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PAGE 30, WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 1985, WIIITBY FRFER PRESS When buying a second-hand boat. camper or other recreational vehicle. be sure the owner hasn't pledged it as security for a loan or it could be repossessed. Sunroofs open up a whole new dimension of driving pleasure. Three - position, tempered safety glass. or R.V Contrary to a popular sales pitch, boats and other recreational vehicles rarely pay for themselves. Some companies selling boats, campers, motor homes and similar big ticket items are persuading con- sumers to buy on the assurance that the vehicles can be rented out whenever they aren't needed. "The idea is you'll eventually own the boat or camper and it won't have cost you anything," says Dave Mitchell, head of in- vestigation and enfor- cement for the Ontario Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations (MCCR). ., ministry advises "People may pay thousands of dollars for a motor home because a sales person has told them they can rent it out to recoup their invest- ment. It may not work that way." The system may ac- tually be successful in the southern United States and other areas with warm climates, but Ontario winters effec- tively put the freeze on year-round boat and motor home rentals. "Some companies will guarantee three months rental of the vehicle you purchase, but the prime rental season - the summer - is when you will want to use it," Mit- chell says. "If you want to buy a recreational and - water- tight - flush mount design. Backed by ZIEBART'S Lifetime Limited Warranty insadugtion APPEARANCE & PROTECTION SERVICES CALL TO-DA Y FOR AN APPOINTMENT AMn UflDVIft ST- 601 WHITBY I àtàtU U UU~~W-W ---M vehicle for your own use, be sure you can af- ford it without counting on rental income to meet the payments." People often invest in recreational vehicles as a business pursuit for tax purposes. But such plans should be discussed with a tax ac- countant, not a salesperson. If you are offered a rental guarantee, be sure all details such as the length of coverage and rental charges are set out in writing. Guarantees are wor- thless if the companies behind them go out of business. Anyone planning to rent out a recreational vehicle should also add up the additional costs of insurance, main- tenance, increased wear and tear, and adver- tising for customers. Before you buy, shop around for the best deal on both the merchandise itself and financing charges. Don't just agree to let the retailer arrange a loan. Check interest rates and terms at different financial in- stitutions. Find out where the nearest service centres arelocated. Insist on a test drive whenever possible, par- ticularly for used vehicles. When buying second- hand, check with the ministry's Personal Property Security Registration (PPSR) branch to find out if any liens have been registered against the vehicle, indicating it has Cancer society book available "Very Special People" - a history of the Ontario Division of the Canadian Cancer Society - is now available for your en- joyment. This new 133-page at- tractive hardcover book salutes the many volun- teers who helped build Ontario Division. It in- cludes many photographs of past and present volunteers, and numerous special even- ts. been pledged as collateral for a loan. Existing liens must be cleared away before you buy or the property could be repossessed. For information 'on how to run a check, con- tact a local land registry office that offers the service or PPSR headquarters in Toronto at 963-0451. Consumers buying boats, mobile homes or trailers will also have to find places to keep their new purchases. If you plan to take out a long-term lease at a marina, trailer park or campground, in- vestigate the property owners carefully and get a lawyer to go over the contract. These leases can have terms ranging from five to 20 years and con- sumers generally pay the entire rental fee in advance. If the leasing company goes out of business before the term ends, you could lose money. The ministry has published brochures containing some infor- mation on liens and long-lease campsites. General consumer ad- vice is also contained in pamphlets on the Business Practices Act and the Consumer Protection Act. For copies, contact the Consumer Infor- mation Centre at 555 Yonge St., Toronto, Ont. M7A 2H6; 963-1111 or toll free at 1-800-268- 1142. If you have a com- plaint about a company, call your nearest Con- sumer Services Bureau. The cost of the book is $15, plus $2 for postage and handling if the book is mailed. You can ob- tain a copy by contac- ting your local Canadian Cancer Society Unit of- fice. Or by sending a cheque or money order to: Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division, 1639 Yonge Street, Toronto, On- tario, M4T 2W6 (please write "Very Special People" on the cheque). Quality Sound and Lghting Equipment 55 Milis Rd., Unit 10, Ajax DESIGN & MANUFACTURER OF CUSTOM CABINETS SA LES- SE RVIC E- RENT AL S Pro-Quality Sound & Light Equipment JBL. Soundcraftsmen Light Controllers•Par& Rain ghts•Geli Follo4' Spotlights•Fog/Smoke Machines Discotheque & Disc Jockey Equipment Delivery service available Use eare when buying boat 5