Altering an odometer is a major offence. In common parlance, we talk about odometers that were rolled back, altered, tampered with, and so forth. In such a case, the buyer has recourse against the merchant.
Automobile Insurance Information from the Société d’assurance automobile du Québec
The public automobile insurance plan protects all Quebecers involved in a traffic accident, regardless of whether they are responsible for the accident. The plan pays indemnities in the event of injury or death as a result of a traffic accident in Québec or anywhere in the world.
However, all vehicle owners are required to hold a civil liability insurance policy contracted from a private insurer that covers property damage caused to others.
Before buying a vehicle, it is important to take certain precautions, such as assessing one’s needs, evaluating financing options and knowing the content of a contract. The next step is to decide between purchasing a new or a used vehicle and purchasing from a dealer or a private vendor.
The long-term leasing of a vehicle often allows for a lower monthly payment than would purchasing the vehicle with a credit contract. Leasing therefore makes for lower payments in the short run, but the total cost generally ends up being higher. It is therefore important to assess one’s needs before deciding whether to lease a vehicle.
Information in respect of a long-term lease with purchase option must appear in a written contract and it is important to enquire about cancellation terms.
A person can consult the register of personal and movable real rights (referred to by its French acronym “RDPRM”) to find out whether a used vehicle they want to buy has been given to secure a loan and is free of all debts, such as a hypothec, extended payment plan or a long-term lease.
The Roulez vert program encourages the acquisition of new and used electric vehicles and the installation of charging stations.
It provides a rebate on the purchase or long-term leasing of a new electric vehicle and a reimbursement on the purchase and installation of a home charging station.
The federal government offers a financial incentive of up to $5,000 for the purchase or lease of eligible zero-emission vehicles. This amount is in addition to the financial assistance granted under the Roulez vert program for new vehicles.
The Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP) helps consumers and manufacturers resolve disputes about vehicle assembly, material defects and how the new vehicle warranty is applied. Most vehicle manufacturers and importers participate in the CAMVAP.
Anyone who purchases a vehicle from a private vendor has recourse against the vendor if they discover a hidden defect. A hidden defect is a problem that, had the buyer been aware of it before making the purchase, would have led the buyer to not purchase the vehicle or pay a lower price.
Manufacturer or merchant warranties and extended warranties that are still valid are transferred with the purchase of a used vehicle.
Winter Tires Information from the Ministère des Transports du Québec
From December 1 to March 15, all motor vehicles registered in Québec must be equipped with tires specifically designed for winter driving.
The Government of Canada has an online tool to verify whether a vehicle is involved in a safety recall: