Front Line - 2017 - Vol. 30 No. 05 - Vehicle Inspection Still Essential

Sep 30, 2026

Vehicle dealers’ information-gathering depends on both physically inspecting a vehicle and asking targeted questions. It outlines how to address customer objections, record refusal to answer on disclosure forms, and avoid leaving required answers blank. It also explains the value of vehicle searches—combining inspections, appraisals, and written disclosure statements—to estimate true value and guide resale disclosures. UCDA member tools and exclusive report bundles are described, alongside updates on lien registry vulnerabilities and Drive Clean procedural changes for dealers.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

VEHICLE INSPECTION STILL ESSENTIAL

Essential Tools for UCDA Members

Stone Age Liens

Drive Clean Growing Pains

Whose Lead Is It Anyway?

USED CAR DEALERS ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO 230 NORSEMAN STREET, TORONTO, ONTARIO M8Z 2R4 TEL: (416) 231-2600 or 1-800-268-2598 • [INTERNET: www.ucda.org](INTERNET: www.ucda.org) 33 2017 [www.ucda.org](www.ucda.org) May 2017 Vol. 30 No. 05 VEHICLE INSPECTION STILL ESSENTIAL Inspecting a vehicle and asking questions about it are both essential elements in any dealer’s information gathering process. Their importance CANNOT be overstated. Excuses about not having the time, orthe customer refusing to answer questions about a trade-in won’t fly with OMVIC or with a judge. Time must be found to look at the vehicle, not just at a computer or mobile device screen and customers must be asked questions about the vehicle. Respond to any objections a customer may have by pointing out the same process was used for the vehicle they are buying from you … that should make them see the logic! If the customer still refuses to answer questions, note that fact on the disclosure form … don’t just leave it blank or tick off nothing but the “No” box for each question on the form. And be extra careful about the vehicle. The customer’s refusal to answer may mean they’re hiding something! As part of a process, however, vehicle searches are invaluable to help fill in the blanks. Along with a physical inspection and appraisal of the vehicle, and a written disclosure statement from the current owner, including a dealer, from whom you’re buying a vehicle, UCDA reports can provide you with comprehensive knowledge about a vehicle’s past history and current condition. This helps you determine how much the vehicle is really worth and what disclosures you will need to make on re-sale. Essential Tools for UCDA Members Ve h icle i nfo r mat io n searches are important. In today’s world they are also essential tools forgathering information and making disclosures . But a vehicle information search is only one tool in the toolbox … and shouldn’t be used alone. The UCDA offers reports to members that go a long way towards meeting your Motor Vehicle Dealers Act disclosure obligations and helping you appraise the value of vehicles you’re considering purchasing or taking in on trade. UCDA Members can take advantage of these exclusive offers: 1. Members who request Carfax reports at www. [ucdasearches.com](ucdasearches.com), will also receive a UCDA Accident Claims report containing reported insurance claim information. When you request a Carfax report, you automatically get both reports for just $18.00 . 2. Members have quick, easy and affordable access to: • lien searches in every Canadian province and territory • vehicle owner history searches – the only search showing the ownership history of vehicles in Ontario • Auto Check™ reports showing accident claims information, out of province registration and branding, U. S. import information, Drive Clean information, CAMVAP vehicle arbitration records and CPIC auto theft information for only $8.00 . Members who request all three reports ( UCDA Power Pack) on the same VIN, on the same day, save on all three searches, paying just $29 in total. That’s a 20% savings off of regular pricing for these reports, if run separately. All UCDA searches are available at ... [www.ucdasearches.com](www.ucdasearches.com) or by fax at 416-232-0775, or phone, 416-599-7412 or 1-800-668-8265. Stone Age Liens Recent media reports highlight the vulnerability of Ontario’s lien registry system. An elderly woman in Perth, Ontario tried to trade-in her vehicle at an area dealer a few months ago. Her deal was cancelled when the dealer discovered her vehicle had liens on it. What was unusual is the secured parties were described as Fred and Pebbles Flintstone! Most of us will remember those names from our childhood days of watching the Hanna-Barbara masterpiece,“The Flintstones” cartoon series on TV. While at first blush appearing humourous, this state of affairs has seriously affected th

FAQs

Why are vehicle inspections and customer questions essential?

Inspecting a vehicle and asking questions are essential parts of a dealer’s information-gathering process. Their importance is emphasized as critical to disclosure obligations.

What should dealers do if a customer refuses to answer questions about a trade-in?

Record the refusal on the disclosure form rather than leaving answers blank or only ticking the “No” box. The refusal may indicate that information is being withheld.

How can UCDA members use vehicle information searches and bundled reports?

UCDA members can access Carfax-related accident claims reports, lien searches, owner history searches in Ontario, and Auto Check™ reports. Members requesting all three reports on the same VIN the same day save on total pricing as part of the UCDA Power Pack.

Sep 30, 2026

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