
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 Type | Key Feature | Ideal For | Approximate Market Share/Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Marketplaces (AutoTrader.ca) | Largest inventory aggregation | Shoppers wanting maximum choice and price comparison | 200,000+ listings at any time |
| Private Sellers (Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace) | Potential for lowest price | Buyers comfortable with no warranty and conducting their own inspection | N/A (peer-to-peer) |
| Franchise Dealership CPO Programs | Manufacturer-backed warranty, multi-point inspection | Buyers seeking near-new car reassurance | CPO sales account for ~15% of used market |
| Independent Used Car Lots | Often feature older, budget-friendly models | Buyers with strict budget constraints | Varies widely by region |
| Online Retailers (Canada Drives) | Streamlined, fixed-price, home delivery | Buyers prioritizing a convenient, haggle-free experience | Operates 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.

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.

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.


