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
Western University researchers unlock potential 'cure' for ALS
New research out of London, Ont.'s Western University is shedding light on a potential cure for ALS, in which the targeting of the interaction between two proteins can halt or fully reverse the disease's progression.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
Kamala Harris drops F-bomb during White House live-stream
U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris used a profanity on Monday while offering advice to young Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders about how to break through barriers.
B.C. man fighting for refund after finding someone living at Whistler vacation rental
Edwin Mostered spent thousands of dollars booking a vacation home in Whistler, B.C., for a group skiing trip earlier this year – or so he thought.
Avs forward Valeri Nichushkin suspended at least six months
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was suspended for at least six months without pay and placed in Stage 3 of the league's player assistance program.
Collapsed Baltimore bridge span comes down with a boom after crews set off chain of explosives
Crews conducted a controlled demolition Monday to break down the largest remaining span of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
Security video caught admitted serial killer disposing of bodies in Winnipeg garbage bins
Security video caught admitted serial killer Jeremy Skibicki on multiple late-night outings, disposing of body parts in nearby garbage bins and dumpsters in the middle of the night.
Mortgage companies could intensify the next recession, U.S. officials warn
U.S. officials worry the next recession could be intensified by a cascading series of failures in the mortgage industry caused by crashing home prices, frozen financial markets and soaring delinquencies.