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where to buy used cars canada

3 Answers
SanAlan
12/19/25 6:29pm

The best places to buy a used car in Canada are a mix of established online marketplaces, franchised dealerships, and independent used-car lots. Your choice depends heavily on your priorities: online platforms like AutoTrader.ca and Kijiji Autos offer the widest selection and direct private seller options, while franchised dealerships (e.g., Toyota, Ford) provide CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) vehicles with extended warranties and peace of mind. For a balanced approach, large online-to-offside retailers like Canada Drives simplify the entire process from browsing to financing.

Platform/Dealership TypeKey FeatureIdeal ForApproximate Market Share/Listings
Online Marketplaces (AutoTrader.ca)Largest inventory aggregationShoppers wanting maximum choice and price comparison200,000+ listings at any time
Private Sellers (Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace)Potential for lowest priceBuyers comfortable with no warranty and conducting their own inspectionN/A (peer-to-peer)
Franchise Dealership CPO ProgramsManufacturer-backed warranty, multi-point inspectionBuyers seeking near-new car reassuranceCPO sales account for ~15% of used market
Independent Used Car LotsOften feature older, budget-friendly modelsBuyers with strict budget constraintsVaries widely by region
Online Retailers (Canada Drives)Streamlined, fixed-price, home deliveryBuyers prioritizing a convenient, haggle-free experienceOperates in multiple provinces

Start your search online to understand pricing for the specific make, model, and year you want. Always get a used vehicle's history report (like CarProof or Carfax) to check for accidents and confirm ownership. If you're considering a private sale or a car from an independent lot, paying for an independent pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is a non-negotiable step that can save you from costly surprises. Finally, be prepared to negotiate; even at dealerships, the listed price is often just the starting point.

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DaniellaLynn
12/27/25 10:58am

Honestly, I just bought my last car through Canada Drives. The whole thing was shockingly easy. I did everything from my couch—found the car, got approved for financing, and they even delivered it to my door. No haggling with salespeople, no spending weekends driving from lot to lot. It’s perfect if you hate the typical car-buying drama and want a set, no-surprise price. Just make sure you read the fine print on their delivery and return policies.

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Felix
01/03/26 11:12pm

As a parent, my biggest worry was safety and reliability. We went to a Honda dealership for a Certified Pre-Owned CR-V. Yes, you might pay a bit more than on Kijiji, but the peace of mind is worth every penny. Knowing the car had a proper inspection and comes with a warranty means I’m not lying awake at night wondering if something will break. For a family car, that factory-backed certification is the way to go. It feels almost like buying new, but without the steep depreciation hit.

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