Remember, when you are shopping for a new vehicle, you should be the one who is in control of your purchase. You should never feel rushed or hurried into buying or financing a vehicle. If something doesn’t feel right, you can always walk away from the purchase entirely.
AMVIC is noticing a trend of consumer complaints because of undue pressure, which is when a salesperson makes you feel rushed or coerced into buying a vehicle or agreeing to financing before you’re ready.
Examples of undue pressure can include:
- A salesperson telling you the vehicle will be gone “in the next five minutes” to prevent you from reviewing the contract,
- A salesperson suggesting you’ll lose your deposit if you do not sign immediately, when that isn’t true, or
- A salesperson pushing add-ons after you’ve said no.
A vehicle purchase is a major financial decision. You should always feel like you have time to read all documents carefully, ask questions and compare options. If you feel uncomfortable, you can walk away at any time.
Do not give in to undue pressure. Remember, there is no cooling-off period in Alberta. Once you sign the contract, it is legally binding. Understand your consumer rights by visiting amvic.org for free, easy-to-use consumer guides.