Finding the right website to buy your next used vehicle can help you save money and organize a faster purchase. Here are 10 popular used car sites to shop for used cars online and lock in the best provider (and future vehicle!) for your needs.
Best used car websites in Canada
- Clutch
- CarDoor
- Craigslist
- Kijiji
- Facebook Marketplace
- AutoTrader
- CarGurus
- Carpages.ca
- DriveAxis
- Go Auto
1. Clutch
Available in Ontario and Nova Scotia only
Clutch is a well-known site that lets you finance and buy cars online from the comfort of your own home. This online dealer delivers your used car to your doorstep and is upfront about any damage to the vehicle right from the start. Just be aware that this service comes with some fees that other online dealers don’t charge and you’ll have to pay for warranty coverage.
- Who’s it best for: Best for people who want a transparent car-buying experience with the option for financing and home delivery.
- What to watch out for: There is a prep fee if you’re in Halifax.
- Where’s it available: You can use Clutch in Ontario and Nova Scotia.
- How much will I pay: This is a free platform.
Pre-qualify with no impact to credit
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2. CarDoor
CarDoor is another online car-buying site that lets you purchase cars from home in the Greater Toronto Area. This site comes with a number of perks such as a money back guarantee, exchange program and free warranty. The main downside is that it’s not available outside of Toronto – otherwise, it would be our top-rated dealer in this category.
- Who’s it best for: Best for people who want longer-term warranty coverage and a solid customer service guarantee.
- What to watch out for: Limited inventory and service is unavailable outside of Toronto.
- Where’s it available: You can use CarDoor in Ontario (specifically the Greater Toronto area).
- How much will I pay: This is a free platform.
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Our top pick for online car dealers
Clutch is our top pick for the best place to find used cars online in this category because it’s available in several large cities and offers decent warranty and exchange programs.
Clutch vs CarDoor
3. Craigslist
Craigslist is a user-friendly general marketplace that lets you shop for used cars online from private sellers and dealerships in your local area. You can search for used cars using a number of different parameters to find the best deals. When you find a car you like, simply hit “Reply” on the ad to send a message and arrange a meeting in person.
- Who’s it best for: Best for people who want to shop for used cars online using a simple and user-friendly website that’s easy to access.
- What to watch out for: Potential for unverified or fraudulent sellers and the user experience can be frustrating due to excessive ads.
- Where’s it available: You can use Craigslist across Canada.
- How much will I pay: This is a free platform.
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4. Kijiji
Kijiji is an online general marketplace for private sale vehicles (though some dealerships advertise here too). This site provides information-heavy thumbnails so that you can easily compare your options side-by-side and you’ll be able to omit search results that you don’t want. This will make it easier for you to find the right used car for your unique set of needs.
- Who’s it best for: Best for people who want plenty of information upfront to compare private-sale vehicles.
- What to watch out for: Potential for fraudulent sellers and unsolicited advertising on the website can interfere with searches.
- Where’s it available: You can use Kijiji across Canada.
- How much will I pay: This is a free platform.
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5. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is an exceedingly popular marketplace for finding private sale vehicles. This is because the site lets you shop for used cars with reputable sellers who are validated through their Facebook profiles. These sellers often have a star rating to show feedback from other customers so you’ll have a better idea of who you’re buying from.
- Who’s it best for: Best for people who want to find a private sale vehicle with a seller they trust.
- What to watch out for: You may still end up with a fraudulent seller running a sophisticated scam.
- Where’s it available: You can use Facebook Marketplace across Canada.
- How much will I pay: This is a free platform.
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Our top pick for general marketplaces
Facebook Marketplace is our top pick for the best place to find used cars online for general marketplaces because it lets you shop with verified sellers and provides a user-friendly platform that makes it easy to compare vehicles.
6. AutoTrader
AutoTrader is a well-known and well-loved online automotive marketplace that can help you save money. This used car site rates the prices for many of its listings to tell you if the car you want to buy is below or above market value. It also allows you to set price alerts and apply for financing before you buy a vehicle.
- Who’s it best for: Best for people who want a bit of extra help finding great deals when they shop for used cars online.
- What to watch out for: Not ideal for shopping for private sale vehicles and the website could be more user-friendly.
- Where’s it available: You can use AutoTrader across Canada.
- How much will I pay: This is a free platform.
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7. CarGurus
CarGurus is an automotive marketplace that can help you find a new, used or certified pre-owned car. Search cars by make, model and postal code. As you browse cars, CarGurus will show you whether the price listed is a great deal, good deal, fair deal, high price or overpriced.
- Who’s it best for: Best for people who want to browse cars on a user-friendly automotive marketplace site.
- What to watch out for: May not find as many options for private party vehicles as bigger marketplaces.
- Where’s it available: You can use CarGurus across Canada.
- How much will I pay: This is a free platform.
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8. Carpages.ca
Carpages.ca is an automotive marketplace that works primarily with dealerships in big cities across Canada. You’ll usually need to visit the dealership in person if you like a car, which can make it difficult for use between provinces (though you may be able to arrange home delivery options with some dealers). Inventory may be limited since it depends on what partner dealers have in stock.
- Who’s it best for: Best for people who are living in big cities with many dealers.
- What to watch out for: Can be difficult to find what you’re looking for in smaller cities and remote areas.
- Where’s it available: You can use Carpages.ca across Canada.
- How much will I pay: This is a free platform.
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Our top pick for online automotive marketplaces
AutoTrader is our top pick for the best place to find used cars online in this category because it lets you set price alerts and provides pricing information to help you find the best deal.
9. DriveAxis
DriveAxis is an online car-buying site that lets you shop for and finance used vehicles in Ontario. It’s made up of a network of dealers in this province. Browse for a used car online and get connected to a dealer who can best serve you.
- Who’s it best for: Best for people in Ontario who want to buy a used car online from a dealer.
- What to watch out for: Used car inventory is limited to the dealership network.
- Where’s it available: You can use this online car-buying site if you live in Ontario.
- How much will I pay: This is a free platform.
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10. Go Auto
Go Auto is an online network of low-fee in-person dealers across Western Canada, Ontario and Manitoba. This online car-buying site lets you shop for used cars online with dealers that offer zero documentation or admin fees. However, the website is somewhat outdated and Go Auto offers a limited inventory compared to online automotive marketplaces.
- Who’s it best for: Best for finding a vehicle from a dealer with very few or no fees.
- What to watch out for: Doesn’t offer a very big inventory and the website needs to be modernized.
- Where’s it available: You can use Go Auto in Alberta, BC, Ontario and Manitoba.
- How much will I pay: This is a free platform.
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Summary of the types of cars for sale websites in Canada
There are 4 main categories of used car sites that let you shop for used cars online in Canada. Weigh the pros and cons of each category below:
| Type of used car website | Examples | Pros | Cons |
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Online dealer |
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General marketplace |
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Online automotive marketplace |
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Online network of in-person dealerships |
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Plans to buy a used car in the next 3 months
According to data from the recent Finder: Consumer Sentiment Survey Q2, 1 in 4 Canadians (25%) plan to buy a used vehicle in the next three months. This is a significant drop from Q1 2023 survey results when 42% of respondents planned to purchase a used vehicle.
What are some other cars for sale websites in Canada?
If you’re searching for used cars online, below are other car-buying sites you can visit.
| Used car site | Type | What you should know |
|---|---|---|
Wheels.ca | Online automotive marketplace | Availability will depend on your location; there are options for various major cities, but GTA has the most listings |
AutoTempest | Aggregator | Displays listings from various used car sites such as eBay, AutoTrader and Kijiji, but Canadian results are very limited |
Used.ca | General marketplace | Similar to Craigslist, but more limited options |
Carnex | Online dealer | For buying a used EV online, GTA only |
Car Nation Canada | Online network of in-person dealers | Options to buy a new or used car online, Southern Ontario only |
Ontariocars.ca | Online network of in-person dealerships | Options to buy a new or used car, Ontario only |
Canadian Black Book | Car valuation site | For estimating the value of cars, available across Canada |
What’s the difference between online automotive marketplaces and online car dealers?
There are a number of key differences between online automotive marketplaces and online car dealers:
- Online automotive marketplaces. Marketplaces let you compare used cars from many dealers and private sellers. They don’t typically get involved in financing, vehicle sales or deliveries (you’ll need to arrange that with the dealer you choose).
- Online car dealers. Online dealers in Canada let you shop, finance and get your vehicle delivered all in one place. They typically offer newer used cars with low kilometres for higher prices. They may also offer additional benefits such as customer satisfaction guarantees and warranty coverage.
How to find the best online car-buying sites in Canada
Finding the best online car-buying sites in Canada will depend on your needs. To help narrow down your options, consider the following:
- Do you want to find the cheapest used cars? If so, consider private sellers from general marketplaces or online automotive marketplaces.
- Do you want a hassle-free buying experience and peace of mind? If so, consider one-stop-shop online dealers like Clutch, Canada Drives and CarDoor.
- Do you want an easy experience browsing for cars online? If so, consider used car sites with a good amount of listings and easy designs such as Clutch, Canada Drives, CarDoor, AutoTrader and CarGurus.
Where can I find the cheapest used cars in Canada?
You can find the cheapest used cars from private sellers in automotive marketplaces like AutoTrader or general marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace. Buying a used car from a private seller takes more time and effort as you sift through many listings and book test drives with sellers, but the trade-off is better prices.
Survey Methodology
The results of the Finder: Consumer Sentiment Survey Q2 were collected through an online Pollfish survey conducted between April 27 and April 29, 2023. In the survey, 1,011 Canadians from across the country were asked about their opinions and plans regarding the purchase of a vehicle and the use of vehicle financing. The estimated margin of error for the survey is +/- 3%, 19 out of 20 times.
Bottom line
These 10 platforms are some of the best websites for buying used cars in Canada. Whether you’re looking to shop for and finance a vehicle all from the comfort of your home, or simply compare used car options from private sellers or dealerships, these used car sites use top-notch technology to help make the car buying process easier for you.
Frequently asked questions
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This depends on your needs. If you're looking for a used car that's on the newer side, some of the best websites for buying a car include Clutch, Canada Drives and CarDoor. If you're looking for a cheaper car that's on the older side, you may want to try marketplaces like Kijiji, Craigslist and AutoTrader.
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It's not necessarily easier to shop for used cars in person but it might be safer. This is why you should at least go in person to inspect and test drive cars from private marketplaces and automotive marketplaces. You may be able to put more trust in reputable online car dealers if you want to buy a car completely online.
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The best place to find used cars online will vary based on your unique set of needs. You may want to buy from a private seller if you need a cheap vehicle and you don't mind putting in the time and effort to inspect and test drive used cars at multiple locations. Consider buying from a dealership if you'd like to qualify for used car financing and you don't mind paying a little bit more for added peace of mind.
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You may be able to shop for used cars online with local dealers who maintain online shops. In this case, you can browse the inventory of a nearby dealer and compare cars before you head to the lot to speak with an agent and arrange a test drive.
FAQs
10 Best Used Car Websites in Canada for 2023 | Finder Canada? ›
To find a used car near you check out resources like online listings, consumer reports, your local newspaper's classified section, print buying guides and public auctions. Don't forget to visit your local dealership to check out their inventory, as they constantly get new stock.
Where to buy cars online in Canada? ›- Clutch. Available in Ontario and Nova Scotia only. ...
- CarDoor. CarDoor is another online car-buying site that lets you purchase cars from home in the Greater Toronto Area. ...
- Craigslist. ...
- Kijiji. ...
- 5. Facebook Marketplace. ...
- AutoTrader. ...
- CarGurus. ...
- Carpages.ca.
To find a used car near you check out resources like online listings, consumer reports, your local newspaper's classified section, print buying guides and public auctions. Don't forget to visit your local dealership to check out their inventory, as they constantly get new stock.
What are the best websites to sell used cars Canada? ›- Canada Drives. ...
- Craigslist. ...
- 4. Facebook Marketplace. ...
- AutoTrader. ...
- Kijiji Autos. ...
- Carity. ...
- Autozen. ...
- MintList.
The best time to buy is usually at the end of the month since dealerships are trying to clear out older models or the previous month's showroom. The end of the month is a good ballpark, but if you're looking for the months with the best deals, we recommend October, November or December.
What is the alternative to Autotrader Canada? ›- CarGurus.
- Clutch.
- Carpages.
- Kijiji Autos.
- Craigslist.
| Best Used Car Sites | ||
|---|---|---|
| Site | Why We Picked It | Notable Features |
| CarGurus | Best for Cheap Cars | Value rating finds the best deals |
| Autotrader | Best Advanced Search Functions | Most listings plus finance and insurance tools |
| CarsDirect | Best Basic Option | Useful buyers guides for car shoppers |
The average price of a used car in Canada is more than $35,000 and rising – a whopping nearly 50 per cent increase over a year's time, according to the Canadian Black Book.
Will the car prices drop in 2023? ›Those slashes in price tags are expected to take place in the second half of 2023, and automakers are already preparing to cut their prices. According to experts, family car manufacturers are more likely to see a price cut, while electric vehicles could also take a big price hit.
Can a non citizen buy a car in Canada? ›Buying A Car In Canada As A Foreigner. It is completely legal for a foreigner to purchase a vehicle in Canada, even if on a tourist visa. What is this? For the most part the only thing you will need is a valid international drivers license, some money and somewhere you can put down as a local address.
Which car company has best resale value in Canada? ›
Toyota takes top honours for resale value in Canada for 2022.
Do we have Carvana in Canada? ›While there isn't a Carvana Canada yet, here's a closer look at 4 Canadian equivalents. Canadians can browse through a wide inventory of vehicles, make their purchase online and have their car delivered right to their front door with these easy-to-use online car-buying platforms.
What is the best site to sell car in Ontario? ›Best ways to sell your car online
Sites like AutoTrader.ca, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Kijiji are among the most popular places to buy and sell used cars in Ontario. In addition to putting your listing in front of huge audiences, these sites are great because they're also completely free.
Looking Ahead. Our analysts tell us that new car shoppers are better off waiting for more price drops and discounts to kick in during the second half of 2023. Used car shoppers, however, might want to move quickly while prices remain lower. After all, they could tick back up any day now.
What month is the cheapest to buy a car Canada? ›What month is best to buy a car in Canada? Near the end of summer and into early fall, car dealerships will start getting new inventory for next year's models. As such, they'll want to clear out the current year's inventory to make room and offer deals as an incentive to get the vehicles off their lots.
What month is cheapest to buy a car? ›In terms of the best time of the year, October, November and December are safe bets. Car dealerships have sales quotas, which typically break down into yearly, quarterly and monthly sales goals. All three goals begin to come together late in the year.
Can I buy a car from Canada in the US? ›Any vehicle that's 25 years old or more (like the 1979 Dodge Magnum XE) can be imported to the United States from Canada without any special modifications. Newer vehicles can also be imported, but they must be modified to meet federal motor vehicle safety standards.
Can I buy a car from USA and ship to Canada? ›You must pay taxes and/or duties when applicable to bring your vehicle through Canadian customs. Your vehicle must be clear of any recalls. It must then pass an inspection by the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) in Canada before it can be officially considered imported.
Is there equivalent of CarMax in Canada? ›Canada Drives
Just like CarMax, Canada Drives offers an entirely online car-buying process. Simply search the Canada Drives marketplace to find the car you want, buy it online and have it delivered to your door.
The United States generally has lower prices than Canada when buying a new car, thanks to many US states not charging a provincial sales tax on new vehicles. In addition, dealerships in the USA often offer more competitive, affordable prices and better incentives than their Canadian counterparts.