Consumer Protection

Dealer Complaints
Code Of Ethics

UCDA's Code Of Ethics:

The UCDA is a trade association, established in 1984, firmly committed to educating, representing and supporting our Members … registered motor vehicle dealers across Ontario. UCDA Members are expected to respect our core values of integrity and professionalism in everything they do.

Our Mission is expressed in this Code of Ethics. To promote these worthy goals, the UCDA develops and maintains programs and activities designed to help Members conduct their businesses ethically, efficiently and productively.

The UCDA provides the tools our Members need to operate their businesses in a legally compliant manner.

To provide fair and honest service to the public and the industry.

To carry on business in a fashion that enables consumers to “buy with confidence”.

To promote and convey a positive image on behalf of all dealers and support efforts to improve the industry’s products and services.

To be mindful of the public’s safety and well-being when offering products and services.

To strive to ensure consumers fully understand what is being offered to them.

To promote the benefits of industry products and services without being unfairly critical of those offered by other dealers.

To advertise in accordance with the law and in terms that are simple to understand.

To advertise without being misleading or deceptive and to support full disclosure in all vehicle transactions.

To deliver on all promises and contractual obligations – whether written or verbal – and to deal with reasonable complaints fairly and promptly.

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Frequently asked question

UCDA members must abide by a code of ethics requiring full disclosure about the vehicles they're selling it requires them to present their vehicles fairly and accurately to deliver on all promises and to deal with reasonable complaints promptly
UCDA member dealers are located in over 500 towns and cities across Ontario. Look for the UCDA logo in the dealership in the dealer's advertising or use the search tool in this website to find UCDA members near you.
Not really, private sellers typically go to the Internet to see what dealers are charging for a car like theirs. Then they advertise it at or near the dealer's price the dealer's price includes all the legal protections provided by the legislation. An example of this protection is the dealer's compensation fund, if you buy a vehicle and you have proof that the dealer hasn't fulfilled their promises you can make a claim of up to $45,000 this protection is not available for private sales.
A curbsider is someone who poses as a private seller pretending to sell their own personal vehicle. In reality they are illegally in the business of selling vehicles. If you buy from a curbsider you have no protection.
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