The Best Online Car Buying Sites in Canada in 2024 (2024)

Buying a used car holds advantages like upfront savings on price, more choices for your budget, and cheaper insurance. Plus, pre-owned car buying has shifted online, with retailers like Clutch and online marketplaces like AutoTrader simplifying things for shoppers.

Are you interested in buying used cars online?

This article covers the top 13 online car-buying sites in Canada, including how they work, their financing options, and pros and cons.

Best Used Car Websites in Canada

Find below the top 13 best used car websites in Canada today.

1. Clutch

Clutch is an online retailer of pre-owned vehicles in Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, Clutch wants to “deliver a delightful car⁠-⁠buying experience to Canadians” by reinventing the process.

Ever since its founding in 2016, Clutch has been key in modernizing the used car market, which is now gradually shifting from the traditional dealership to online car-buying.

All cars offered by Clutch are certified, go through a detailed 210-point inspection and reconditioning process, and come with a free 90-Day Protection Plan.

How It Works

With Clutch, the process of buying a pre-owned car is done entirely online.

1. Browse the Clutch inventory, with its hundreds of cars for various budgets and styles.

2. When you find a car you like, click “Start Purchase” and proceed to checkout.

3. Complete the paperwork and confirm the delivery of the vehicle to your residence.

4. Upon receipt of the car, you get a 10-Day-Money-Back Guarantee, wherein you have ten (10) days to try the car and decide if you want to push through with the purchase or not.

5. If you decide not to buy the car, Clutch will pick it up, and you get your money back or request an exchange.

Financing

If you want to push through with the purchase using the financing method, you can do so online. On checkout, select “Financing” as your preferred payment method.

Complete the online application form and submit it. The approval process can be done within 24 hours, depending on your credit history and score.

If you choose the financing payment method, the minimum amount you can loan is $7,500 after taxes.

Once the lender approves your loan application, you can put money down on loan to adjust it to your preferred amount.

Currently, Clutch only sells to clients in British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta, and the Atlantic provinces.

Pros

• 10-day money-back guarantee that lets prospective buyers “test own” or try out the vehicle for ten days or up to 750 km
• Free limited 90-day warranty and a vehicle protection plan (optional) for up to eight years
• Access to CARFAX vehicle history report and a full inspection report that includes minor dents, scratches, and dings
• Free delivery of unit if the buyer lives less than four hours’ drive time away
• Financing options for buyers
• Application for pre-approval before the selection of a vehicle

Cons

• No-haggle pricing, prices are firm
• Not possible to test-drive a vehicle
• Not available throughout Canada

Learn more about Clutch in this detailed review.

2. AutoTrader

AutoTrader Canada is an online automotive marketplace for buying or selling used cars that have been operating since 1975.

It is the flagship product of Trader Corporation, a Toronto-based technology company that specializes in classified automotive advertising.

With its headquarters in Etobico*ke, ON, AutoTrader is considered the go-to destination for car shoppers for the past 40 years.

One popular AutoTrader feature is its fast and easy buying process that takes less than 10 minutes.

How It Works

1. Browse from AutoTrader’s certified inventory to find the car you want to buy.

2. Contact the seller of the vehicle directly to schedule a test drive and/or buy the car. The sale of the vehicle will be between you and the seller or dealership.

3. Place a deposit and schedule a meeting with the seller of the vehicle to check the features of the vehicle and sign documents.

4. To avail of financing, apply for a credit application at checkout. Once approved, your used car purchase will be instantly updated with your credit terms.

5. The dealership will deliver the vehicle to your residence for free, so you can do a home test drive for 48 hours.

Financing

To get financing for your online purchase, complete the online application form.

AutoTrader will share the information you provide with the dealership partner, who will assist in coordinating the transaction.

Skip this step if you want to secure your own third-party financing.

Pros

• Easy comparison of prices, deals, and inventory at nearby dealerships
• Price alerts let you lock in a deal you like
• AutoTrader iQ shows if a price is good, great, fair or above average based on real-time data
• Provides access to financing
• Available across Canada

Cons

• AutoTrader only puts buyers in contact with dealerships since there is no physical inventory
• Sponsored ads that can affect user experience

Cars Fast

Cars Fast is a popular destination for getting a car loan regardless of your credit score. The platform has partnerships with top loan providers, including TD, Scotiabank, RBC, HSBC, and others.

Interest rate: Varies.

Loan term: 12-96 months.

Maximum loan amount: $75,000.

Eligibility: Earn at least $20,000/yr, reside in ON, BC, or AB; and be employed for 3 months+.

APPLY NOW

3. Canada Drives

Canada Drives is an online platform where you can buy or sell your car for cash, get instant trade-in offers, and get financing approval right from your home.

Established in 2010, the Vancouver-based used car dealer aims to make the car-buying process hassle-free by letting shoppers choose and buy certified used vehicles online.

Its vehicle inventory includes pre-owned cars, SUVs, minivans, and jeeps. All cars undergo a 150-point inspection and come with a free CARFAX vehicle history report.

Car prices range from $7,990 (or $220 a month) for a 2013 Hyundai accent to $18,590 (or $513 per month) for a 2014 Cadillac ATS.

Canada Drives is available only in the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

How It Works

1. Browse through the certified inventory on the website and choose the car you want to purchase.

2. Complete the buying process online. Sign the bill of sale and make your online down payment.

3. Choose your desired delivery date and time. A Canada Drives representative will deliver your car to your home.

4. Upon the arrival of the car in your residence, you can ask questions about it and its features.

5. Sign the paperwork to complete the purchase and receive the keys.

6. Test-drive the car for seven days. If you do not want to buy it, a representative will pick up the vehicle and refund your money.

Financing

Canada Drives offers financing for those who want to use this payment method. The application involves filling out and submitting a short, three-minute form.

Submit all necessary documents and sign the financing agreement online. Canada Drives will send a text message once the lender approves the loan application.

Pros

• 7-Day Money-Back Guarantee (or 500km) that lets you test-drive your vehicle
• Offers financing options for all credit types
• No hidden fees or other costs
• Cars are covered under the no-charge, 30-day (1500 km warranty)
• Same-day delivery 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

Related: Canada Drives detailed guide.

4. Kijiji Autos

Kijiji Autos is a Canadian online marketplace for buying or selling private vehicles and dealerships.

It provides users with the ability to search through used and certified pre-owned cars with a variety of models.

Comparing prices of various makes and models is simplified through the Kijiji price analysis tool that looks at different features.

Through the Kelley Blue Book, you can find estimated prices for used cars in Canada based on its available history.

How It Works

1. Browse through the Kijiji Autos inventory.

2. When you find a car you like, contact the seller and set up a date and time to meet to inspect the unit and take it for a test drive.

3. Once you have met, take the car for a test drive and, arrive at an agreement, finalize your deal.

Pros

• Price analysis tool helps buyers find great deals
• Saved searches let shoppers receive notifications about new ads that match your search criteria
• Thumbnails loaded with information for easy comparison of options
• Lets users omit dealerships in searches
• Available across Canada

Cons

• Unsolicited advertising and sponsors can affect searches and user experience
• Some sellers are unverified

5. CarDoor

CarDoor is an online car buying and trading platform that aims to make the car-shopping experience in the Greater Toronto area more convenient and hassle-free.

The online dealer showcases hundreds of pre-owned cars with detailed descriptions and information about each vehicle, from bodystyle to engine, features, and odometer.

Cars for sale at CarDoor include a 2014 Ford Fiesta SE being sold at $9,100 (or $60/bi-weekly) and a 2022 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S 580 worth $391,307 (or $2,589/bi-weekly). The interest rate is 6.99% APR.

How It Works

1. Browse CarDoor’s online inventory of hundreds of used cars.

2. Once you have made a choice, click “Home Test Drive” and enter the required information.

3. Schedule a test drive.

4. Wait for a CarDoor representative to contact you and help finalize your purchase.

5. After CarDoor delivers your vehicle, your 14-day money-back guarantee begins.

6. If you decide not to purchase the car before 14 days, CarDoor will collect the vehicle and give you a refund.

Financing

CarDoor offers a secure and transparent financing option, the application and approval process of which is completely online.

Pre-qualification is completed in minutes and does not affect credit. CarDoor has preferred lenders that it uses to find the best rates.

To use financing through CarDoor, start by clicking the “Begin Secure Application Now” button and complete the online application.

Pros

• 14-day money-back guarantee on all vehicles
• 90-day bumper to Bumper warranty
• 60-day exchange program
• Home test drive
• Various payment methods
• Narrows down the search by letting you compare vehicles through your account’s “virtual garage”

Cons

• Only services the Greater Toronto area

6. Car Monk

CarMonk is a platform where car shoppers can buy or finance their next car, all online from start to finish.

Describing itself as the “most Zen way to buy your new car,” Car Monk refers to its car-shopping process as a Zen-like buying experience, emphasizing a customer-first approach and seamless experience.

To ensure the quality of its inventory, CarMonk uses a 172-point inspection on all its vehicles. Likewise, it offers a 7-day money-back guarantee and a 90-day warranty.

How It Works

1. Choose from CarMonk’s online inventory of pre-owned cars in Canada.

2. Indicate if your payment method is cash, debit/credit, or financing (external or in-house).

3. Provide an identification card and submit the required documents.

4. Determine insurance and registration.

5. Sign the contract and make the payment.

6. Provide the delivery schedule for CarMonk to deliver your car.

7. Test the car for seven (7) days.

Financing

CarMonk offers a financing option that the dealer says will never increase the price of the car. You can get pre-qualified for an auto loan in 2 minutes.

To apply for financing, fill out an online form, which takes about 3 minutes to complete. Payment plans are flexible, with terms of up to 84 months.

Pros

• 7-day money-back guarantee
• 90-day (or 5000 km) warranty
• $0 down payment
• Pre-approval for financing in less than 5 minutes
• Long financing terms (up to 7 years)
• Full inspection before delivery of the car
• Free delivery to your house

Cons

• Operates in Ontario only
• Prices are non-negotiable
• No option to test drive before purchasing
• Small inventory compared to its competitors

Loans Canada

Loans Canada is a loan comparison platform for all kinds of personal loans, car loans, debt consolidation loans, and bad credit loans. It has partnerships with some of Canada’s largest lenders and offers free access to your Equifax credit score.

Interest rate: 2.99% to 46.96%.

Loan term: 4-60 months.

Maximum loan amount: Up to $50,000.

APPLY NOW

7. UsedCarsCanada

UsedCarsCanada is an online dealer of various types of vehicles, including SUVs, trucks, minivans, heavy trucks, RVs, electric cars, and used cars.

The site, which features nearly 2,000 dealers, features listings that include vehicle descriptions, specifications, dealer information and contact details.

Every listing has a calculator to help shoppers easily calculate their expected monthly payments for a chosen financing period.

A list of similar units in nearby locations is likewise included to give shoppers more options.

A complete record of a listing (in PDF format) is available. It contains specifications, options, and a vehicle QR code containing pertinent details.

How It Works

1. On the UsedCarsCanada website, click on “Pre-owned Vehicles for Sale.”

2. Search by brand, model, city, province, dealer, or price.

3. Click on a listing you are interested in.

4. Once you find a car you like, contact the owner using the form on the right side of the page.

Financing

Financing is available through Trans Canada Finance. To apply, fill out an auto financing form.

Once Trans Canada Finance receives the credit request, the company will provide approval within 20 minutes in many cases.

Pros

• Detailed listings
• Financing is available via a third party
• Easy to search the site
• Numerous vehicle options

Cons

• Offerings are from dealerships
• Not much information about the website

8. Car Gurus

CarGurus is an online automotive marketplace where you can find used and certified pre-owned cars.

All the certified pre-owned vehicles in its inventory undergo inspection and come with a manufacturer warranty.

CarGurus includes dealer reviews, vehicle history, and ratings in the listings to help car shoppers find the right deal for them.

Among the featured pre-owned cars are a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan SE Plus FWD on sale for $1,900, rated by CarGurus as a fair deal, and a 2005 Ford GT RWD priced at $386,888, also rated as a fair deal.

How It Works

1. Browse the inventory provided on the CarGurus website.

2. Once you find the car you want to buy, contact the dealer.

3. Schedule a date and time to have a test drive and check the unit thoroughly.

Pros

• Easy price comparison
• Ratings show if a car is a good deal or overpriced
• Personalized searches
• Home delivery available
• Available across Canada

Cons

• Smaller inventory compared with its competitors

9. Craigslist

Craigslist is a private online marketplace that gives car shoppers a platform to find used cars in Canada offered by private sellers and dealerships in their area.

The site provides a variety of parameters to help shoppers find great deals, such as search functions and categories.

How It Works

1. Go to Craigslist.org and set your location.

2. Under the “for sale” heading, click “cars+trucks” to find listings of used cars in your area.

3. Examine the listings carefully.

4. When you find a car you want to buy, click “Reply” on the ad to contact the seller.

5. Ask questions about the car and request the vehicle’s identification number (VIN). Use the VIN to run a CARFAX Vehicle History Report.

6. Set up a meeting to meet the seller.

7. Inspect the car and complete a test drive.

8. Make the payment and get a bill of sale.

Pros

• User-friendly website
• Excellent deals
• You can remain anonymous while shopping
• Search filters that help narrow down listings

Cons

• Too many dealerships
• Many sellers cover up the actual price by listing vehicles at $0
• Unverified sellers

10. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is a hugely popular online marketplace for finding and connecting with sellers of used or pre-owned cars.

Sellers in the marketplace are typically validated via their Facebook profiles, which helps ensure they are reputable sellers.

How It Works

1. Log into your Facebook page and go to Marketplace.

2. Perform a search for used or pre-owned vehicles.

3. Contact the seller of a vehicle you are interested in.

Pros

• User-friendly platform
• Rated sellers who you can validate through their Facebook profiles
• Fewer listings
• Facebook Marketplace is available throughout Canada

Cons

• Unverified sellers
• Needs a Facebook account to send a message to sellers
• Advertisem*nts distract smooth user experience

11. Go Auto

Go Auto is an online network of dealers that provides an online platform where car shoppers can find used cars in Canada with dealers that require no documentation or admin fees.

The dealer is available only in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Manitoba.

Cars featured include a 2014 Focus Ford worth $14,997 and a Ford F-150 sold at $77,997.

How It Works

1. On the Go Auto site, search for the car you want to buy and compare vehicles from different dealerships in your area.

2. Pick the car you are interested in to obtain more information about it.

3. Contact the dealership and schedule a test drive.

4. If you choose financing as your mode of payment, get pre-approval.

5. Pay for the car, sign the documents, and collect your vehicle.

Financing

Financing through Go Auto is available and requires getting pre-approval. Fill out an online application form and provide all the necessary details.

Go Auto will perform a credit check to determine eligibility for a bank loan or a bad credit loan. Select an interest rate, term, and monthly payment.

Pros

• 30-day exchange policy
• Bad credit financing
• No hidden fees
• A bonus of up to $500 for every referral who buys a vehicle through Go Auto

Cons

• Available only in a few Canadian provinces
• Limited inventory of cars
• No home delivery option

12. Carnex

Carnex is Canada’s first e-commerce platform for used electric vehicles. Founded in 2020, it is a used EV online dealer where you can buy, sell or finance EVs all online.

Every vehicle on Carnex goes through an 89-point inspection and a safety inspection to ensure its quality. All EVs also come with a 10-day/720 km return policy.

Among the vehicles for sale are a 2020 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus valued at $43,500 and a 2016 Tesla Model X P90D unit worth $69,990.

How It Works

1. On the Carnex website, look through the EVs for sale.

2. Choose a vehicle and click the “Hold My Car” button to reserve it for 72 hours.

3. A Carnex representative will contact you and go through the paperwork with you.

4. Schedule a time to have Carnex deliver the car to your residence.

5. Carnex will deliver the vehicle to your home for free after a minimum of 48 hours.

Financing

If you want to pay through financing, complete the pre-qualification process for an auto loan, which can take two minutes.

To apply for financing through Carnex, select a car and fill out a financing application form. Once completed, a financial manager will contact you. Financing is available for up to 90 months.

Present your SIN number to speed up the financing application process. When your loan is approved, you can lower your payments by putting in a larger down payment.

Pros

• Free home delivery if within a 250-km radius of Carnex’s centre
• 10-day free
• Option to test drive
• Safety inspection
• No hidden fees and no admin fees

Cons

• Prices are non-negotiable
• Limited inventory

13. Car Pages

CarPages.ca is an automotive marketplace that partners with dealers to make the car-buying process easier and more convenient for buyers.

Its Buy From Home Program allows shoppers to buy a car from the comfort of their homes and lets them E-sign documents.

The program is available in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.

Prices of cars range from $10,495 for a 2013 Dodge Journey to $144,800 for a 2015 Porsche 911.

How It Works

1. Browse through the online inventory of CarPages.ca.

2. After selecting a unit, contact the dealer to confirm pricing, features, odometer, and vehicle availability.

3. The dealer will send an electronic version of your contract. Affix your e-signature to the documents.

4. A CarPages.ca representative will deliver your car to your home for a test drive or after purchase from a local dealer.

Financing

CarPages.ca offers car loan applications if you cannot obtain one from your bank. Fill out the application form on the website.

Provide consent to a check of your credit information to yield better search results without impacting your credit score.

Pros

• The Buy From Home Program allows buyers to complete the buying process all online
• Ideal for used car shoppers in big cities
• Exchange policy
• Services are available across Canada

Cons

• Limited inventory

How to Buy a Used Car Online

Buying a used car online requires the following steps:

1. Do your due diligence. Research vehicles by size, seats, fuel efficiency, other features, and budget. Find the pros and cons and check the ratings and specs of your desired vehicle.

2. Check the VIN. Visit your provincial Department of Transport and verify if the car is registered in your province. Learn how to get free VIN check services.

3. Request a vehicle history report. Get a CARFAX vehicle history report to check the car’s previous owner and if it got involved in any accidents.

4. Schedule an inspection of the car. Check its physical condition to see if it is in good enough shape.

5. Book a test drive. Take the car for a spin for the allotted time provided by the dealer. If you are unsatisfied, arrange for the pick-up and refund or exchange.

What to Look For When Buying a Car Online

Below are things to look for when buying a car online:

1. Vehicle history report. This report is crucial in determining if a car has a clean record.

2. Return policy. A return policy provides peace of mind since it lets buyers swap the vehicle if necessary.

3. Inspection report. Ask for an inspection report from the dealer to ensure vehicle safety.

4. Trial period. Take advantage of the trial period to ensure that the vehicle is right for you.

5. Online reviews. Check online car buying site reviews to find out what sites to buy from and what to avoid.

Pros and Cons of Buying a Car Online

Weigh the pros and cons of buying a car online to determine if this car-buying method is right for you.

Pros

• Convenience
• Wide selection of vehicles
• No need to go to the dealership
• Saves time, gas, and trips
• Ability to make a relaxed and informed decision
• No salespeople to deal with
• Home delivery

Cons

• Inability to physically examine the car before purchase
• No option to test drive the vehicle before buying it
• Potential of not getting a fair trade-in value for your current car
• Prices are sometimes fixed, so price negotiations are not possible

Should You Buy a Used Car Online?

Below are some of the key points of buying a used car online and through a dealership:

• Prices can be more affordable at online dealers and marketplaces than at dealerships.

• Trial periods and test drives are typically offered by many online dealers and marketplaces, while dealerships usually allow only test drives.

• Buying online provides more convenience since the vehicle is delivered to your home.

FAQs

Related:

• Car Buying Tips and Tricks
• How to Get Paid to Advertise On Your Car