2007 APA-W-FIVE Used Car Investigation Vancouver

Montreal | Toronto | Vancouver

Overall results:
 

Pass: 9     Fail: 10     Total: 19
 

Detailed results:
 

Fail
Lucky Star’s Motors Ltd.

2199 Kingsway Avenue
Vancouver, V5N 2T4
604-437-8872

Misleading ad, 2001 Sienna “3 to choose… starting at $11,800” is actually one to choose at $17,800. The Sienna advertised at $11,800 is a 1998 model.

$296 in extra fees not mentioned in ad. Comprised of a DOC. Fee of $198, lien registration of $58, and AirCare $40-$50.

Misleading reporting of damage on Civic. Ad reads “mint” condition. Seller says $6,000 claim, which is a very small collision, and parts were not replaced. APA inspection reveals two fenders and hood replaced, body filler in all 4 doors and both rear quarter panels. Structural impact at left subframe rail and strut tower. A-pillar repaired, large B-pillar gaps, radiator support replaced. Car pulls to the right on road test. Fair amount of rust for indicated mileage.

Vehicles:
- Honda Civic 2001, 54,300 km, $11,800
- Toyota Sienna 1998, 154,000 km

Pass

BB Auto Sales LTD
2679 Kingsway
Vancouver, V5R 5H2
604-436-3700

Low charge for extra fees, consisting of a $95 Doc. fee not mentioned in ad. Seller shows ICBC report on silver Civic -- 3 small claims for $423, $427, $520 – likely just break-ins. Silver Civic has 4 bald tires; seller says if car fails inspection, deposit will be refunded. No apparent discrepancies other than posted prices on some vehicles which are significantly higher than the price in the ad.

Vehicles:
- Honda Civic 1999, 4-door (green), 82,000 km, $9,900
- Honda Civic 2003, 2-door (silver), 130,000 km, $9,900 (ad), $11,900 (windshield)
- Toyota Camry Wagon 1992 (white), 142,000 miles, $4,995 (ad), $6,500 (window)

Fail
Super Choice Auto Ltd.
1205 Kingsway Avenue
Vancouver, V5E 3E2
604-876-8869

2001 Prius advertised as “no accident” has been hit on the right side. Damage appears non-structural. Seller says prepped for sale, but APA notes it needs brake service and car required a boost to start. Both Hondas have serious structural damage. Dealer tells W-FIVE the “no accident” descriptions are due to errors by Auto Mart.

Ad promises “over 100 cars to choose from”. Actually, about 30 cars visible at the location.

Extra fees of $300 not mentioned in ad.

Vehicles:
- Honda Si-R 2003 (black) (ad says no accidents)
- Honda S 2000, model year 2000 (silver) (ad says no accident)
- Toyota Prius 2001, 131,121 km, $13,800 (no accident)
 

Pass

Kurumaya Ventures Ltd.
1723 Main Street
Vancouver, V5T 3C5
604-879-2124

No extra fees. Very knowledgeable seller, who made few representations about collision history. Seller says he is one of less than 10 car dealers to have a BBB membership. Says all his cars are from the States. ‘’I started it out here.’’ $500 off price if buyer purchases Prius as-is. APA notes some vehicles have prior bodywork, including a 1997 BMW described as “one owner, no accidents”, but none appears structural.

Vehicles:
- Toyota Prius (silver)
- Toyota Matrix 2004, automatic ‘’full load’’ (white), 145,000 miles, $10,800 (windshield), $11,800 (ad)
- BMW 328is 1997, 2-door (blue), $12,800, “one owner, no accidents’’
- Volkswagen Passat Wagon 2001 (silver), $12,800

Fail
888 Auto Sales
715 Kingsway
Vancouver, V5V 3C2
604-877-0809

Seller states 94 Corolla is a U.S. car imported to Canada a long time ago. Seller says it’s never been in an accident “according to ICBC”. APA notes structural damage, though ICBC report showed no accident. Left front fender replaced, hood repainted, roof partial repaint.  Side impact at B-pillar (body filler), rear door has been removed for repair or replaced.  Body filler along rocker rail (structural impact) and in both left-side doors.  Rear bumper replaced.

2003 Corolla advertised as “no accident” actually a rear impact, non-structural. Floor and back wall of trunk still pushed up, rear quarter panel repair, bumper and tail lights replaced.

Moderate extra fees of $195.

Vehicles:
- Toyota Corolla 1994 (blue-green), 85,000 miles, $5,800, $5,500 (ad)
- Toyota Corolla 2003, 4-door (blue), 72,000 km, $13,500 (local, no accident)
- Honda Civic Si 1999, 2-door
- Honda Civic Si 1998, 115,000 km (in ad plus on car) (CD, auto, loaded, A/C, local car)
 

Pass

Daytona Auto Brokers
1342 SW Marine Drive
Vancouver, V6P 5Z6
604-263-2222
Salesperson: Bill Gill

Shopping experience corresponds to a High Pass, job well done.

$0 extra fees

Good constructive disclosure on vehicles and documentation. Seller answered buyer accurately regarding tires on Caravan (good for one season in Vancouver, elsewhere, buy new tires). Seller showed every form in the dealer jacket, including AirCare, ICBC, and his own report from an independent appraiser, as well as where he obtained the vehicles.
Good information on the poor coverage offered by the basic Lubrico warranty. Dealer sells the better coverage called Value Plan Protection for $499, which includes seals and gaskets.

Seller says Auto Broker is just the name. They’re not wholesalers; they operate like a dealer.

A BC MDC inspector had just visited that day. Seller says “I’d never seen an inspector in sixteen years.”

Caravan is ultra clean, interior looks new. Jetta on lot had no cluster (out for repairs).

Vehicles:
- Mazda Protegé 5 2002, 4-door hatchback
- Honda Accord EX 1996, 81,957 km, $9,985
- Dodge Caravan 1997, 99,000 km, $6,180
- GMC Astro Van 1999, 120,000 km, $6,800

Pass

Budget Car Sales
1404 S.W. Marine Drive
Vancouver, V6P 5Z9
604-261-3343

Dealership retails about 150 cars per month, the majority are reported to be daily rentals. Vehicles are washed, fluids checked, and maintenance schedules followed. To supplement their stock, Budget buys off-lease vehicles elsewhere. Two full-time buyers are on the road, now bringing in cars from Washington State via Budget in Bellingham.

Some cars may be repainted. If a major problem arises in the first 30 days, Budget will provide a loaner and try to fix it.

APA notes prices high on 2006 models. Not clear if used Matrix is cheaper than a new one with Toyota financing.

Vehicles:
- Chevrolet Venture 2002
- Toyota Matrix 2006, base with A/C, 17,000 km $21,980 negotiable
 

Fail
RC Auto Sales
7666 Kingsway Street
Burnaby, V3N 3C6
604-527-7967

Good information from experienced seller specializing in sub-prime lending. 25% interest rate on financing. For credit application, seller requires valid BC license, two bills to the same address and same name on driver’s license, and some pay stubs. Dealer has own tracker for bad risks, and finances with his own money. Dealer says ad copy that shows 100% guaranteed car loans attracts buyers. All vehicles sold “as-is”. Pre-purchase inspection by buyer permitted.

Dealer fails on advertising representations. Ad promises “Vehicles from $99/month, 100% guaranteed car loans, warranty available, in-house financing available”. There are no vehicles available at $99/month. According to the dealer, that payment finances a car worth less than $3,000 and those cars caused too many problems.

Vehicles:
- Mazda Protegé ES (silver) 2001, 176,000 km, $8,995 or $381/mo
- Chevrolet Impala 1999 (silver), $8,995 or $381/mo
- Nissan Pathfinder 1995, 125,000 km (odometer), ad shows 170,000 km

Fail
Carina Auto Sales
7472 6th Street
Burnaby, V3N 4P9
604-526-5592

No extra fees. Seller says he doesn’t buy cars at ICBC auctions, and doesn’t buy used cars from the U.S. because they are “fishy” and he doesn’t trust them.

Material misrepresentations on the extent of damage to several vehicles. Dealer states, “Every car has front-end accidents because people are on their cell phones.” APA shopper asks, “Do you have any vehicles that are not damaged?” Dealer answers, “Japanese?… no.”

2001 silver Corolla 2001: Dealer says it cost him $1,400 to repair, including a new hood for $60, radiator support, front bumper and lights. APA notes lots of aftermarket car parts from Chen Wei, not Toyota, and presence of body filler. Frame has been pulled to straighten it, but frame rails are still crooked. Factory caulking cracked at firewall, either from impact or re-stretching.

Corolla 1997: Seller says he changed two headlight assemblies, grille and hood. “Is that all?” (asked 3 times) “Yes.” APA inspection reveals both front subframe rails have structural damage. Rear damage required new tail light assemblies, rear bumper, trunk lid. Car may have been in a chain-reaction, multiple-vehicle collision.

2003 Cavalier: Front impact, passenger side airbag cover installed reversed.

1997 Protegé: seller says it cost him $500 to repair impact to driver’s side front corner. Seller says he replaced driver’s side headlight, bumper, and grille. APA inspection reveals structural damage to frame rails and strut towers – a trained eye can see the entire front of the car is still bent to the right, relative to the windshield.

Inspection permitted, seller recommends garage next door which he says is an an ICBC Claim Center called Advance Auto.  ICBC informed the APA that Advance Auto in Burnaby is NOT an ICBC Claim Center or accredited shop.

Vehicles:
- Toyota Corolla 2001, 4-door, silver, 145,000 km, $8,995
- Toyota Corolla 1997, 91,000 km, $6,100
- Chevrolet Cavalier 2003, 108,000 km, $5,995 (‘’very clean’’)
- Mazda Protegé 1997 (not in ad)

Fail
Lucky 8 Auto Sales
4738 Lougheed H’way
Burnaby, V5C 4A8
604-484-6668

High extra fees of $375 for documentation and lien search not disclosed in ad.

1997 Acura EL: APA inspection shows no VIN sticker on door or dash. Oil dirty and low. No oil change or timing service sticker. Too many missing VINs on this car for the represented $7,000-$8,000 accident.

2002 Acura EL with “no accidents” is too old for the dealers, according to seller. APA inspection reveals it has been extensively repainted. History search shows car came from Quebec.

Vehicles:
- Acura 1.7EL 2002 (silver), 33,000 km (‘’no accidents’’), $17,900 (on car), $16,500 (in ad), $15,900 (discount from salesman)
- Acura 1.6 EL SE 1999
- Acura 1.6 EL Premium 1997 (black), possibly in ad or a similar car, 96,666 km, $13,800 (verbally), $10,800 (special deal to shoppers)
 

Pass

Miracle Auto Sales Inc.
4290 Halifax Street
Burnaby
604-473-5051
 

Extra fees total $290 for lien search, transfer, documentation. Some cars in generally poor condition. Ad reads “clearance sale”, but no evidence of a sale going on; prices are high and seller is not prepared to discount.

Canadian and U.S. inventory. Seller says supply of local vehicles is not sufficient to supply the local market, so cars come from all over.

1998 Civic 1998 is a local car with a prior collision over $3,500. Seller says it’s ready to go, but had to use pliers to open the hood. APA inspection shows radiator and bumper supports changed. Car repainted black (was green). Rear impact too. Rubber on pedals worn to the metal is unusual on a Honda at 130,000 km.

2001 Integra: Seller says car is from Toronto, accident-free, with brand new brake rotors and pads, front and rear. APA inspection reveals 4 different tires, 2 snow tires on different axles, and 2 bald tires. Radio not working, prior rear quarter panel impact. Driver door hinges worn and pedals worn -- unusual for indicated 74,800 km. History search reveals car originated in Quebec. Required a boost to start.

BCAA inspection permitted. APA shopper counts about 60 cars total for both lots, not 100 as per ad.

Vehicles:
- Acura Integra GS 2001 (silver), 74,800 km, $16,880 (not negotiable)
- Honda Civic DX 1998 (black), 138,101 km, $8,980
- Honda Civic 2000 (silver)
 

Fail
 Global Auto Sells Ltd.
221 12th Street
New Westminster, V3M 4H4
604-525-5117

Extra fees of $195 not mentioned in ad. Regarding financing, dealer says “Do it yourself.” Dealer uses a broker who charges the consumer $495 to have the loan approved.

Inspection not permitted at buyer’s garage, nor at the Toyota dealer across the street in Westminster. Recommends an inspection by Tony from a mobile inspection service (gave card -- “He’s the best; he does a compression check”).

1998 Corolla: Dealer says collision repair is limited to a rear door. “That’s a deal, my friend. I tell you, it only had one small accident on the rear door. It’s been inspected by the ICBC.” Seller shows APA mystery shoppers where the accident was, “only on the back door.” APA inspection captured on W-FIVE camera shows rear third of body is from a different car.

2000 Civic SI: Seller says no major accidents, but two small ones. Not huge damage. “It was a theft recovery.” APA inspection shows front, rear, and driver-side impacts. Frame rails okay.

Vehicles:
- Toyota XtraCab Deluxe 1992
- Toyota Corolla VE sedan, automatic, no air, (taupe) 1998, 125,000 km, $7,500
- Honda Civic SI 2000 (black), 170,000 km, $10, 500

Pass

Prime Auto
240 12th Street
New Westminster, V3M 4H2
778-858-5599
Seller: Zoran Unkovic

$0 extra fees. A high pass, example of a good shopping experience.

Nice selection of clean cars. Dealership buys cars from other dealers. Inspection permitted wherever buyer wants. Financing by buyer is cheaper, dealer is more expensive due to brokerage fees. 3-month warranty included. Better coverage available for extra cost from Lubrico. Salesman has taken the BC MDC certification course; 70% or higher is required on 150 questions.

2000 Civic Coupe: Accident reported by seller of $2,544 is consistent with vehicle condition.

2000 Civic Hatchback represented as a theft recovery from ICBC, local car with no accidents. APA inspection shows front partially repainted, original Honda fenders, nice clean car.

Vehicles:
- Honda Civic Coupe 2000 (silver), 120,000 km, $11,995
- Honda Civic hatchback 2000 (silver), 107,000 km, $9,900
 

Pass

J Wholesale Ltd.
4431 Vanguard
Richmond
604-231-7653

Dealership appears to be a discount outlet that sells retail. Reasonably clean location with a target price of about $8,000 per vehicle ‘’sweet spot’’. Plenty of non-structural hit cars priced to sell.

Cars are sold with no warranty. An extra-cost warranty from Coast To Coast is available. Just $65 covers documentation fee, lien search + ICBC paperwork. Seller states other dealers charge a lot more, but “That’s what is costs us to make the papers.”

Protegé 5 is not yet prepared for sale. “We don’t know if there are any accidents on out-of-province cars.” APA inspection reveals front hit, front and rear repainting (impact not structural). Condition consistent with age and mileage of vehicle.

Sephia appears to be in good overall condition. Seller says it is a better bet than the Protegé 5 for $1,000 more (correct). APA inspection confirms no accidents, local car, owned by a smoker.

The Sonata is from Quebec. APA inspection shows front damage, car rough, couldn’t determine presence of structural damage because dealer couldn’t find the keys to open it.

Vehicles:
- Protegé 5 2002 (yellow), 232,000 km, $7,500
- Kia Sephia 2001 (silver), $8,500
- Hyundai Sonata 2000, silver with leather interior

 

Pass

Accent Leasing and Sales Ltd.
3291 # 3 Road
Richmond, V6X 2B6
604-270-2488

Cheezy ad promises “Rates from 4.9% approved or free car!” Dealer says 4.9% is doable with in-house financing arranged with money from a private investor, or 7.65% at HSBC. Minimum of 10% down.

Only Vancouver dealer to offer fully prepped cars backed with 30 day bumper-to-bumper warranty, and 90 day powertrain warranty with no apparent repair limit. Ad states warranty is “unconditional” – meaning is not clear to APA shoppers. Dealer permits inspection at buyer’s garage.

Dealer doesn’t carry any vehicles older than 2003. High prices on most of inventory will make early termination risky, as buyer will likely owe more on the lease or financing than the value of the vehicle.

2003 Civic is a local car; dealer discloses one $1,900 accident. Dealer shows buyers washout sheet with about $1,600 in reconditioning charge, including two tires, new brakes, a transmission flush, and oil change. Some room to drop price.

2005 Civic: Dealer says no accidents, which is correct.

Vehicles:
- Honda Civic 2003, 4-door (beige), 83,000 km, $18, 462
- Honda Civic 2005, 4-door (silver), 29,000 km, $20,887

Fail
Kent Autosales
4349 Dawson Street
Burnaby, V5C 4B4
604-877-7749

Heroic effort by seller, who demonstrated vehicles that were blanketed with snow, jump-started one that did not start, and did not recommend a tired Montana van. All vehicles are purchased at U.S. auctions. Seller produced paperwork for all three vehicles shown, including CarFax report, importation papers, BC safety certification.

Fails due to excessive extra fees not indicated in ad of up to $390 for cars costing above $20,000. Seller did not recommend paying the additional $500-$600 finder’s fee for in-house financing.

Seller says a local non U.S. 2002 Forester would sell for $15,000 (likely true). CarFax shows it’s a Nevada car with two owners, the first for 1 month, the second for 4 years. Body all clean.

Montana has been inspected, but not repaired yet. Dealer says, “We have to make sure there’s antifreeze in there. If we start the car (like this), we blow the engine.” History search shows three owners in Washington State. Seller discloses defective power window and wheel bearing. APA inspection reveals a bad antifreeze leak, right-side repainted, 4 tires bald, lots of oil leaks.

Vehicles:
- Subaru Forester 2002 (green), 108, 532 miles, $11,995
- Pontiac Montana 1997 (blue), 147,000 miles, $3,700
 

Pass

Gold Seal Motors Ltd.
1530 Boundary Rd.
Burnaby, V5K 4V4
604-473-9277

Extraordinarily high finance fees, but they do not appear to be mandatory. Dealership offers financing at 8.6% -- with a financing charge up to $1,000.

Jetta body clean, dealer says wheels and tires replaced due to vandalism.

Vehicles:
- Volkswagen Jetta GLS (black), 115,000 km, 110,700 km, $12,995
- Honda Civic 2001 (beige), 115,000 km, $10,995

Fail
Burnaby South Auto Sales Ltd.
5711 Byrne Road
Burnaby, V5J 3J1
604-419-0838

Materially underreports extent of damage on vehicles. According to dealer, if ICBC determines there is frame damage, they will not allow the vehicle back on the road (incorrect, based on the evidence in the dealer’s own inventory). According to dealer, “When ICBC determines prior damage is over $2,000, they write it off.” Dealer claim that it costs $240 an hour to fix a car after a collision is outlandish.

No extra fees.

Referring to the 2000 Corolla, seller says the frame has never been touched. The engine, transmission and differential were not touched, only body damage. Shopper asks about the radiator. Answer: “the radiator is original. It’s never been touched.”

APA inspection of the Corolla reveals impact at both front frame rails. The upper part of the right-side frame rail has been displaced at the firewall. Body filler on right-side rear door is not fully painted over. Radiator replaced. Car needed a boost.

RAV4: Dealer says damage is cosmetic. APA inspection reveals structural impact at the right rear corner, and the rear door has been replaced with one from a white vehicle. (Car is champagne or another light metallic colour.)

Seller permits inspection at a dealer, BCAA or Canadian Tire.

Vehicles:
- Toyota Corolla 2000, 97,000 km, $8,800
- Toyota RAV4 2000, 119,000 km, $10,900
- Honda Civic Si 2005, 4-door, 7,500 km (in ad), 8,300 km (odometer)