Buying a car in Canada: new, used and private-sale guides
Whether you are looking at a new car from a dealership or a ten-year-old sedan from a private seller, the same questions come up: what is it really worth, what is its history, which fees are legitimate, and what do you do when the seller is not who they claim to be. These guides walk through each stage of a purchase in order.
When Is the Best Time to Buy a Car in Canada?
Prices tend to be most negotiable at the end of a month or quarter, during model-year changeover in late summer and fall, and in the slower winter months.
How to Buy a Car Online in Canada Safely
You can buy a car online in Canada through a dealer's website, an online-only retailer or a private listing, but the same checks apply as in person.
Buying From a Private Seller in Canada
Buying privately can save money, but you take on more risk and paperwork than at a dealership.
Car Buying Checklist for Canada
A car buying checklist helps you verify the seller, the VIN, the history, the condition and the contract before you pay.
Certified Pre-Owned Cars in Canada: Worth the Premium?
A certified pre-owned (CPO) car is a late-model used vehicle that passed a manufacturer or dealer inspection and usually includes extended coverage.
Dealership Fees in Canada: What You Should and Should Not Pay
Common Canadian dealership charges include freight and PDI on new cars, administration or documentation fees, and licensing and registration costs.
How to Avoid Curbsiding When Buying a Used Car
Curbsiding is when an unlicensed dealer poses as a private seller to sell cars for profit, often hiding accidents, rollbacks or liens.
Buying a New Car in Canada, Step by Step
To buy a new car in Canada, research models and total cost, compare written all-in quotes from several licensed dealers, negotiate the price and fees, then inspect the vehicle at delivery before signing.
Buying a Used Car in Canada, Step by Step
To buy a used car in Canada, set an all-in budget, choose between a licensed dealer and a private seller, check the vehicle history and VIN, get an independent inspection, then complete the paperwork and taxes.
How to Check a VIN Before Buying a Car
A VIN is a 17-character code unique to each vehicle.
Choosing a Car Dealership in Canada: Licensing and Locations
To choose a car dealership, confirm its licence with your provincial regulator, compare reviews and complaint history, ask for itemized pricing, and visit in person.
Negotiating a Car Price in Canada
To negotiate a car price in Canada, research comparable vehicles, get written all-in quotes from several sellers, and negotiate price, trade-in, financing and add-ons separately.
Importing a Car From the US to Canada
To import a car from the US to Canada, confirm the vehicle is admissible under Transport Canada rules, complete US export and CBSA border steps, pay duties and taxes, then register with the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) and pass a provincial inspection.
New vs Used Car: Which Makes More Sense in Canada
A used car usually costs less overall because the steepest depreciation has already happened, while a new car offers a full warranty and predictable condition.
Pre-Purchase Inspection of a Used Car
A pre-purchase inspection is an independent mechanic's assessment of a used car before you buy.
Test Drive Checklist: What to Check Before You Buy
A good test drive covers a cold start, a walk-around, at least 20 to 30 minutes on mixed roads, and checks of brakes, steering, electronics and noises.
Vehicle History Reports: What They Show and Miss
A vehicle history report compiles recorded information such as registration history, reported collisions, liens and odometer readings tied to a VIN.
Other topics
- Car financingLoans, leases, rates and down payments.
- Taxes & paperworkSales tax, registration and provincial rules.
- Selling & your rightsPrivate sales, trade-ins and buyer protection.
- Owning a carInsurance, winter care and running costs.
- Vehicle typesEVs, hybrids, SUVs, trucks and winter fitness.