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WHEELS October 10, 2008 5 Teenagers in the market for their first vehicle usually buy used. To avoid vehicles with tampered odometers or hidden damage, they really need to do their homework. Young people are often the most vulnerable because they re excited about buying their first vehicle and might not always know where to look or know what questions to ask, says Brenda McIntyre of the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC). Believing they can get a better deal buying privately, they may decide to surf the classifieds rather than buy from a registered dealer. Although there are deals to be had, the classifieds arent without risks. Studies have shown that 25% or more of classified ads may be placed by curbsiders unregistered dealers who misrepresent the vehicles they sell, McIntyre says. OMVIC is the regulatory and licens- ing body responsible for enforcing the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act a statute that regulates dealers while protecting consumers. OMVIC also administers the Motor Vehicle Dealers Compensation Fund, a consumer pro- tect ion fund that re imburses con- sumers, under certain circumstances, for problems arising from motor vehicle transactions. This fund applies only to transactions with a registered dealer. When people choose to buy from a private seller instead of a registered dealer, they risk becoming a curbsiders victim, says McIntyre. There are some easy steps to take to minimize that risk, however. By law, private se l lers must obtain a Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) from the Ministry of Transportation and provide it to prospective buyers. The UVIP contains important information about a vehicles history in Ontario. If the seller cant provide the UVIP, or if the ownership is in someone else s name, walk away from the deal. Buyers should also consider obtain- ing a vehicle his tory report f rom CarProof (www.carproof.com) or CAR- FAX (www.carfax.com). In an effort to help young people looking for their first vehicle, OMVIC has launched Know Your Ride, a pro- gram targeted towards teens. The pro- gram is intended to be integrated into Grade 10 Civics classes throughout Ontario and features materials, includ- ing a DVD, to help teachers educate teens about what to look out for when buying their first vehicle. Students and teachers interested in learning more can go onl ine to www.omvic.on.ca. News Canada Know your ride program is targeted towards teens