. Body filler in the left-side windshield pillar, doors and rear quarter panels. Windshield replaced. Front bumper welded on at subframe rails. Air bag warning light on, parking brake warning on. Incorrect tire size, one rear tire defective (blown belt).1997 Civic hatchback: First Carfax record in Dec. 2001 in Ontario. Salvage title March 2004, rebuilt title July 2004. APA inspection shows front bumper,
fenders, hood and windshield replaced (partial inspection only). Several other collision damaged and poorly repaired vehicles on site: 2 Intrepids, an advertised 92 MPV, red Cavalier (one of two in ad: 96 or 98), 2nd Corolla. Carproof claim history for 97 Si $1008 in September 97, $5674 in March 2002, $4524 in Jan. 03 and $8444 in Oct 03.

11

The Loan Arranger 4249 Kingston Road Scarborough

416-283-4262

2002 Ford Taurus SE, 62,000 km

1FAFP56U32G105936
 

Pass

Does not sell Toyota as prices too high to offer good value (often true). 20 years in business, sells 80 units a month. Vehicles are trade-ins from dealers and leasing companies. Inspection at buyer's garage permitted. Does not buy cars from Montreal. "They're called the spin doctors; you can't trace them in Montreal." 98%-99% of cars are accident-free; dealer has to declare it (correct if material fact). Excellent soliloquy ("I don't believe anybody in the car business'). Some pressure to close a deal. Taurus: Dealer offers to obtain accident report. Thinks car had frontal impact. After obtaining accdent report, dealer says impact to a rear quarter panel. Offers to locate another collision-free Taurus if buyer prefers. APA obtains CarProof report showing three collision claims ranging from $1,267 to $4,777. Vehicle sold at auction with "structural" damage. Repair finish appears to be to original standards.
 

12

Signature Motor Car 3941 Keele Street North York

M3J 2W1

 416-739-7769

2000 Hyundai Sonata 4-cyl.,127,000 km, from $5,550 KMHWF25S9YA251017

2001 Hyundai Accent GL,127,503 km, $5,950 KMHCG45C41V202719)

2000 Volkswagen Golf 5-speed, 128,000 km, $11,495 WVNGAZ1JOYW53586

Fail

Ad states "We provide each car with a history report, mileage accuracy check, ownership history, free of accidents". Excessive extra fees not mentioned in ad results in failure: $295 administration fee and $395 PDI ($690 in extra fees, the highest of the investigation). AutoGuard powertrain warranty included. Cars bought from wholesalers, guaranteed no acidents, all original. Encourages inspection at buyer's repair shop. "Accident-wise, it's guaranteed. If it has anything wrong with it, I have to declare it to you by law."
 

13

Northwest Auto Sales 2321 Keele Street North York

M6M 4A1

416 243-8500

2002 Taurus SE, 122,670 km $7,950 1FAFP53S82G168372
 

Fail

Ad states "all vehicles come with 3-year powertrain warranty" but fails to mention the extra charge of $999. All vehicles come with 1 year/12,000 km from Nationwide Auto Warranty. Off-site inspection by buyer permitted with offer to purchase. Customer standing nearby provides endorsement (dealer fixed his car, no problem). Taurus: dealer says highway driven, will search accident history.

14

Jaz Auto Inc.

168 Limestone Crescent North York

 M3J 2S4

416-661-2277

2000 Toyota Echo, 120,000 km $6,599
 

Pass

No administration fees or delivery charge. Inspection permitted at buyer's garage if not far away. Ad says 4 to choose. Gold car cheaper than the others because it has collision damage. ''The auction said it was structural, but the car drives straight.'' Dealer declares structural damage, and car priced accordingly.

15

Best Ride Auto Wholesale Inc.

30 Major Mackenzie Drive East

Richmond Hill

 L4C 1G7

905-508-9877

1995 Chrysler Neon, 58,000 km $2,900 1B3ES67C6SD521109

1995 Honda Accord EX-R, 146,915 km $5,400 1HGCD5557SA810386

1998 Dodge Caravan, 218,000 km $3,900 2B4FP2535WR813026

Fail

Ad says "All cars certified, Emissions Test, with Warranty." Seller says all vehicles come with a 30-day bumper to bumper warranty and available 3-year CWC powertrain warranty for $100 per year, renewable afterwards "forever". Dealer does not permit off-site inspection; buyer's mechanic can come to dealer's lot. All cars from Ontario. 1995 Accord ad says "great condition in and out. Runs and looks perfect. All original." Carfax history search shows car registered in Quebec, arriving in Ontario Jan. 2003, with 117,973 km. Insurance claim for $8,322 in July 2004. Car needed boost to start, dealer says no gas due to to faulty fuel gauge. APA inspection shows hood and right-side fender replaced, body filler in doors, rear quarter panel. Car extensively repainted (appears non-structural). Brakes rusty and worn, engine service light on, steering loose, air conditioning not working, misfire, various small fluid leaks, car pulling hard on the road. Instrument cluster loose, dash broken. Overall condition consistent with 300,000+ km. Fourth owner (previous) is State Farm Mutual Insurance, presumably
acquiring car after they wrote it off. 1995 Dodge Neon Sport "super low km and super mint condition". Dealer says already checked and ready to go. New brakes, no accident, no rust. APA inspection shows grill and fenders adjusted possibly after a collision, doors rusty. Suspension worn, front brakes rusty, minor fluid leaks. Road test shows rear shocks knocking and brakes noisy. 1995 Dodge Caravan "perfect condition in/out. Super Clean. Looks and drives beautiful". Inspection shows most of vehicle is repainted, corrosion at left side front strut tower masked with black paint, engine and transmission leaks, exhaust leak.
 

16

Peter (Toronto/address unknown)

Cell 416-892-6304 (Curbsider who advertised five vehicles from Sept-Dec 2003)

1992 Ford Club Wagon 1992 Asking $4,900, Mileage: 69,980 km. 1FTJS34H3NHA51680
 

Fail

Vehicle offered for sale in parking lot of an Active Green and Ross repair shop. Seller states previous owner was a church; all original paint, low mileage, working air conditioning; Active Green and Ross had maintained the vehicle and were prepared to certify it for sale based on an inspection recently performed. Seller prepared to pay for fuel filler repair. Seller says oil changed and all fluids topped up. Vehicle history search shows 90,000 km in 1994 after just two years in service. Imported from Quebec to Ontario in 2001 as a commercial vehicle and switched to private individual in 2004. APA inspection shows right side of vehicle hit, body filler and repainted (not structural), parking brake inoperative, instrument panel taken apart, horn inoperative, steering leak, air conditioner inoperative. Oil dirty, steering fluid low, various small fluid leaks. Overall wear and condition consistent with 300,000 + km.
 

17

Prestige Motors

147 Bentworth Avenue North York

M6A 1P6

416-256-3500

1999 Audi A6 2.8 Quattro, $16,990 or $19,580 WAUBA24B0XN081489
 

Fail

Dealer purchases vehicle with mileage unknown at Adesa auto auction in Ontario for about $10,000. Offers car for sale at $19,580 with 82,858 on odometer without indicating an odometer issue. Inspection permitted at Audi dealer. Carfax history search shows Quebec car sold at auction in Ontario in September 2002 with 62,364 km. APA research suggests a dealer tech error in Quebec is responsible for an inconsistent mileage record in March 2001 (64,712 km indicated instead of 46,712 km actual). Selling dealer agrees to perform six repairs prior to delivery. Inspection by buyer's mechanic indicates frontal collision and inoperative fog lamps. Several non-declared repairs including missing windshield washer bottle, corroded brake discs, seized wiper arm, loose front suspension upper links, and broken alarm, sun visor and mirror switch. Repairs estimated over $4,000. Dealer offered to cover $2,000.
 

18

Autorama

1205 Finch Avenue West North York

M3J 2E8

416-739-7262

1997 Toyota Corolla LE, 149,900 km $7,495 2T1BB02E7VC197709
 

Fail

Vehicles bought from dealers, no Quebec nor accidented vehicles. Dealer says auction cars are "rejects". One-year powertrain warranty with roadside assistance from CAA. Safety inspection performed by the dealer and then sent to the warranty company for a check-up (not true--dealer self-inspects). Off-site inspection by buyer"s mechanic not permitted. Admin fee mentioned in ad but not the amount of $299. Full accident declaration from his supplier, "even minor stone chips". Mileage on cars from Quebec "is not true about 99% of the time". Corolla: ad says 140,000 km, odometer reads 149xxx km. Dealer says all original paint except "perhaps for a scratch¨. Entire car repainted. Tires new. Yellow scrapyard markings on several underhood components. Other cars on lot with extensive repainting and collision repair work (silver Civic, brown Altima, black Acura 1.6 RL).
 

19

GMM Auto Sales

17 Tangiers Road Toronto

M3J 2B1

416-638-9400

2000 Chrysler Cirrus LX 115,000 km/169,140 km, $4,499

1C3FJ46X5YN254482
 

Fail

Advertised price "includes certification and emissions test". Ad does not mention amount of administration fee of $195 ("taxes, admin. & license extra"). Dealer says "safety" is $350 (not mentioned in ad). Dealer will perform safety inspection and emissions test after buyer makes an offer. Recommends A-Protect Warranty (ad shows Lubrico too). Cirrus: Only one left; vehicle at advertised price had higher mileage of 169,000 km. Lower mileage of 115,000 km in the ad corresponds to a higher-priced vehicle that was sold. Car "is in good shape...just washed and buffed". Dealer entitled to get his money back from his supplier if important fact not declared. APA partial inspection shows bumpers, fenders, hood, grill and front doors repainted. Right front door replaced , front tires bald, rear worn unevenly. Fail for expensive fees not specified in ad, and misleading advertised mileage.
 

20

Thorncrest Ford

1575 Queensway Toronto 416-521-7000

2004 Ford Freestar SE
 

Pass

Ad shows 2004 Freestar SE vans "Take your pick from $16,988. Low mileage, all-in $299/ mos based on $1,250 down and $125 administration fee." Dealership has 4 vehicles starting at the advertised price with no extra fees. All are Hewlett-Packard lease returns.
 

21

Trillium Pontiac Buick GMC

35 Auto Mall Drive Scarborough

416-287-8000

1991 Chevrolet Cavalier
 

Fail

Ad states "as is specials always available." Dealer says that two "as is" specials were sold the day before the ad ran. Only one "special" left, a 1991 Cavalier at $500 suitable for parts only.