Canada Drives vs Clutch vs CarDoor
If you're thinking of buying or selling a car online, here's a look at how these companies stack up.
If you’re thinking of buying or selling a vehicle online or simply applying for financing, here’s a look at how three well-known companies compare in various categories.
Canada Drives vs Clutch vs CarDoor
As of March 2023, you can no longer buy a car online from Canada Drives. However, you can still sell your car to them or get approved for a car loan.
Category | Canada Drives | Clutch | CarDoor |
---|---|---|---|
Inventory | None | Pre-owned cars, SUVs, minivans and Jeeps | Pre-owned cars, SUVs, minivans and Jeeps |
Buys used cars | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Accepts trade-ins | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Accepts cars with a loan on it | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Serviced provinces | All | Ontario and Nova Scotia | Ontario |
APR ranges | Not disclosed | From 8.49% | Not disclosed |
Loan terms | Up to 96 months | 12 - 96 months | 12 - 96 months |
Minimum loan amount | Not disclosed | $7,500 | $5,000 |
Maximum loan amount | $75,000 | No maximum | Not disclosed |
Fees | Not disclosed | In Halifax, there is an $899 car-prep fee. | $130 for registering your licence plate |
Trial period | Not applicable | 10 days/750 km | 14 days/750 km |
Exchange policy | Not applicable | Exchanges can be made within the 10-day “test own” policy. | 60 days/5,000 km |
Warranty | Not applicable | 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 no down payment | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Cross-province purchases | Not applicable | Between Ontario and Nova Scotia | No |
Negotiable prices | Not applicable | No | No |
Contactless delivery | Not applicable | Yes | Yes |
Turnaround time | Less than 24 hours | Less than 24 hours | Less than 24 hours |
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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 deals: Clutch
- Weekly deals. Unlike CarDoor, Clutch has weekly deals on discounted cars. At the time of writing, discounted models include a 2020 Ford Mustang GT, 2019 Audi Q5, 2018 BMW X1, 2019 Volkswagen Jetta, 2020 Kia Sorento and more.
Best for inventory: CarDoor
- Large inventory. CarDoor has over 1,000 vehicles in its inventory, while Clutch has over 300.
- Detailed inspection process and vehicle history records. Count on CarDoor to provide you with everything you need to know about the pre-owned car you’re eyeing. Its pre-owned cars come with a free CARFAX vehicle history report and details about their interior and exterior. (Clutch does the same as well.)
Best for trial period (and exchanges): CarDoor
- Up to 14 days to test drive your vehicle. CarDoor offers the lengthier trial period at 14 days/750 km compared to Clutch (10 days/750 km).
- 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. 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 distance than Clutch.
- Option to purchase warranties through the dealer. Both Clutch and CarDoor 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).
- Flexible terms. All three 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 96 months, while CarDoor offers 12 - 96 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. Learn more about used car financing.
- 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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