Before you visit your dealer or leasing company it’s crucial to establish what vehicle would best suit your needs. Some of the points you may wish to consider are:

	How much can you afford? Let your budget dictate which vehicle you can afford, rather than picking a vehicle and forcing it into your budget
	Do you drive mostly in the city or on the highway? Vehicle size and comfort may be important.
	What kind of safety rating do you expect? Each model has different safety features and ratings.
	What kind of fuel efficiency do you expect? Smaller, less powerful vehicles generally get better mileage.
	Do you intend on keeping the vehicle for a long period of time or change every couple of years? Resale value on models you are interested in would be useful to research.
	Do you need space to accommodate a family or to carry cargo? Again, vehicle size and comfort may be important.
	Is performance important to you? Higher performance can be at the expense of economy and roominess.

 Dealers and their sales representatives are professionals able to make recommendations to you based on their experience and product knowledge. Information you receive can be invaluable in making the right choice. Here are some things to consider when choosing a dealer:

	Are staff courteous, helpful and take the time to understand your needs?
	Is the business recognized as having excellent customer service?
	Are there additional services available (i.e., body shop, repairs, etc.)?
	Is the business in a well-maintained facility?
	Is the business licensed and salespersons registered by AMVIC?  Look for the AMVIC symbol – ask to see their license or registration.

In Alberta, the Fair Trading Act requires all automotive dealers and repair facilities to be licensed through the Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council. In addition, salespersons employed by these businesses are required to be registered by AMVIC.

Now that you have decided on a vehicle and dealer, here are some points to keep in mind before signing the sales agreement or offer to purchase:

	A deposit may be required by the dealer to initiate the transaction. Should you leave a deposit, remember the law does not require the dealer to return your money if you change your mind. Ensure you have “in writing” whether a deposit is refundable or non-refundable. Some deposits are “subject to” certain conditions (i.e. financing). If that is the case, have a clear understanding of what the terms of the conditions are.
	If you are financing, make sure you are buying a vehicle you can afford. If you are buying strictly on low monthly payments, it is easy to end up with more debt than your budget can handle.
	Pay special attention to the details of your contract and ensure items such as selling price, interest rate, term of loan, freight & pre-delivery inspection charges, documentation fees, and taxes are clearly stated and agreed to.
	Never sign a blank contract or one that you have not thoroughly read.
	Make sure you are clear on what repairs the warranty covers. Some dealers will offer extended warranties that are not normally through the manufacturer. Carefully read the terms of these warranties to ensure you are getting the best value.
	Contrary to popular belief, there is no “Lemon Law” in Alberta. A new vehicle that has chronic problems should be brought to the attention of the manufacturer. If a mutually satisfactory resolution cannot be agreed to, consumers can call the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP at 1-800-207-0685) to see if they are eligible to have their dispute arbitrated by a neutral and independent organization.

If you have decided on purchasing a used vehicle, extra attention and caution is advised on certain details. Used vehicles do have a history; it is up to you to do some investigative work to ensure you know as much as possible about what you are buying and from whom you are buying it. If you are buying a unit privately (through the newspaper) you may be at risk of falling victim to unscrupulous individuals often known as “curbers” who sell vehicles on the pretence they are selling their own personal vehicle. Limit your risks of making a poor buy by considering the following:

	Check the vehicle’s history by getting a Vehicle Information Report through Alberta Registries. This report provides information about liens, the number of owners and if the vehicle has ever been written-off by an insurance company.
	Ask to see service records and ownership papers. If anything seems suspect or if the seller is evasive in answering questions, walk away.
	Have a thorough mechanical inspection done by a qualified licensed mechanic who is independent of the seller (even if buying through a dealer).
	Buying a used vehicle through an AMVIC licensed dealer and/or registered salesperson provides some assurance that the seller has accepted responsibility to deal with customers in good faith and in an ethical manner are outlined in the principles of the Alberta Fair Trading Act.

	Additional charges may be levied when returning the vehicle if there is damage, excessive wear and tear, or kilometres over the limits defined in your contract - even on a “closed end lease” where the residual value of the vehicle is guaranteed.
	An “open-end lease” obligates the lessee to pay the difference if the actual wholesale value of the vehicle is less than the value stated on your contract. If the value is higher, you would be paid the difference.
	Early termination of your lease could result in substantial costs that you need to be aware of. Ask your salesperson for information.
	Leasing likely means you will never have any equity in the vehicle.
	Monthly payments are subject to G.S.T.
	The first lease payment and deposits are usually required upon delivery.
	“Full disclosure” is required on leasing contracts. Your contract should include: capitalized costs, capitalized cost reduction (cash down), open/closed end lease designation, annual percentage rate, monthly payment, term, residual value, excess kilometre charges, and documentation fees.

Protect Yourself From Curbers 

If you are not buying from a registered dealer, make sure you don't become a curbers victim.  Curbers or curbsiders pose as private individuals but are actually in the business of selling poor quality, stolen, rebuilt, odometer-tampered vehicles or vehicles that still have liens. These fraud artists sell damaged or defective vehicles to unsuspecting consumers. Here are three things to watch for:

Check the Vehicle’s History

Insist that the seller provide you with background on the vehicle that you can independently verify, like the name of the previous owner, vehicle repair records, anything that tells you the history of the vehicle’s ownership.  Don't sign the deal without it.  If the seller refuses to provide it, walk away.

Check the Vehicle’s Registration

Make sure the vehicle you are buying is registered in the name of the seller.  If it isn't, ask questions and find out why.  Otherwise, you may be buying the vehicle from a curber.

Have your Mechanic Check the Vehicle

Before you agree to buy the vehicle, get an unbiased opinion from a mechanic you trust.

Remember: If you buy from a curber, you have nowhere to turn if things go wrong. Don't take any risks – avoid doing business with curbers.