UCDA'S ONTARIO CURBSIDER STUDY — August 1 to October 21, 2010
UCDA
Used Car Dealers Association of Ontario
Used Car Dealers Association of Ontario
Curbsider Research
The UCDA has conducted research on curbsider activity across Canada for several years, revealing that a range of 18% - 24% of used vehicles were listed by individuals misrepresenting themselves as “private sellers.”
Although the curbsider may appear to be just an individual selling the family car, often times they will have several vehicles for sale at the same time.
In a 2010 Ontario study conducted by the UCDA of online used car listings, nearly 1 in 5 “private sellers” had multiple vehicles for sale – some as many 38 vehicles for sale at one time. Websites such as Kijiji.ca and Craigslist are hotbeds for curbsiders. According to a UCDA study, 76% of suspected curbsiders were found advertising on Kijiji.ca.
The UCDA survey results have been reviewed by OMVIC (the government regulator), as well as the Canada Revenue Agency. OMVIC has had excellent success prosecuting curbsiders, and with the new MVDA, those convicted face a minimum $2,500 fine. The Canada Revenue Agency will review such cases to look for tax evaders.
Study of "private sale" vehicles found online at Auto Trader, Kijiji and Auto Catch
Unique Advertisements for "Private Sale" Vehicles
48584
Vehicles Advertised by "Private Sellers" with Multiple Listings
9459
Percentage of Listings by Suspected Curbsiders
19.47%
1 Suspected Curbsider Advertised 38 Vehicles
5 Suspected Curbsiders Advertised 9 Vehicles
1 Suspected Curbsider Advertised 24 Vehicles
13 Suspected Curbsiders Advertised 8 Vehicles
1 Suspected Curbsider Advertised 21 Vehicles
16 Suspected Curbsiders Advertised 7 Vehicles
1 Suspected Curbsider Advertised 16 Vehicles
45 Suspected Curbsiders Advertised 6 Vehicles
1 Suspected Curbsider Advertised 15 Vehicles
90 Suspected Curbsiders Advertised 5 Vehicles
2 Suspected Curbsiders Advertised 13 Vehicles
191 Suspected Curbsiders Advertised 4 Vehicles
1 Suspected Curbsider Advertised 12 Vehicles
530 Suspected Curbsiders Advertised 3 Vehicles
6 Suspected Curbsiders Advertised 11 Vehicles
2913 Suspected Curbsiders Advertised 2 Vehicles
8 Suspected Curbsiders Advertised 10 Vehicles
3825 Suspected Curbsiders Advertised 9459 Vehicles
UCDA's Greater Toronto Area Curbsider Study — June 9 to September 9, 2009
Study of "private sale" vehicles found both online and in print
Unique Advertisements for "Private Sale" Vehicles
41874
Vehicles Advertised by "Private Sellers" with Multiple Listings
10146
Percentage of Listings by Suspected Curbsiders
24.23%
1 Suspected Curbsider Advertised 23 Vehicles
18 Suspected Curbsiders Advertised 9 Vehicles
2 Suspected Curbsider Advertised 16 Vehicles
22 Suspected Curbsiders Advertised 8 Vehicles
1 Suspected Curbsider Advertised 15 Vehicles
47 Suspected Curbsiders Advertised 7 Vehicles
2 Suspected Curbsider Advertised 14 Vehicles
42 Suspected Curbsiders Advertised 6 Vehicles
3 Suspected Curbsider Advertised 13 Vehicles
96 Suspected Curbsiders Advertised 5 Vehicles
7 Suspected Curbsiders Advertised 12 Vehicles
174 Suspected Curbsiders Advertised 4 Vehicles
4 Suspected Curbsider Advertised 11 Vehicles
604 Suspected Curbsiders Advertised 3 Vehicles
7 Suspected Curbsiders Advertised 10 Vehicles
2952 Suspected Curbsiders Advertised 2 Vehicles
3982 Suspected Curbsiders Advertised 10146 Vehicles
©2012 Used Car Dealers Association of Ontario