The used car market in Canada is rapidly shifting towards online platforms, offering convenience and a wider selection for car shoppers. With a few clicks, you can browse hundreds of vehicles, compare features and pricing, and even secure financing – all from the comfort of your couch. But with so many online car-buying sites available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming.
This comprehensive guide explores the top 13 online car-buying platforms in Canada, highlighting their unique features, pros, cons, and how they work.
Finding Your Perfect Ride Online
Before diving into specific platforms, here are some essential steps to ensure a smooth online car-buying experience:
- Do your research: Identify your needs and budget. Research different vehicle models, considering factors like size, seating capacity, fuel efficiency, and desired features. Explore online resources to compare specs and ratings for shortlisted vehicles.
- Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): Visit your provincial Department of Transport website to verify the car’s registration and access potential lien information. Utilize free VIN check services to gather details about the car’s history.
- Request a vehicle history report: A CARFAX report provides valuable insights into the car’s past ownership and involvement in accidents.
- Schedule a pre-purchase inspection: For added peace of mind, consider hiring a mechanic to inspect the car’s physical condition before finalizing the purchase.
- Book a test drive: Many online retailers offer test drives, allowing you to experience the car firsthand. If unsatisfied, clarify the return or exchange policy.
Top Online Car Buying Sites in Canada
1. Clutch
- About: Clutch is a Toronto-based online retailer specializing in certified pre-owned vehicles. They aim to revolutionize the used car buying process by offering a delightful and hassle-free experience.
- How it Works: Browse their extensive inventory with hundreds of cars catering to various budgets and styles. Once you find a car you like, initiate the purchase process online. Complete the paperwork and schedule the vehicle’s delivery to your residence. They offer a 10-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test drive and return the car if it doesn’t meet your expectations.
- Financing: Financing options are available online. Choose financing as your payment method during checkout and complete the online application form. Approval can take as little as 24 hours, depending on your credit history.
- Pros:
- 10-day money-back guarantee for test driving the car.
- Free 90-day warranty and optional extended protection plans.
- Access to CARFAX vehicle history reports and detailed inspection reports.
- Free delivery within a four-hour driving radius.
- Financing options with pre-approval are available.
- Cons:
- No-haggle pricing – prices are firm.
- No option for a pre-purchase test drive before commitment.
- Limited service area – currently operates in British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta, and the Atlantic provinces.
2. AutoTrader Canada
- About: AutoTrader Canada, established in 1975, is a leading online automotive marketplace for buying and selling used cars. It connects car shoppers with a vast network of dealerships across the country.
- How it Works: Browse their certified pre-owned inventory to find your desired car. Contact the seller directly to schedule a test drive and negotiate the purchase. The sale will be finalized between you and the seller or dealership. You can also apply for financing through the platform during checkout. Once approved, the dealership may offer home test drives for up to 48 hours.
- Financing: Apply for financing during checkout. AutoTrader will connect you with a dealership partner to finalize the loan process.
- Pros:
- Easy comparison of prices, deals, and inventory at nearby dealerships.
- Price alerts to stay notified of deals that match your criteria.
- AutoTrader iQ provides insights into a car’s fair market value based on real-time data.
- Access to financing options.
- Available across Canada.
- Cons:
- AutoTrader is a marketplace, not a direct seller – you’ll be dealing with individual dealerships.
- Sponsored ads can affect user experience.
3. Canada Drives
- About: Established in 2010, Canada Drives is a Vancouver-based online platform specializing in buying and selling certified pre-owned vehicles. They offer a hassle-free car buying process with complete transparency.
- How it Works: Browse their online inventory and choose your desired car. Complete the buying process online, including signing the bill of sale and making a down payment. Select your preferred delivery date and time.
- A Canada Drives representative will deliver the car to your residence. Upon arrival, you can ask questions and examine the vehicle’s features. Sign the final paperwork to complete the purchase and receive the keys. Enjoy a 7-day money-back guarantee (or 500 km) to test drive the car. If unsatisfied, a representative will pick up the vehicle and provide a full refund.
- Financing: Canada Drives offers financing options with a quick and easy online application process. Submit the required documents and sign the financing agreement electronically. They will notify you via text message once your loan is approved.
- Pros:
- 7-day money-back guarantee for test driving the car.
- Financing options are available for all credit types.
- No hidden fees or additional costs.
- Cars are covered under a no-charge 30-day (1500 km) warranty.
- Same-day delivery is available in some areas.
- Easy pre-approval process for financing.
- Free CARFAX vehicle history report.
- Complete 150-point safety inspection.
- Cons:
- Not available in all Canadian provinces and territories.
- Prices are non-negotiable.
4. Kijiji Autos
- About: Kijiji Autos is a popular Canadian online marketplace for buying and selling used cars from private sellers and dealerships. It allows users to search for a wide variety of vehicles based on specific criteria.
- How it Works: Browse through Kijiji Autos’ extensive inventory. Once you find a car that interests you, contact the seller directly to schedule a meeting, inspect the vehicle, and take it for a test drive. Negotiate the price and finalize the deal if you’re both satisfied.
- Pros:
- Price analysis tool helps car shoppers find great deals.
- Saved searches allow users to receive notifications about new ads matching their criteria.
- Detailed information about each vehicle with clear thumbnails for easy comparison.
- Option to filter out dealerships if you prefer buying from private sellers.
- Available across Canada.
- Cons:
- Unsolicited advertising and sponsored content can affect user experience.
- Some sellers may be unverified, so proceed with caution.
5. CarDoor
- About: CarDoor is a unique online car buying and trading platform focused on the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). They offer a user-friendly platform to browse hundreds of pre-owned vehicles with detailed descriptions and specifications.
- How it Works: Browse CarDoor’s online inventory and select a car that interests you. Click on “Home Test Drive” and enter the required information. Schedule a test drive at your convenience. A CarDoor representative will contact you to finalize the purchase process. Following delivery, your 14-day money-back guarantee begins. If you decide not to purchase the car within that timeframe, CarDoor will collect the vehicle and provide a full refund.
- Financing: CarDoor offers a secure and transparent financing option with a fully online application and approval process. Pre-qualification is completed in minutes and doesn’t affect your credit score. They partner with preferred lenders to find the best rates for your situation.
- Pros:
- 14-day money-back guarantee on all vehicles.
- 90-day bumper-to-bumper warranty.
- 60-day exchange program for added flexibility.
- Home test drive option for convenience.
- Secure online financing application process with pre-qualification.
- Ability to compare shortlisted vehicles through your account’s “virtual garage” feature.
- Cons:
- Services are limited to the Greater Toronto Area.
6. CarMonk
- About: CarMonk positions itself as the “most Zen way to buy your new car.” This online platform allows car shoppers to browse, finance, and purchase a car entirely online, emphasizing a customer-centric and hassle-free experience.
- How it Works: Choose your desired car from CarMonk’s online inventory of pre-owned vehicles in Ontario. Indicate your preferred payment method (cash, debit/credit, or financing – internal or external). Provide the necessary identification documents and complete the online application. Secure insurance and registration for the vehicle. Sign the contract and make the payment. Schedule the delivery of your car to your residence. Enjoy a 7-day money-back guarantee to test drive the car.
- Financing: CarMonk offers financing options that they claim won’t inflate the car’s price. You can get pre-qualified for an auto loan in as little as 2 minutes without impacting your credit score.
- Pros:
- 7-day money-back guarantee for test driving the car.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
- Financing options with pre-approval are readily available.
- Fast and convenient online application process.
- Free vehicle history report.
- 30-day (1,500 km) limited warranty.
- Home delivery for ultimate convenience.
- Cons:
- Limited to the province of Ontario.
- Selection might be smaller compared to other platforms with broader geographical coverage.
7. CarGurus
- About: CarGurus is a popular online car marketplace with a user-friendly interface that helps car shoppers compare prices and features across thousands of used vehicles. It connects them with both dealerships and private sellers.
- How it Works: Utilize CarGurus’ robust search filters to narrow down your options based on make, model, year, price, features, and location. Research different listings and compare dealer reviews. Contact the seller directly through the platform to schedule a test drive and negotiate the price. You will finalize the sale with the seller or dealership.
- Pros:
- Extensive search filters and sorting options for a targeted car search.
- User-friendly interface for easy navigation.
- Price comparison tool to ensure you’re getting a good deal.
- Access to dealer reviews to make informed decisions.
- Connects you with sellers across Canada.
- Cons:
- CarGurus is a marketplace, not a direct seller.
- The quality of listings can vary depending on the seller.
- No financing options are available on the platform.
8. CA
- About: CA is a leading Canadian online marketplace with a vast selection of used cars listed by dealerships and private sellers. It allows users to search for vehicles based on specific criteria and contact sellers directly.
- How it Works: Browse CA’s extensive used car listings and filter them by various criteria. Once you find a car that interests you, contact the seller through the platform to inquire about the vehicle and schedule a test drive. Negotiate the price and finalize the purchase if you agree on the terms.
- Pros:
- Huge selection of used cars across Canada.
- Detailed listings with clear information and photos.
- User-friendly interface with easy navigation.
- Option to filter out dealerships if you prefer buying from private sellers.
- Cons:
- Similar to Kijiji Autos, user experience can be affected by unsolicited ads.
- The quality of listings can vary depending on the seller.
- No financing options are available on the platform.
9. Unhaggle
- About: Unhaggle is a unique online platform that streamlines the car buying process by offering a no-haggle pricing approach. They connect car shoppers with pre-approved, certified pre-owned vehicles from trusted dealerships across Canada.
- How it Works: Browse Unhaggle’s curated inventory of pre-owned vehicles. Each car comes with a set, non-negotiable price. If you find a car that interests you, complete a quick online application to get pre-approved for financing. Upon approval, schedule a test drive at a nearby dealership. If you’re happy with the car, finalize the purchase through Unhaggle’s secure online platform.
- Pros:
- No-haggle pricing eliminates the stress of negotiation.
- Pre-approved financing ensures a smooth buying experience.
- A curated selection of certified pre-owned vehicles from trusted dealerships.
- Available across Canada.
- Cons:
- The selection might be smaller compared to platforms with a wider range of car options (including private sellers).
- Limited flexibility as the price is non-negotiable.