Consumer Advice: Free arbitration service helps unhappy car

NC (NC)—If you are unhappy with a new car you've just bought, and aren't getting satisfaction, try contacting CAMVAP. It's an "arbitration" program that can help you resolve disputes with an automobile manufacturer about the quality of your vehicle or how the manufacturer is interpreting or implementing its new vehicle warranty. Most domestic and imported passenger cars, light trucks, sport utility vehicles, vans and multi-purpose passenger vehicles that are purchased or leased in Canada are covered. The vehicle must be from the current or one of the previous four (4) model years.

CAMVAP was created in 1994 by government and others to help consumers resolve disputes with vehicle manufacturers or distributors in a way that is 'fair, fast, free, friendly and final.' It is currently the largest consumer product arbitration plan in Canada.

Arbitration means that you and the vehicle manufacturer both agree to accept the decision of an impartial person (the arbitrator) who will listen to both sides of the case, weigh the evidence, and make a decision that is final and binding on both you and the manufacturer.

Choose carefully between going to CAMVAP or going to court. The range of remedies or solutions available to the arbitrator may same as what is available to you by going to court. Make sure you choose the alternative that is best for you and your situation.

You should also check the consumer protection laws in your Province or Territory as they may suggest another course of action.

For more information on CAMVAP and other organizations that can help you with consumer concerns, visit ConsumerInformation.ca . It's a Web site created by federal, provincial, territorial governments and their partners specifically to provide Canadians with convenient, one-stop access to hundreds of objective, reliable, current consumer information sources.

- News Canada
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News Canada