If you are interested in buying and selling cars, your options are numerous. In Canada, several websites and platforms cater to this market, including online classifieds and dealership websites.
In this article, you will learn about some of the popular Canadian car-buying sites like Canada Drives, including CarGurus, Carpages, Drive Axis, Clutch Canada, and more.
Key Takeaways
- The top eight sites for buying and selling cars in Canada are Clutch Canada, Cargurus, Carpages, Autotrader, Cardoor, Drive Axis, Car Nation Canada, and Carmonk.
- When buying a car online in Canada, you’ll often start with determining your budget, doing your own research, and getting pre-approved for financing.
- To sell a car online, gather the necessary information and documents for your car, take relevant images, and post a selling ad for your vehicle on an online platform of your choice.
Best Canadian Car Buying and Selling Sites
| Site Name | Main Features | Pros | Possible Cons |
| Clutch | Competitive pricing, 10-Day Money-Back Guarantee | Transparent buying process and offers a wide range of vehicle models | Limited availability in some regions, no test drive |
| CarGurus | User-friendly interface and free price analysis | Provides price drop alerts, personalized searches and home delivery | Smaller inventory compared to other sites |
| Carpages | Comprehensive listings and built-in dealer locator tool | Allows customers to E-sign documents and offers an exchange policy | Relatively smaller inventory |
| AutoTrader | Offers both new and used vehicles since 1957 | Available across Canada and compares prices/inventory of nearby dealerships | The site has no actual inventory, as it links buyers with other dealerships |
| CarDoor | Offers repair services and maintenance on top of vehicles | Allows deal negotiations and offers a 60-day exchange program on all vehicles | Limited to the Greater Toronto area |
| Drive Axis | Canadian-based website that offers competitive pricing and financing options | Vehicles are delivered with a 300-PT inspection and accepts crypto payments | Fixed prices |
| Car Nation Canada | Premiere Ontario-Based Automotive Dealership Group | Offers quality vehicles and competitive pricing | Mostly operates in Ontario only and has a faulty website |
| Carmonk | Fun car-buying experience from the comfort of your home | Offers warranty for the first 5000kms or first 90 days of driving | No price haggling and only operates in Ontario |
Not all Canadian car-buying sites are created equal. So, to make your search easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top 8 sites to buy and sell cars in Canada:
1. Clutch
Clutch Canada is a great site for buying and selling used cars. It offers competitive pricing and a wide range of vehicles to choose from.
One of the best things about Clutch is its unique approach to car buying. It provides a 10-Day Money-Back Guarantee and a 90-day protection plan, ensuring that customers are satisfied with their purchase.
Additionally, all Clutch cars go through a 210-point inspection and reconditioning process, so you’re sure to get your money’s worth.
Pros
- Offers a transparent and hassle-free buying process with upfront pricing
- Provides a wide range of vehicle models and makes
- Offers a 10-Day Money-Back Guarantee and a 90-day protection plan for added peace of mind
- Offers a financing option for buyers
- Offers access to a thorough inspection report that details minor scratches and dents as well as the vehicle’s CARFAX history report
Cons
- Limited availability in some regions
- Does not offer a test drive
Feel free to check out our detailed review of Clutch here.
2. CarGurus
CarGurus is a popular online automotive marketplace that offers a wide range of used and certified pre-owned vehicles. The site has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to search for the car you want.
Cargurus also offers price analysis, dealer reviews, price drop alerts, and vehicle history, which helps buyers determine if they are getting a good deal.
Pros
- Gives cars a deal rating from great to overpriced to sort the best deals first
- Provides valuable insights like reviews, market value, and price drop alerts
- Provides personalized searches
- Provides home delivery
Cons
- Smaller inventory compared to other Canadian car-buying sites
3. Carpages
Carpages is a Canadian online car marketplace that allows users to search for cars based on a variety of criteria, including make, model, year, and price. The site also features a dealer locator tool, which allows users to find dealerships in their area.
Carpages is known for its comprehensive listings and its ability to provide users with detailed information about the cars listed on its site.
Pros
- Lets customers E-sign documents for an easier buying experience in the comfort of their homes
- Available across Canada
- Offers an exchange policy
Cons
- Smaller inventory compared to other Canadian car-buying sites
4. AutoTrader
Autotrader is a popular car buying and selling website that offers both new and used vehicles since 1957. The site has a user-friendly interface and a wide range of search options, making it easy to find the car you want.
Autotrader also offers financing and insurance options, making the car-buying process even easier.
Pros
- Easily available across Canada
- Allows easier search for detailed information about the cars
- Compares prices and inventory with other nearby dealerships
Cons
- As there is no actual inventory, AutoTrader just links buyers with other dealerships.
5. CarDoor
Cardoor also offers convenient auto repair services and maintenance like oil changes, brake pads and tire replacements and inspection, mobile car cleaning and diagnostic, and more.
On its website, you can browse a wide variety of vehicles, get financing, and have your car delivered to your home.
Pros
- Offers a 14-day money-back guarantee
- Offers a 90-day bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 60-day exchange program on all vehicles
- Allows deal negotiations
- Offers home test drive
Cons
- Their services are only limited to the Greater Toronto area
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+.
6. Drive Axis
Drive Axis is a Canadian-based website that offers competitive pricing and financing options that best fit its customers’ objectives. Its cars are sourced from its trusted dealers to make sure that clients are getting the quality they expect.
Pros
- Their vehicles are delivered with a 300-PT inspection for Quality Assurance
- Provides financing options
- Offers Competitive Pricing
- Offers a 7-Day Return or Exchange Guarantee
- Accepts crypto payments
Cons
- Fixed prices
7. Car Nation Canada
Car Nation Canada is a premiere Ontario-Based Automotive Dealership Group started by local Hamilton entrepreneur Rick Paletta. It opens on Sundays for the convenience of its customers as they treat its customers “like family.”
Pros
- Offers quality vehicles
- Offers competitive pricing
Cons
- Has limited access to some areas (mostly operates in Ontario only)
- Sometimes have a faulty website
8. Carmonk
Carmonk is a Canadian-based website that specializes in selling cars from the comfort of your own home. They claim to make users experience a fun car-buying experience through their Zen-like ways.
Pros
- Offers warranty for the first 5000kms or first 90 days of driving
- Offers 7-Day Money-Back Guarantee
- Has a 172-point Inspection done by a team of experts
- Offers financing options
- Offers free delivery to your home at your preferred time and day
- Doesn’t require any downpayment
Cons
- No price haggling
- Only operates in Ontario
- Smaller inventory compared to other Canadian car-buying sites
How to Buy a Car Online in Canada
You can buy a car in Canada by following several steps.
Here is a general guide to help you:
Determine your budget
Before you start looking for a car, it’s important to figure out how much you can afford. Consider your income, expenses, and other financial obligations.
Research
Once you have a budget in mind, research the type of car you want, the features you need, the price range, and some car reviews.
Get pre-approved for financing
If you plan on financing your car, get pre-approved for a loan before you start shopping.
Test drive
Once you’ve narrowed down your search, schedule a test drive with the dealerships that have the cars you’re interested in.
Negotiate the price
After you’ve found a car you like, negotiate the price with the dealership if they allow negotiations.
Complete the paperwork
Once you’ve agreed on a price, complete the necessary paperwork to finalize the purchase. This includes registration, insurance, and any other documentation required by your province or territory.
Take possession of the car
After completing the paperwork, take possession of the car. Make sure you inspect it thoroughly and take note of any scratches or other damage before leaving the dealership. It is also important to register your car and get insurance after buying it.
How To Sell a Car Online in Canada
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to sell a car online in Canada:
Gather Information and Documents
Collect all relevant information and documents about the car, such as make, model, year, mileage, condition, and any additional features. You’ll also need the car’s registration papers, title, and any other documentation required by your province or territory.
Related: Discover these free VIN check services.
Determine the Asking Price
Research the market value of your car and determine a fair asking price. Consider factors such as the car’s age, condition, mileage, and any additional features it may have.
Take Photos and Create an Ad
Take clear photos of the car from all angles, inside and out. Write a detailed description of the car’s features, condition, and any recent maintenance or repairs. Create an ad that includes both the photos and description.
Choose an Online Platform
There are various online platforms available in Canada for selling a car, as mentioned above. Choose a platform that suits your interest.
Post the Ad
Post the ad on the chosen platform and make sure to include all relevant information, such as the asking price, location, and contact information. Now, all that’s left to do is wait for a buyer and transfer the ownership once your car is sold.
FAQs
Clutch Canada and Canada Drives are generally the top websites to buy used cars in Canada. Clutch Canada focuses on providing a personalized car buying experience, including test drives and home delivery.
Canada Drives, on the other hand, specializes in providing financing options for car buyers, particularly those with poor credit.
The mileage limit for a used car varies depending on factors such as make, model, age, and maintenance. Generally speaking, cars with over 100,000 miles are considered high mileage, but this does not necessarily mean they are unreliable or not worth buying.
The typical car travels around 12,000 miles yearly, which means, on average, a 10-year-old vehicle can have 100,000 to 150,000 miles on the odometer.
However, this is only a general estimate, and it’s important to also consider the specific circumstances of the car you are interested in buying, including its maintenance history and overall condition.
Cars have an average lifespan of 11.8 years before it’s gotten rid of. It may be time to get rid of a car when the cost of repairs exceeds its value; the car is consistently unreliable or unsafe to drive, it no longer meets your needs, it consistently makes odd noises, and it has significant wear and tear. Ultimately, the decision to get rid of a car depends on its age, condition, and value.
No, Carvana is not available in Canada. But other great Canada-based car dealers are similar to Carvana, like CarDoor, Clutch, Carmonk, and Canada Drives.
