Ontario man claims he had to buy additional options if he wanted new car
A Toronto man said he has been trying to buy a 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid for the past month, but there is such a shortage of cars he could have to wait as long as a year if he orders one.
Some dealerships have cars on their lots from cancelled orders, but Erez Van Ham said when he wanted to buy one of those cars he was told he would also have to purchase expensive options he didn’t want.
“I even had a dealer, a salesperson be honest with me and say there is excess demand so we feel we can do this," said Van Ham.
Van Ham said his research found the price of a 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid to be around $36,000, but he was told with all the extra options he would have to purchase the price would be about $49,000.
Van Ham said he was told he would have to purchase key insurance, paint protection, electronic corrosion control, rust proofing, extended warranty, alloy winter tires, ceramic coating and tinted windows.
“I’m being told I have to pay for these options if I want the car,” said Van Ham who added “I feel it's price gouging at it's worst. You used to be able to go into a dealership and negotiate a price down not up."
Car Help Canada is a non-profit organization that assists consumers with the negotiation of car purchases.
The group said currently there is such a shortage of new cars that some dealers are adding on what they’re calling “market adjustment fees” or forcing buyers to purchases expensive options whether they want them or not.
"Unfortunately there are quite a few dealers out there taking advantage of the situation and charging customers more than they should be paying," said Shari Prymak, a senior consultant with Car Help Canada.
Prymak said forcing a customer to purchase additional options they don’t want should not be allowed.
“Tied selling is something right on the Canadian competition bureau’s website as an illegal act so this is something they could be looking into," said Prymak.
CTV News reached out to Hyundai Canada about Van Ham’s claims and a spokesperson for Hyundai said that, “at Hyundai Auto Canada, we strive to provide our customers with optimal customer service, which starts with transparent communication, and accurate pricing.”
“Presenting misleading pricing and fees to customers is unacceptable. We will take this opportunity to reinforce our expectations with our group of independently-owned dealers, as we continue to navigate the industry-wide inventory shortage to the best of our ability.”
Van Ham said he refuses to pay for options he doesn't want. Car Help Canada said the shortage of new cars is likely to continue for at least another year and that unless you need a car right away you may be better off waiting until the supply of new vehicles returns to normal.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Still so much love between us,' Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Courteney Cox says her partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in therapy
Courteney Cox's longtime partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in a therapy session.