Photo: American Honda (Honda US Newsroom). 2026 Honda CR-V. Part of the Car Buyer Protection Series by Henry Chen, Maple Honda, Vaughan.
The delivery day is the moment the paperwork actually settles. In many Ontario dealerships, the contract you sign at delivery is a finalized version of the deal you agreed to earlier — and OMVIC is direct: if a new version of the contract is presented, make sure the terms and prices match the initial agreement.
Everything OMVIC cares about on delivery day falls into one of three buckets: the contract itself, the vehicle itself, and the paperwork that comes with the keys. Each one has a short checklist worth running through.
The contract check
- If a new version of the contract is presented, the prices and terms must match what you initially agreed to
- For finance deals, the loan agreement signed at delivery must have the same interest rate and terms as the original quote — no fees added
- For lease deals, confirm the term, mileage allowance, residual value, and money factor match the original quote
- All verbal promises (rate renegotiation, free maintenance, accessories included) must be written into the contract
- Don't be rushed — every question is worth a full answer
The vehicle check (do it in daylight or in a well-lit area)
- Walk around the entire vehicle with the salesperson — front, sides, rear, roof
- Check for scratches, dents, paint chips, and wheel curb rash
- Confirm the spare tire (or tire kit) and jack are present on a used vehicle
- If the vehicle has locking lug nuts, get the key — replacing one is a $50-$100 surprise
- Confirm all keys (driver, valet, spare) and all key fobs are accounted for
- Have the salesperson walk you through every feature, system, and control
- If any agreed-upon repair or accessory install was promised, confirm it's done before you sign
Photo: American Honda (Honda US Newsroom). 2026 Honda Passport.
The paperwork bundle you should leave with
- Signed vehicle purchase agreement (or lease agreement)
- Loan or lease contract (if financed)
- Extended warranty or service plan contract (if purchased)
- Owner's manual (paper or digital access)
- Maintenance and warranty requirements explained in writing
- Safety inspection certificate (required for any used vehicle sold by a dealer)
- Bill of sale itemizing every fee
- All keys, fobs, and remotes — confirm the count
- Final odometer reading documented
The single best rule OMVIC gives for delivery day
Don't be rushed. A clean dealer wants you to take the time to verify the contract, the vehicle, and the paperwork. The dealers who pressure you to "just sign it, we'll fix it later" are the dealers OMVIC hears about most often.
If something is wrong at delivery — a scratch you didn't notice earlier, a fee that didn't appear in the original quote, a feature that doesn't work — pause the deal. Don't sign a corrected contract under pressure. The right outcome is almost always achievable with ten more minutes of conversation.
Frequently asked, Vaughan edition
What if the dealer presents a different price at delivery than the original quote?
Stop and ask why. OMVIC's guidance is that any change from the original agreement needs to be explained and accepted by you in writing. If the change is a fee that wasn't in the all-in advertised price, walk away and report the dealer to OMVIC.
Can I refuse to take delivery if I find damage?
Yes. The vehicle should match the condition you agreed to buy. If it doesn't, the dealer is responsible for repair or replacement before delivery — or for revising the deal to reflect the actual condition.
Should I take photos at delivery?
Yes. OMVIC's lease-end guidance is to take dated photos of the vehicle's condition; doing the same at delivery creates a clear "as-delivered" record in case anything comes up later.
What should I check on the car BEFORE accepting delivery?
At delivery: (1) walk-around — paint match, panel gaps, tire condition, (2) interior — seat and steering wheel condition, all controls work, no warning lights, (3) trunk — spare tire, jack, cargo cover, (4) documents — bill of sale, financing agreement, warranty booklet, owner's manual, (5) keys and fobs — count them, test each, (6) take photos of every panel for your records. If anything is wrong, refuse delivery until corrected.
How long does a delivery typically take?
For a financed or leased purchase, allow 60 to 90 minutes for paperwork, F&I review, and final delivery walk-through. Cash purchases are usually faster. Delays are usually caused by financing approval, missing documents, or trade-in payoff verification. If your dealer is rushing you out, slow down — your right to a thorough delivery walk-through is protected by OMVIC.
Can the dealer deliver a vehicle that is different from what I agreed to buy?
No. If you agreed on a specific trim, color, options, and the delivered vehicle does not match, refuse delivery. Substituting a different vehicle without your written consent is a serious violation. You can demand the agreed vehicle or full refund.
What happens if there is damage during transport to the dealer?
The dealer is responsible for any damage that occurs before you sign the delivery paperwork. Inspect the vehicle thoroughly at delivery and note any damage on the bill of sale BEFORE you sign. Once you sign, proving pre-existing damage becomes much harder. Many dealers will not let you take delivery of a damaged vehicle without a written acknowledgement and a discount.
Can I take delivery at my home instead of at the dealer?
Some dealers offer home delivery, especially for financed deals or repeat customers. OMVIC requires the same disclosure and paperwork regardless of location. A 'delivery at your door' without proper paperwork is a red flag — confirm the dealer is licensed, get everything in writing, and inspect the vehicle before signing.
Want me to walk through the OMVIC piece of your next deal?
If you have a quote from another store, a private sale you're considering, or just a question about how OMVIC's rules apply to your situation, send me the details. I will help you pressure-test the structure.