Scratches Found on Car Before Delivery; Dealer Halts Handover, Launches Investigation

A car salesperson discovered a scratch on a Lincoln vehicle just before delivering it to a customer, who was already waiting in the office to take possession of the car. Upon receiving the report from the employee, Avi, the dealership’s manager, immediately inspected the vehicle and questioned whether the scratch had been present prior to the vehicle being prepared for delivery. Tito, the staff member responsible for vehicle preparation, confirmed he had not noticed the scratch during the prep work the previous day and pointed out that the scratch appeared to have been hastily concealed. Avi stated this was not the first time such an incident had occurred, suspecting the damage likely happened while moving the vehicle within the showroom—and that no one had come forward to take responsibility. He promptly communicated with the customer, who expressed understanding. Avi pledged to work with the customer on a resolution and continue investigating to identify the person responsible for the scratch. As of the time of reporting, the culprit had not yet been identified. According to regulations set by Ontario’s Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC), registered dealers are required to disclose any collision damage exceeding CAD $3,000 before selling a vehicle. Private sellers, however, are not bound by this rule and may sell vehicles “as-is.” Consumer advocacy groups advise buyers to thoroughly inspect a vehicle’s exterior, wheels, and interior in daylight before signing any contract. If issues are found, buyers should request repairs or a replacement vehicle, and if necessary, walk away from the deal.