Mystery shoppers for the Automobile Protection Association visited 16 car dealers and five people pretending to be individuals selling their private vehicles in the classified ads.

The APA shoppers were accompanied by an expert car inspector and their visits were recorded on W5’s cameras. For this investigation, the APA relied on car ads placed by sellers on Kijiji, the popular online website, and in Car and Truck.ca, a print publication used by car dealers. The distribution of sellers breaks out as follows:

New Car Dealers: 5

Used Car Dealers: 11

Curbsiders: 5

Overall, only two of 21 visits resulted in a pass. They were Auto Select and Good Fellow’s.

Summaries of our findings below:


Fail Toronto Used Cars Ltd.

46 Old Kennedy Rd. Markham

Mazda3

Vehicles: 2012 Mazda5 $14,999, 2012 Mazda3 $13,999, 2012 Nissan Sentra $11,499

The lowdown:

Misrepresented damage to several vehicles, and deceptive use of collision photos.

What they said:

About the Mazda5, the dealer says, “I’ve been driving it for a couple of days. It’s a one-owner car. There was an accident, no frame damage, I have the history.”

What we found:

The APA expert reports that the price of the Mazda5 is a few thousand dollars below market. The vehicle was involved in a severe frontal collision: The hood, grill, bumper and both fenders have been replaced with aftermarket parts. The headlight boxes and radiator assembly are aftermarket parts, made in Taiwan. One hood hinge is new and welded instead of bolted to the firewall. There is evidence of frame damage; part of a sub frame rail is bent and there is a separation at the strut tower – a welded gap that opened up after the collision was not closed. The windshield has been replaced and the expert believes an airbag likely deployed. The rear of the vehicle does not appear to have been impacted.

The seller says he just bought the Mazda3 at a dealer auction and shows images after the collision and before the repair. One of the shoppers determines the images for the Mazda3 are from a different vehicle. The shoppers take copies of the images.

Toronto Used Cars

The APA expert reports that the Mazda3 was involved in a severe collision with structural damage, with the actual vehicle's damage shown in the image below. The right fender has been replaced. A rear quarter panel has been repaired. The engine and airbag lights are on. Aftermarket Gordon parts include both light boxes and the hood. The A-pillar was damaged. It looks like they welded the door hinge to the A-pillar. Not the original windshield – there is excess urethane between the strut tower and glass. The sub frame rail was hammered into position. The front bumper has been replaced. Aftermarket Made in Taiwan light boxes. The radiator support has been changed. The fenders and hood are not the originals.

Mazda crash picture

Yellow wrecking yard writing indicates that an entire axle shaft may have been replaced with one from another car. The rear quarter panel has been redone.

Yellow writing

The right-side doors are from a different car. The left side A-pillar has no reading at the top because so much body filler was used. The left front fender is from another vehicle. The bumper and reinforcement face bar have been replaced. The radiator and condenser assembly have been changed.The oil pan is badly dented and there is an active power steering fluid leak. The sub frame rail on the right side is from a red car. It appears the repair facility chopped the front off the red car and welded it to this car -- a bad repair, according to the APA expert.The shoppers returned to the dealer’s trailer for some representations.

Anything else?

After the visit W5 discovered tha Sentra test driven by the shoppers was still branded salvage -- a wreck that appears not to have been inspected prior to being sent on test drives by the seller.

Extra fees: $299 licensing fee (amount not in ad).

 


Fail Auto Link

6143 Kingston Rd. Toronto

Cobalt

Vehicles: 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt (black), 2008 Cobalt (silver)

The lowdown:

The seller says he specialises in the Chevrolet Cobalt, with eight in inventory and five more coming in the following week. He says they are all Toronto vehicles. The APA expert identifies several hit cars not consistent with the dealer's representations. The CarProof history searches reveal a multitude of material facts that the seller failed to disclose:

What we found:

The CarProof history searches reveal a multitude of material facts that the seller failed to disclose:

The silver 2008 Cobalt is from the U.S. and was involved in a collision; it has a former rental car registration and its importation paperwork was not completed. The black 2008 Cobalt was hit three times. High extra fees are buried in the almost unreadable advertising fine print.

Anything else?

Extra fees of $499/$599

 


Green check Auto Select*

2115 Lawrence Ave. E. & 1971 Eglinton Ave. E. Toronto

Vehicle: 2013 Toyota Corolla (white)

The lowdown:

Good selection of well-priced cars. The APA expert confirms that all vehicles at the Lawrence Avenue location are very clean. Some cars at the Eglinton location have paintwork or minor bodywork. Prices are all-in plus taxes. The dealer permits a pre-purchase inspection by the buyer. The history search determines the Corolla is a regular used car originally retailed by a Toyota dealer (dealer had said driven by a Toyota executive). There are no claims against it.

Anything else?

No extra fees

*Photo of ad not available


Fail The Auto Show

3569 St. Claire Ave. E

Golf

Vehicle: 2004 VW Golf GT

What they said:

The seller states the 2004 VW Golf GTI is very clean -- just a minor fender bender with a claim of $1,900.

What we found:

The APA inspection reveals the right-side fender and hood have been replaced, and the whole right side has been repaired, including the rear quarter. The back bumper has been repainted. The APA expert suspects the car was involved in two collisions.

The air bag and engine service lights are on. The power steering reservoir is empty and the pump noisy, the engine oil is black. The tires are bald on the inside shoulders and feathering. The dealer offers a 30-day exchange guarantee. This is a written policy and the seller says “If you're not happy, we will switch you into another vehicle” (interesting warranty).

An inspection is permitted. The CarProof report obtained after the visit confirms the seller’s declaration; there is a small frontal impact recorded for $1,976. The dealer should have known that damage reported was not consistent with the actual damage on the vehicle.

Anything else?

Extra fees $495 (included in the price during dealer promotion).

 


Fail Canadian Fine Motors

1882 Lawrence Ave. E. Scarborough

Nissan Altima

Vehicle: 2012 Nissan Altima

The lowdown:

The seller discloses that his 2012 models are former daily rentals with a balance of warranty from Nissan to 5 years.

What they said:

The dealer says the silver Altima has some paintwork but was not in an accident. "If there was an accident, it should've been declared no matter what."

What we found:

The APA inspecition shows it was hit on the side and the trunk was displaced; the right side quarter panel has body filler. According to the CarProof history report obtained by W5, structural damage was reported at auction. The dealer permits a pre-purchase inspection. There is a $495 Safety and Emissions charge ($200 lower than in the ad).

The dealer will sell as-is without the charge. At the end of the visit, the seller says they got the letter from OMVIC today. "It should have been declared in our ad that this was a former daily rental. In the print ad today, it should have been disclosed, on the Internet it's indicated."

Anything else?

Extra fees $695 in ad, $495 verbally at the dealership.

 


Fail Coliseum Auto

16 Milford Ave. Toronto

2008 Acura

Vehicle: 2008 Acura RL

What they said:

The seller says the Acura RL with 65,000 km is a clean vehicle that came in on a trade. He discloses a small claim of $2,700 on it, at the front right – “nothing major.” The vehicle spent two years in Newfoundland. It has new tires.

What we found:

The APA inspection reveals a significant impact on the front and side, including the doors and rear quarter panel, down to the dog leg and up to the roof. Body filler is present in all panels on one side and the opposite front fender. The tires are Chinese make off-brand that may not be appropriate for an RL. There is a lot of wear on the door panel, steering wheel and carpet for the indicated 65,000 km.

A subsequent CarProof history search reveals TWO claims on the Acura; the small one disclosed by the seller, and a much larger one for $10,489 that he did not disclose. Several vehicles outside at the front of the lot have sustained collision damage, but the APA did not obtain representations on them. E-test, Safety and a one-year warranty are included in the advertised price.

Anything else?

No extra fees

 


Fail District One Auto Inc.

2806 Dufferin St. Toronto

Jetta

Vehicles: 2006 VW Jetta, 2010 Toyoa Corolla

What they said:

Full disclosure from the salesperson. About the Jetta the seller says, “You can buy the car as-is, then get it certified and E-tested. The Jetta will need work, you’ll have to send it to a garage as soon as you buy it.” (good disclosure) He recommends they pay more for a different 2006 Jetta with lower mileage and no accidents. (good advice). For the Corolla, the seller discloses two insurance claims, for $4,218 and $2,800, and says OMVIC “is always on your side."

What we found:

With the Jetta (pictured in the ad), the APA expert identifies a right front impact with some structural damage. The fenders and hood have been replaced with aftermarket (Gordon) parts, and the doors on one side have been repainted. A light box has been repaired with urethane and tape. The engine, traction control, and low fuel lights are on (the fuel gauge needle is not low), and the turbocharger is wet.

The APA expert determines the Corolla has been in front and rear impacts. The hood has been replaced. There is a small kink at the rear door and the rear quarter panels have bodywork. Despite the good disclosure, a failure awarded due to the extra fees, and as-is disclaimer applicable to most of the inventory in the fine print.

Anything else?

Extra fees from $495 (includes 1 year power train warranty).

 


Green check Good Fellow's Auto Wholesalers

3675 Keele St. Toronto

2008 Rogue

Vehicles: 2009 Nissan Rogue, 2012 Hyundai Sonata

The lowdown:

Knowledgeable seller correctly recommends his 2011 and 2012 Sonatas as the best value among the sedans in the range the buyer is looking for. He says the 2011 and 2012 vehicles are former company fleet vehicles and daily rentals. A prepurchase inspection is permitted with a $500 deposit.The price is all-in including the safety and emissions test.

What we found:

The APA expert confirms the 2012 Sonata is a former daily rental and accident-free, as represented. The APA expert determines the 2009 Rogue has been involved in a non-structural left-side impact. The quarter panel and door do not line up perfectly, and there is some body filler in the rear quarter and doors.The seller gets the CarProof report, a two page version which is in the glove box of many of the vehicles at this dealership; he discloses a collision on the left side of the Rogue and shows the shoppers the approximate location of the repairs.

Anything else?

After the visit the APA learned that in 2012, Good Fellow's Auto Wholesaler was found in breach of the OMVIC Dealer Code of Ethics for adding extra charges of $399 for certification not included in its advertising. The sales staff was required to take the OMVIC course and the dealer paid a fine of $2,500.

Now, no extra fees.

 


Fail S & S Auto Clinic

3220 Kingston Rd. Toronto

2013 Corolla

Vehicle: 2013 Toyota Corolla

What they said:

The dealer says he replaced the door handles, two headlights and the hood and bumper cover. He claims to have used new 2013 parts throughout. He bought the car at an auction, and it was missing some parts that were stolen. “It has no brand, no title, nothing.” When the shoppers ask to see the vehicle history report, he tells them it takes time to order, and he doesn’t have one on hand. “The CarProof I don’t have right now." The dealer says they don't buy their parts from a Toyota dealer: If they put $20,000 in CarProof, I can fix it for $2,000 because I don’t pay labour. I do the job myself.”

What we found:

The APA inspection revealed the Corolla sustained a right front impact with some structural damage. The fenders, hood, and grill have been replaced. The windshield has been replaced. The entire car has been repainted. The apron was crunched. A bumper support has been welded to the subframe on one side, and the bumper cover is partially broken and fastened with tie wraps. The outside rear-view mirrors and front bumper cover are from a different vehicle and repainted a slightly different red colour. The plastic mirror housings were repainted over the stone chips that were in the original finish. The engine service and air bag lights are on. The air conditioner is not working, likely because the condenser or lines were damaged during the impact.

The dealer permits an inspection at the local Toyota dealer, or on site. (APA called the closest Toyota dealer, who said they would not check for collision damage during a pre-purchase inspection.) Inside this location, five sectioned Honda Civics are in evidence, some are missing fronts, and others are missing rears.

Anything else?

After the visit, one of the APA shoppers realised the dealer is connected to a previous APA investigation undertaken in 2010: (From the APA website regarding the 2010 investigation: S&S Auto Clinic, 3360 Kingston Road in Scarborough, was the worst dealer visit of the investigation. The seller declared that a 2004 Toyota Corolla had sustained a prior collision to the rear fender. The APA determined the Corolla actually consisted of two half cars, badly cut and welded together, and reported to have passed a Ministry of Transportation inspection.)

No extra fees.

 


Fail Toronto Auto Group*

2380 Lawrence Ave. E. Toronto

Vehicle: 2007 Hyundai Elantra

What they said:

There is a miscellaneous claim for $4170. It could be a camera, a laptop anything, but not an accident. "If it was an accident the report would tell you exactly where it happened: Something was stolen from the car."

What we found:

The APA expert says the Elantra has sustained two collisions, or an impact that pushed into something on the opposite side of the vehicle, and most of it is repainted. The left front fender has been replaced; four panels have body filler. Regarding extra fees, the seller says it's $695 for licensing and safety. Earlier, he seemed to say it was included in the price. Then he says it's because of the Ministry of Transportation, "We have to charge this, it has to be $695." When challenged by one of the shoppers he says, "I can go talk to the manager and he'll take care of you."

Anything else?

Extra fees of $695 for certification and e-test.

*Photo of ad not available


Fail Toronto Qualty Motors

3293 Lawrence Ave. E. Toronto

2008 Rogue

Vehicles: 2008 Nissan Rogue, 2010 Rogue

What they said:

About the bronze Rogue, the seller says “I have to see if there's an accident.” He later says “there might be a minor fender bender -- I believe on the ‘08 the back bumper was changed, nothing to worry about, no frame damage. The silver one is okay.”

What we found:

The APA expert says the 2008 bronze Rogue is a front hit. The fenders, bumper, lights windshield and hood have been replaced. It is missing a rearview mirror. The two front doors have some bodywork. The tires are worn.

The APA expert reports the silver 2010 front-wheel-drive Rogue is from Montreal; the hood and grille have been replaced, there is body filler in the front fenders, the front doors, and a rear quarter panel. The tires are worn, reading 1-4/32". The seller says “no accident.”

Anything else?

Extra fees are higher on-site than in the ad. The fine print in the ad in Car and Truck.ca November 23 reads “Vehicle is not drivable not certified not e-tested. Certification and e-testing available from $495.” The seller says they cost $695 ($200 higher than in the ad). “If you do it yourself, it's okay” (the dealer will waive the charge). An inspection is permitted at a repair shop chosen by the buyer.

 


Franchised New Car Dealers

Fail Old Mill Chevrolet

2494 St. Clair Ave. W. Toronto

2012 Matrix

 

Vehicle: 2012 Toyota Matrix

What they said:

The seller says the advertised price of $10,900 for the Matrix is incorrect, the price is $15,900. He goes to get the manager who explains that there is an error in the ad. He says the error is the publication’s fault, “It’s an error on their part. We get retractions all the time; they (Car & Truck.ca) probably switched up a price, it happens all the time, they crossed up." The manager states the real price is $14,900, and goes back into the dealership. When the original salesperson returns, the shoppers point out that the price from his manager was lower ($14,900 instead of $15,900). He answers "I wasn't part of that conversation" and maintains his higher price.

What we found:

The APA expert confirms that the vehicle is a former daily rental in very good condition.

Anything else?

After the visit, W5 finds three ads for the Matrix on different sites at different prices of $10,900, $14,900, and $15,900, all running in the same week.

 


Fail Addison Chevrolet

1220 Eglinton Ave. E. Mississauga

Rav4

Vehicle: 2010 Toyota RAV4

What they said:

There is a small inventory of used vehicles on the lot which are in good condition. The seller says the RAV4 is a private vehicle that was traded in by an Ontario customer.

What we found:

The APA inspection and a subsequent history search confirm that it is a clean collision-free Ontario vehicle.

Anything else?

The dealer has extra charges of $229 for administraiton and $399 for a security package on top of the vehicle price, not mentioned in their advertising. When challenged by the shoppers, the seller says "we've always had an administration fee " but he will see with his manager about a discount on the vehicle or waiving the fee. Courteous, professional salesperson who consulted the paperwork on the vehicle before providing answers. Failure awarded due to the fees.

 


Fail  Dean Myers Chevrolet

3180 Dufferin St. Toronto

E350

Vehicle: 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-350

The lowdown:

There is a small inventory of used cars at the front of the dealership that appear to be in good general condition.

What they said:

The seller says the Mercedes E350 is a collision-free 2009 model: "We cannot sell you a car that was in a collision.” He repeats that the car was never in an accident a few times.

What we found:

The APA expert determines it is a 2007 model (stated correctly in the ad) and it has been hit on the right side, with bodywork on every right-side panel. There is an oil leak at the top of the engine and the brakes are rusty.

The seller pressures the APA shoppers to sign an offer, even though they could not drive the vehicle because it had a flat tire and did not appear to have been reconditioned for sale. When the shoppers ask the seller to write into the offer that the vehicle is accident-free with original paint, he is prepared to write only that CarProof says no accident. According to the seller, the dealership does not permit an off-site inspection by the buyer.

Anything else?

No extra fees.

 


Fail Heritage Ford*

2660 Kingston Rd. Toronto

Vehicle: 2005 Ford Focus

What they said:

Courteous low-pressure seller. He recommended a newer Focus with less mileage for a little more money (good advice). The seller checked the vehicle history and disclosed an incident at the left front

What we found:

The APA inspector confirmed what was disclosed, finding that the left-front fender was hit.

Anything else?

Fail awarded for extra fees not disclosed in dealer advertising: $399 administration fee plus $70 for gas, neither indicated in the ad.

*Photo of ad not available


Fail Thorncrest Ford

1575 The Queensway, Toronto

A4

Vehicle: 2007 Audi A4 Quattro

The lowdown:

Small inventory of used vehicles in very good condition -- only the Audi has significant collision damage.

What we found:

The APA inspection reveals the turbo is wet, and the coolant and power steering fluid levels are low. The engine has excessive blow-by and the valve lifters are noisy. The seller warns the shoppers to expect repair bills with an older Audi (nice touch).

Anything else?

He misrepresented a dealer charge of $295 or $300 as a fee payable to OMVIC (OMVIC charges $5). Over the phone, after the visit he called it an admin fee. No charges are mentioned in the dealer's ad.


Curbsiders

Fail Jacob

80 Raleigh St. Toronto

2012 Civic

Vehicle: 2012 Honda Civic

What they said:

The seller meets the APA shoppers at a body shop where he appears to have a relationship. The Civic is his personal vehicle. He says, "A guy changed the door" on the driver side. “For sure, nothing else, the car is how it’s supposed to be.”

What we found:

The APA inspection reveals the Civic was rebuilt after a major impact on the left side, roughly at the front wheel, with structural damage to the driver-side A-pillar and rocker rail. The A-pillar was pulled back at the lower rocker rail, and also at the base of the windshield for the repair, and excessive amounts of body filler were used to mask damage on the left side of the car.The left front fender was replaced (a Gordon part). The windshield was replaced. The headlight on the left side is still damaged; the apron has been restretched from the light box down. The condenser is damaged. The battery appears to have been displaced by the force of the impact.

Honda

There is a new stabilizer link. The left front strut is a used part from another vehicle. The left front wheel from a different vehicle has the wrong offset for this car. Damage to the rocker rail is still evident; it was displaced in the impact. There is water in the trunk and inside the car. The rear seat release levers inside the trunk are broken. During the road test, a large air bag warning on the radio display was lit and the car pulled hard to the left.

Anything else?

The seller requested a $300 deposit from the APA shoppers prior to their inspection; soon after, he stopped answering their phone calls. Research on the license plate after the visit revealed that it belongs to a car dealer, Magic Auto, who were previously registered as the owner of the Civic. Jacob's name appears nowhere in the ownership history.

 


Fail  Joseph/Yousef

10 Teesdale Place Toronto

Mazda3

Vehicle: 2012 Mazda3

What they said:

The seller said the Mazda3 was his personal vehicle, purchased used from "a lady." He has owned it for about a year. He did not know about the Mazda warranty because he is too busy (he did not disclose Mazda had cancelled it).

What we found:

Failure to disclose extensive structural damage by the seller to the front and side. The history search after the visit indicates that the car was written off in early 2013 and branded salvage, with a rebuilt title in February 2013 and the same owner since.

 


Fail Alex and Sergio

2600 Finch Avenue West

Mazda3

Vehicle: 2010 Mazda3

What they said:

The home address given by Alex over the phone, 2600 Finch Avenue West, turns out to be a shopping center. Sergio showed up with the Mazda, which he said was his personal vehicle owned for about a year. Sergio says he will take care of the emissions and safety certifications for the shoppers. At different times he said "no accidents," "just scratches," "a small dent," and finally "a little accident."

What we found:

The APA expert determines the car was in a severe frontal collision on the left side. The hood and fenders have been replaced with aftermarket parts, the left front door is from another Mazda3, and the hatch may also be from a different vehicle. The left front subframe rail is still collapsed and has been camouflaged with a tar-like substance.

The hood and fenders do not line up correctly. The air conditioner condenser and radiator are bent. The air conditioner is not working. Under the hood, the air intake box is broken and the plastic engine cover is missing a chunk, both likely damaged during the impact. There is loose wiring underhood. The tires are new and of a good brand.

Mazda collision

Anything else?

After the visit, W5 discovered that the license plate on the car belongs to Monterey Auto Repair. The history report reveals the car was written off after a claim for $15,581 and rebuilt after being sold by the Stark Iron and Metal Company.

 


Fail Vladimir (business card reads Igor)*

Meets at Kitchen Design Store, 4267 Steeles Ave.

Vehicles: 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid, 2006 VW Jetta

What they said:

The seller identified himself as a dealer, but said the two cars APA shopped were his personal vehicles. There was no dealership signage at his location. APA believes there are two possibilities: 1) The seller is affiliated with a dealer working from another location which is prohibited or 2) The seller is a curbsider.

The seller said he bought the Camry at an auto dealer auction two years ago. He could sell it with a warranty at extra cost.

The seller says he bought the Jetta at an auction in July and used it as his daily driver. It was “not in any accident”. Later he says “minor damage”, and the front bumper was replaced. The seller says he undertook extensive repairs to prepare the Jetta for sale, including replacing the windshield, an emissions sensor, and the front pads and rotors. He changed the oil a month ago.

What we found:

He failed to disclose that the Camry’s history report showed structural damage when it was sold at auction.The APA expert determined the Camry sustained a moderate impact on the right rear.

The APA expert determined the Jetta was involved in a front-centre impact with both fenders and the hood replaced. The windshield has been replaced. There is bodywork in the doors and rear quarter panels. The brakes are worn and pulsing; the car is pulling to the right. The drive belt tensioner is worn. The oil is dirty.The seller failed to disclose the Jetta is a Quebec vehicle, confirmed by the history search.

*Photo of ad not available