Canada Drives vs Clutch vs CarDoor

Canada’s ushered in a string of online car dealers so you can shop for cars, apply for financing and get your vehicle delivered to your front door. Here’s a look at how 3 main car-buying platforms compare in various categories.

Online car dealers: Canada Drives vs Clutch vs CarDoor

Canada Drives vs Clutch vs CarDoor: Who is the best?

When you’re shopping for a car and the financing to make your purchase, there are crucial factors you’ll want to zero in on. Here’s how these online dealers stack up:

Best for inventory: Clutch

• Large inventory. All three online dealers offer hundreds of vehicle options to choose from, with a wide breadth of makes and models. But Clutch has the biggest reach in Canada, with inventory in Ontario and Nova Scotia, vs. Canada Drives, who has inventory in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, and CarDoor, who has inventory in Ontario only. With the exception of BC, Clutch has more inventory in the provinces that Canada Drives also services (as of February 2022).
• Detailed inspection process and vehicle history records. Count on Clutch to provide you with everything you need to know about the pre-owned car you’re eyeing. Its pre-owned cars go through a 210-point safety inspection and come with a free CARFAX vehicle history report.

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Best for trial period (and exchanges): CarDoor

• Up to 14 days to test drive your vehicle. CarDoor offers the lengthiest trial period at 14 days/750 km compared to Clutch (10 days/750 km) and Canada Drives (7 days/500 km). All 3 dealers say you can receive a full refund within the allotted time frame, no questions asked, as long as the vehicle is in the same condition.
• Up to 60 days to make an exchange. CarDoor is generous with its exchange policy too, providing a timeframe of 60 days/5,000 km. Canada Drives allows exchanges within the trial period of 7 days/500 km. Clutch allows exchanges within the trial period of 10 days/750 km.

Best for warranty options: CarDoor

• Complimentary warranty. CarDoor offers a free 90 days/10,000 km that covers defects in materials or workmanship for many parts of the car, but excludes wear items like brakes and tires. Its warranty is longer in days and distance than Canada Drives and longer in distance than Clutch.
• Option to purchase warranties through the dealer. All 3 dealers provide buyers with the option to buy in-house warranties.

Best for financing options: Canada Drives

• Range of financing options available. With Canada Drives, choose between new car loans, used car loans, bad credit car loans (including no credit, poor credit and bankruptcy).
• Low starting APR rates. APR rates for Canada Drives start at 0% for new vehicles and 4.75% for pre-owned vehicles. Clutch‘s APR rates start at 8.49%, while CarDoor‘s interest rates start at 4%.
• Flexible terms. All 3 dealers offer trade-ins and no down payment. Clutch has the most flexible loan terms, offering 12 - 96 months. Canada Drives offers loan terms up to 84 months, while CarDoor offers 24 - 84 months.

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Name	Product	APR	Loan Amount	Loan Term	Requirements	Long Table Description
CarsFast Car Loans		4.90% - 29.90%	$500 - $75,000	12 - 96 months	Requirements: Min. income of $2,000 /month, 3+ months employed		Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Loans Canada Car Loans		1.49% - 31.99%	$500 - $35,000	24 - 120 months	Requirements: Min. income of $1,800 /month, 3+ months employed		Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Clutch Car Loans		From 8.49%	$7,500 - No max.	12 - 96 months	Requirements: 3+ months employed, Max.1 bankruptcy, Ontario & Nova Scotia only		Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Carloans411 Car Loans		1.90% - 19.99%	$500 - $50,000	Up to 72 months	Requirements: Min. income of $1,600 /month, 3+ months employed		Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Canada Auto Finance		4.90% - 29.95%	$500 - $45,000	3 - 96 months	Requirements: Min. income of $1,500 /month, 3+ months employed		Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Splash Auto Finance		9.90% - 31.00%	$5,000 - $50,000	24 - 84 months	Requirements: Min. income of $2,200 /month, 3+ months employed		Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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How does online car shopping work?

Online car dealers are making it easier to do your vehicle shopping and financing from wherever you have an Internet connection. Here’s how:

• Choose from a variety of new and pre-owned vehicles via online platforms. Look through inventory listings, each with a virtual 360-degree walk around, key features and a CARFAX vehicle history report.
• Apply for vehicle financing if you need an auto loan. Online dealers provide a one-stop shop, so you can apply for a car loan to make your purchase.
• Make your purchase and have it delivered straight to your home. Select a delivery date and your online lender will bring the car to your front door for a “test own” period.

How to shop for a car online

How do I qualify?

Eligibility criteria vary between each online dealer, but as a baseline, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

• Be a Canadian resident, of the age of majority in your province.
• Have a valid driver’s licence.
• Have a steady income to make loan repayments.
• Have an active bank account.

What documents do I need to apply?

When your vehicle is delivered to your home, you’ll need to provide the following:

• A void cheque or direct deposit form for the bank account you want your payments to come from.
• A copy of your new insurance, in effect upon receiving your vehicle.
• A valid driver’s licence.

Frequently asked questions

• Do I need to have insurance for my new car?

  Yes, you do. When your vehicle is delivered to you, you will need to have proof of insurance ready. You can date the policy to take effect on the date of your delivery appointment.

• Do I have to pay any fees?

  Check with the dealer you’re working with to understand if you’ll have to pay for any loan origination fees, late, missed or NSF payment fees and early prepayment penalties. Read the terms and conditions of your loan agreement and vehicle purchase before you sign off on your contract.