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Canada Drives vs Clutch vs CarDoor
If you're thinking of buying a car online, here's a look at how these online car dealers stack up.
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
Category | Canada Drives | Clutch | CarDoor |
---|---|---|---|
Inventory |
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Serviced provinces |
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| Ontario only (GTA specifically) for financing and car buying. |
APR ranges | From 4.75% | From 8.49% | From 4% |
Loan terms | Up to 84 months | 12 - 96 months | 24 - 84 months |
Minimum loan amount | Not disclosed online. | $7,500 | $8,000 |
Maximum loan amount | $99,999 | No maximum | $110,000 |
Fees | Not disclosed on its website. | In Halifax, there is an $899 car-prep fee. | $130 for registering your licence plate |
Trial period | 7 days/500 km | 10 days/750 km | 14 days/750 km |
Exchange policy | Exchanges can be made within the 7-day return policy. | Exchanges can be made within the 10-day “test own” policy. | 60 days/5,000 km |
Warranty | Complimentary 30 days/1,500 km warranty | Complimentary 90 days/6,000 km warranty | Complimentary 90 days/10,000 km warranty |
Eligibility requirements |
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|
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Accepts trade-ins | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Sell option available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
No down payment required | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Cross-province purchases | No | Between Ontario and Nova Scotia. | No |
Negotiable prices | No | No | No |
Contactless delivery | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Turnaround time | Less than 24 hours | Less than 24 hours | Less than 24 hours |
Link | Read review | Go to site | Read review |
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.
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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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 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
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