I am sharing my experience publicly now as I have exhausted all formal channels without resolution,…read moredespite all my good faith efforts.
If only I had seen the many other negative reviews before -- several customers experienced similar issues, but mine was the most extreme case of abuse of trust and power. The business is not even accredited by the BBB and has already complaints left unaswered.
On January 11, 2025, I test-drove, and on January 15, I purchased a "Certified" Mazda3 GS from Ken Shaw Toyota (2336 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6N 1K8). The vehicle was delivered with a Safety Standards Certificate (SSC).
The salesperson, Manpreet Kaur, reassured me personally that the vehicle was fully certified and safe. I trusted that expertise -- as a newcomer female unfamiliar with the mechanics -- only to discover later that the car was, in fact, sold 'as-is' and unfit with undisclosed mechanical defects.
Within weeks, multiple dangerous issues surfaced. An independent inspection (requested by the MTO) confirmed the vehicle was not roadworthy and could not receive a valid SSC. Despite this, the vehicle had been advertised and sold as certified.
I attempted to resolve this through all possible agencies OMVIC, MTO, Consumer Protection Ontario, my MPP's office, the Ontario Ombudsman, and legal aid. Despite acting in good faith and even requesting cancellation within 30 days, the dealership used delay tactics, threats, and blame-shifting -- never once offering a safe or legal return option.
At one point, they falsely claimed I refused to return the car -- yet never provided a safe or lawful solution. Driving a dangerous, uncertified car was not an option, especially given the findings of the independent garage and the MTO's own request for inspection.
Even after all of this, the dealership pressured my bank to reverse a refund request based on proof of misrepresentation. Their lawyer has since sent repeated emails that deflect responsibility and attempt to intimidate me, despite my clear efforts to resolve this through proper channels.
I was clear from the start that I was a female newcomer, a first-time buyer, and not a mechanic. I relied entirely on their certification and integrity. Today, I am left unemployed, covering the storage cost of a dangerous car, while they operate without consequences and continue their business as if nothing happened.
I am now preparing legal action to seek a full refund and compensation for the damage caused. This experience has been emotionally and financially devastating with no humanity or fairness. I trusted this dealership and was met with unfair treatment and discriminatory disregard for my safety and rights.
OMVIC, Consumer Protection Ontario, and other agencies must take action against dealerships that abuse power and mislead vulnerable buyers -- especially newcomers and women.
Buyers! Please do your research before trusting this dealership Ken Shaw Toyota with your safety, your money, or your trust. You are only an added transaction.
