The Automotive Retailers Association provides services for automotive industry businesses and does not offer membership or services to the general public.

However, much of what we do may ultimately have an effect on the motoring public of British Columbia. In fact, our mission statement says that we that we will "maintain a high standard of professionalism while protecting the safety and satisfaction of the motoring public", so we feel it is prudent that we publish information about our activities that may be of interest to consumers. Furthermore, it is hoped that through membership in the association, automotive service professionals will be able to improve their customer relations by being introduced to various training programs, resources and new ideas from our experienced consultants and from other members.

Consumers may have increased confidence in a shop displaying the ARA Member decal because it means the owner and management have made a commitment to maintaining a higher level of  professionalism.

The Automotive Retailers Association also acts as the voice of the automotive industry in all levels of government. We participate in industry consultations and sit on various steering committees, and in doing so we frequently influence policies and regulations that also may affect the motoring public. What's good for our members is usually good for consumers, and vice versa.

Another thing the ARA can do for consumers is help to educate them regarding automotive issues. We can all make better buying decisions if we're better educated about the product or service we're considering. The ARA may from time to time be involved in certain initiatives for which public awareness could be an important aspect. This area of our web site is where we will publish information relevant to all these concepts. We hope you will find something here that helps make your automotive service experiences happier!

CONSUMERS - BEWARE!

Avoid "Curbers"
Have you ever bought a used car to find out that it had been stolen or the VIN #'s been switched? Or, you later learned that there were liens against it? Or, perhaps an accident had not been disclosed? Then you discovered that you had no recourse to protect your interest for this rather large purchase? There is no recourse in private sales! Buyer Beware! (You do have recourse when you buy from a licensed dealer.)

You have no protection from Curbsiders either! Curbers are unlicensed used-car "traffickers" who usually acquire junk cars, and then sell them from either parking lots or curbsides, advertising through local newspaper ads or "For Sale" signs in the vehicles' windows.

As these "imposters" are unlicensed, they do not have to follow government-mandated regulations, which are in place to protect you, the consumer. These vehicles may have their odometers spun back, they may have been in previous undisclosed accidents rendering them unsafe for the road, and they could originally be from out-of-province or even the country.

You are at risk when purchasing a vehicle from one of these frauds, not only for your own safety and the safety of others, but if something goes wrong with the vehicle, you have no where to turn for support.

TIPS TO HELP YOU SPOT A CURBER:

• Check the Vehicle Sales Authority's web site to ensure that the person you are dealing with is a valid registered and licensed motor dealer at www.mdcbc.com.

• Check under Consumer Info / Licensed Motor Dealers. If they're not listed here, it's likely they're a curber.

• If you are checking out your local newspaper ads and you phone about a car you'd like to see and the seller responds, "which one?" you may want to think twice about it. Chances are he's a "curber". When in doubt...

• If you are in the process of purchasing the vehicle, check the registration to make sure it is in the seller's name. Ask him how long he's owned the car and any other pertinent questions about this vehicle. Never let the seller register the vehicle for you.

• If the seller insists you meet at a restaurant or grocery store parking lot, be alert! Chances are that's the last time and place you'll ever see him. Curbers usually change their phone numbers and their locations.

• Insist on having a reputable mechanic inspect the vehicle for safety. Inspections usually cost in the area of $100. If the seller has a problem with this, then so should you!

• Do your research! Check out a vehicle's history. Look to see if your vehicle's ever been stolen or written-off! (Carefully examine the body, paint, doors, hood, trunk, and the bumpers and fenders to detect any prior accidents or body work.)

INQUIRIES:
If you have a question that one of our Licensed Motor Dealer members has been unable to answer, please call the office at 604-432-7987 and we will offer a course of action.

Also, please visit www.lmdauto.com to see videos about the above and the "Top Ten reasons to buy from a Licensed Motor Dealer".

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CarProof is the most comprehensive, accurate
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Special rates available to ARA members.

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