Customers say they were sold 'unsafe' vehicles by Ottawa used-car dealership
CBC
Some customers who've bought vehicles from an Ottawa used-car dealership say they feel the company was "dishonest" with them after discovering multiple safety concerns with their vehicles.
Now they, and an automobile protection expert, are warning others of the potential lack of safety oversight on dealerships in Ontario.
"I felt like he sold me a piece of garbage," said customer Sydney Blanchard.
Customers said they opted to buy from a dealership that sells what's known as "safetied" vehicles as opposed to private listings, believing they follow higher standards.
A safety standards inspection and certificate — casually called "safetied" — is required by law in Ontario before completing a sale of a used vehicle meant for the road. It is done by a ministry-licensed garage or mechanic, and confirms the vehicle meets the province's minimum safety standards.
Two customers of Garage Plus Auto Centre agreed to speak on the record with CBC News about their experiences.
CBC also talked to a handful of others on background who described a similar pattern of issues with the business in Old Ottawa South, which is both a repair shop and dealership.
They said they were promised safetied vehicles, but now wonder whether their vehicles were adequately inspected.
Upon further inspection by other mechanics, four customers say they discovered serious issues previously undisclosed and in one report, the vehicle was deemed "practically undriveable."
Some customers told CBC they lost money or sold their vehicles for parts. Others say they sought help from the province or vehicle sales regulator Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC), with no satisfying outcome.
CBC first contacted the company on May 4 and offered extensions, but Garage Plus Auto Centre issued a statement through its lawyer saying it's not in a proper position to review each matter due to CBC's "short publication deadline."
The company referred all complainants to contact its retained law firm to review the matter, citing it is "committed to a fair and reasonable compromise for all our customers."
Kortney Force said she bought a 2013 Mazda CX-5 from Garage Plus Auto Centre in November 2022 for $12,650 plus taxes and fees.
"My first and foremost characteristic was safety," Force said, adding she bought the vehicle while caring for a newborn.
