I answered an ad on Kijiji from a private seller named 'Chantel' for a Honda Odyssey "04 listed at $3,9999. When I responded to the ad, the woman told me to go to Civic Pride. Easy peasy right? Show up next day, man at the counter (I wish I could remember his name), all smiles ushers me into the back garage where they are 'just putting the finishing touches' on the 'excellent' Odyssey. Undercoated to a T. All shiny and glossy fit to beat the band. Who wouldn't be impressed? When I asked about 'Chantel' I was told that she posts the ads on Kijiji on behalf of Civic Pride who buys used vehicles, refurbishes them and then sells them to make 'extra cash' over the leaner winter months. I ask to test drive. No problem! I am told the vehicle is really fantastic and will "go fast". I ask "What kind of work do you think the car would need in a year's time?".... The fella , again all smiles, hesitates for a short second then says "brakes maybe"...Wow! When I express hesitation, I am told that Civic Pride stands behind each vehicle and the owner would 'castrate' anyone who worked on the vehicle to let the car leave without being 'perfect'. And: 'I have a daughter, I would never sell anything to you that I wouldn't sell to her, believe me!". When I pointed out that several automatic windows failed to automatically open I was told the van was not quite ready and that the 'main guy' still had to give it a once over. I ask: 'Can I take it to my mechanic to be inspected?' the answer is "absolutely! I am so confident in this vehicle you can take anywhere for inspection and it will pass with flying colours, did I mention it has received a new 2 year MVI??'. Great. So off I go. As I merge onto the highway, the van starts shaking and the engine light comes on, perhaps a fluke? Shake, shake, shake. Fast forward two hours later and my mechanic is shaking his head and mouthing the word "NO" to me as I approach the bay. First off, almost 100% sure this is a falsified MVI, likely made by Civic Pride themselves. No shadow of a doubt the van would NEVER pass a legit MVI inspection. New battery terminals needed, both front bushings are badly torn, front sway bar bushing is gone, Ebrake is stuck on...not sure if it's cables or pivots or both. Fifty dollars plus tax to tell me what my intuition already knew. The word around town is that this place has some excellent mechanics. But I would add to that some excellent con men as well. No doubt this place is made in the shade and I would stay as far away as possible. Sketchy is an understatement. A proverbial pit of snakes. Would give zero stars if yelp allowed it. read more