Buying a used car can be a daunting task. With hundreds of models to choose from, and your budget and driving needs to consider, it all becomes a little overwhelming.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. We’ve put together this list of the best used cars to buy in Canada. No matter whether you’re searching for a reliable vehicle, an electric or gas-powered model or something to suit a tight budget, we’ll show you the best options on the market.
Used car prices
Prices shown on this page are wholesale prices taken from CARFAX Canada’s What’s My Car Worth? tool. Unless otherwise specified, the price range listed for each vehicle is for a 2022 model in base trim with an automatic transmission, located in Toronto and with 100,000km on the odometer.
Best reliable used car: Toyota Corolla
Reliability is a key concern for every used car buyer. If you want peace of mind when shopping for a used vehicle, there are lots of reasons why you should check out the Toyota Corolla. There’s nothing particularly sexy or flashy about the Corolla, but that’s the last thing owners of this ever-popular model are worried about. This unassuming sedan and hatchback has been a regular feature at or near the top of bestseller lists for years, offering unmatched reliability, impressive safety and high resale values. Available with gas and hybrid engines, this front-wheel-drive car also delivers fuel economy figures that’ll put a smile on your face.
The 2022 Corolla features a 1.8-litre, 139hp engine as standard, and it’s available with a six-speed manual or continuously variable automatic (CVT) transmission. It gets a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind when you hit the road. Toyota also tops Consumer Reports’ auto reliability brand rankings, and the Corolla was the highest-ranked compact car in the J.D. Power US Vehicle Dependability Study. All things considered, it’s easy to see why buying a Corolla is a sound investment.
The Honda Civic has a well-earned reputation for reliability and refinement. It was also Canada’s most popular passenger car every year from 1997 to 2021, so that means there are plenty of used models to compare from dealerships and private sellers across the country. You’ll generally need to look for a model that’s close to 10 years old to make sure you stick to your $10k budget, but you might be surprised at the quality of the bargains available.
Price range: $7,090 – $9,070 (when buying privately), $8,437 – $10,575 (when buying retail) *Price info for the 2016 Civic Sedan DX with manual transmission and 150,000km.
Why it’s one of the best
It takes a high-quality vehicle to top the country’s best-seller charts for a couple of decades, and the Civic is an impressive overall package inside and out. The 2016 model features a sporty 158hp engine, dynamic handling and pleasing fuel economy figures. Add in extra features like six airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, and there are many good reasons why the Civic should be at the top of your shopping list.
Downsides
Infotainment interface isn’t the most user-friendly
The Hyundai Elantra is a reasonably priced sedan that’s packed with features. It’s powered by a 2-litre 147hp engine in base trim, with the option of an automatic or manual transmission. 15-inch wheels, an 8-inch touchscreen and heated front seats headline the list of features.
The Elantra offers an affordable price tag, a high level of interior comfort and hassle-free ownership. It’s competitively priced, has impressive fuel economy figures and comes loaded with features even in the base trim. And with a five-star NHTSA Safety Rating, you can hit the road with complete confidence.
The multi-award-winning RAV4 needs no introduction. This five-seat SUV is a common sight on Canadian roads, and it offers plenty of bang for your buck for savvy used car buyers. Gasoline-powered models feature a 2.5-litre, 203hp engine, but it also comes as a popular and fuel-efficient hybrid. The 2022 base model sends power to the front wheels but all other variants come with all-wheel drive.
Price range: $23,608 – $27,016 (when buying privately), $25,832 – $29,384 (when buying retail) *Price info for AWD model
Why it’s one of the best
Why consider a used RAV4? Well, it’s cheap to run in hybrid form, comfortable and practical, and it comes with Toyota’s legendary reliability. The RAV4 was named the highest-ranked compact SUV in the 2025 J.D. Power US Vehicle Dependability Study, and the 2022 model gets IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status. That’s why we think it’s the best used car under $30,000.
The ever-popular F-150 is a solid option for anyone in the market for a new pickup truck. Available in a huge variety of trim levels, the F-150 comes with a 3.3-litre V6, turbocharged EcoBoost V6s or a hybrid powertrain. You can also customize based on cab and cargo bed styles, and whether you want rear- or four-wheel drive.
Price range: $22,677 – $26,022 (when buying privately), $25,216 – $28,728 (when buying retail) *Price info for XL trim, 2.7L Turbo V6, RWD, Regular Cab Pickup With Standard Bed
Why it’s one of the best
The Ford F-150 is a regular feature at the pointy end of Canadian new vehicle sales charts, so it’s no surprise that it takes the win here as the best used truck. AutoTrader named it the Best Overall Truck for 2022, while Kelley Blue Book gave the F-150 its Best Buy Award. It’s a reliable and rugged performer too, so it’s well worth searching for affordable used Ford F-150s near you.
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers an excellent value proposition to used SUV buyers. This five-seater comes in gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, with Hyundai’s HTRAC™ All-Wheel Drive and dedicated modes for different types of terrain. It offers a comfortable and supportive ride for you and a few passengers, with a spacious cabin, heated front seats and an 8-inch touchscreen.
The 2022-model Santa Fe is reasonably priced, perfectly practical and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award winner. U.S. News & World Report named the 2022 Santa Fe the Best 2-Row SUV for the Money, while it picked up plenty of other awards from automotive publications around the world. That’s why it’s our choice as the best used SUV.
Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 is a five-seat crossover EV that’s well worth a look—if you can get your hands on one. The base model features a 58kWh battery and a 125kW (168hp) electric motor, but there’s also a Long Range and an all-wheel-drive Long Range version available. Range varies depending on the configuration but maxes out at over 480km, while the Ioniq 5’s roomy and well appointed cabin is as comfortable as they come.
The Ioniq 5 was the star of the show at the 2022 World Car Awards, winning World Car of the Year, World Electric Vehicle of the Year, and World Car Design of the Year. It was also named 2022 EV of the Year by Car and Driver as well as Best Electric Vehicle and Best New Model by Kelley Blue Book in the US. In other words, this is one very impressive vehicle and an easy pick as the best used EV in Canada.
Searching for a reliable, comfortable and fuel-efficient hybrid? Look no further than the Honda Accord Hybrid. The hybrid drivetrain in this five-seat sedan delivers 212hp and impressive combined fuel economy of as low as 5L/100km. The Accord’s interior is comfortable and well appointed too, with a 10-speaker sound system, keyless entry and an Anti-Collision System among the list of features.
The Honda Accord Hybrid offers a comfortable ride, a practical interior and excellent fuel economy. It’s highly rated for safety too, with the 2022 model earning a five-star NHTSA Safety Rating. So if you’re in the market for a hybrid that offers impressive value for money, there’s a lot to like about the Honda Accord Hybrid.
The fast and fun MX-5 is well known among sports car enthusiasts. This agile and zippy two-seat convertible is sure to put a smile on any keen driver’s face. It features a 181hp engine, 17-inch alloy wheels and the undeniable romance of open-top motoring. Apple Carplay and Android Auto are supported too, while there’s also an available Bose nine-speaker sound system if you want to crank up your favourite driving tunes when hitting the road.
No-one said sports cars had to cost the earth. The legendary MX-5 can deliver a whole lot of fun for a whole lot less than the cost of many other sports cars and luxury models. It provides an engaging and exciting driving experience, which is why it has long been a favourite among motoring enthusiasts. And when you see the list of awards the 2022 model picked up—2022 AJAC Best Performance Vehicle, The Car Guide: Best Buy Sports Car 2022 and AutoTrader.ca Best Performance Car Under $50k 2022—it quickly becomes clear that this is a model well worth tracking down.
All-wheel drive is an important feature for drivers searching for better traction on Canada’s snowy roads, and the Subaru Outback is our pick as the best used AWD car. The 2022 Outback features a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 182hp as standard, but higher-level trims get a 2.4L turbocharged engine. Other features include dual touchscreens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and automatic climate control.
The Subaru Outback features Subaru’s Eyesight active safety suite to help you stay safe on the road, and it gets a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. The 2020 model also earned an Editors’ Choice Award from Car and Driver. With its comfortable and practical interior, the Outback is capable of handling just about anything you throw at it.
Downsides
Infotainment system could be improved
Some drivers might want an engine with a little more grunt
The Honda CR-V offers plenty of bang for your buck. Available with front- or all-wheel drive, the CR-V features a 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with 190hp and 179ft-lb of torque. The base trim comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, while active safety tech like the Forward Collision Warning System and Lane Departure Warning System helps you stay safe on the road. Other features include an adjustable cargo floor height, a fold-down 60/40 split rear seatback and heated front seats.
Price range: $21,668 – $24,945 (when buying privately), $23,468 – $26,866 (when buying retail) *Price info for AWD model.
Why it’s one of the best
The 2021 CR-V was named Best Compact SUV for the Money by U.S. News & World Report, while the 2022 model was an IIHS Top Safety Pick and earned a five-star NHTSA Safety Rating. This family-friendly compact SUV is spacious, comfortable and fuel-efficient. So if you find a used CR-V at a reasonable price, be sure to take it for a test drive.
The stylish and sophisticated Mazda3 is a great compact car for the money. It’s available with a 155hp engine in base trim, while a 186hp engine and an even sportier turbo are also offered. Mazda’s iActiv all-wheel drive is available in the top three trims, and the Mazda3 boasts plenty of active and passive safety tech to help you stay safe on the road.
Some compact cars feel cheap and cheerful, but the Mazda3 oozes premium vibes. The interior is plush and well appointed, on-road handling is agile, and the 2022 model won a Top Safety Pick+ Award from the IIHS. Le Guide de l’auto (The Car Guide) also named the Mazda3 the Best Buy Compact Car for 2022, so this is one model that’s well worth adding to your shopping list.
It’s hard to go past the Subaru Forester if you’re looking for a reliable performer capable of withstanding tough Canadian winter conditions. This five-seat SUV comes with all-wheel drive as standard, and it’s powered by a 182hp engine that delivers fuel economy of 8.2L/100km. On the inside, generous cargo space, advanced safety tech and automatic climate control.
The 2022 Forester features Subaru’s proven Symmetrical All Wheel Drive system in all trims, ensuring improved grip in winter. Select trims also get dual-function X-MODE, which is designed to control the engine, torque, transmission and braking to provide better traction in slippery conditions. Add the Forester’s comfortable interior, good amount of cargo space and five-star NHTSA Safety Rating to the equation and you get a great-value winter car.
The Mazda CX-5 is an all-wheel-drive SUV that’s loaded with features. The 2022 model is powered by a 187hp, 2.5-litre engine that delivers fuel economy of up to 8.2L/100km on the highway. It also boasts a comfortable cabin, a five-star NHTSA Safety Rating, and a 10.25-inch full-colour centre display.
The CX-5 boasts several features that help make it a great choice for seniors. It offers easy entry and exit, refined driving performance, good fuel efficiency and all-wheel drive included as standard on all trims. The 2022 model was also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award winner, so it’s a natural choice as the best used car for seniors.
AutoTrader’s Q3 2025 Price Index lists the top-10 vehicles sold on the platform, which are outlined below:
Ford F-150
Toyota RAV4
Honda CR-V
RAM 1500
Nissan Rogue
Honda Civic Sedan
Ford Escape
Toyota Corolla
GMC Sierra 1500
Hyundai Elantra
This same price index also reveals the top 10 searched vehicles on AutoTrader for the quarter, as shown in the table below.
Vehicle
Average used price
1. Ford F-150
$42,379
2. Porsche 911
$202,560
3. Toyota RAV4
$32,805
4. Honda Civic
$17,515
5. Chevrolet Corvette
$87,282
6. Ford Mustang
$42,205
7. BMW 3 Series
$30,472
8. Honda CR-V
$28,709
9. Toyota Tacoma
$45,371
10. Mercedes C-Class
$36,393
What is the best place to buy a used car?
You have a few options when buying a used car, each of which comes with pros and cons:
Option 1: Buy a used car in-person at a dealership
The biggest advantage of visiting dealerships in-person is that you can test drive and physically inspect vehicles one after another. You also have more protections under consumer law if you’re sold a lemon. Just make sure you only visit dealerships that are properly licensed in your province.
Dealerships offer convenient access to in-house financing if you need it. However, you may have to pay a slightly higher price than if you buy from a private seller.
Option 2: Buy a used car online
It’s now possible to shop for a used car completely online. Online car dealerships like Clutch allows you to browse their inventory of vehicles online, choose the car you want and finance your purchase. The car can then be delivered to you. Depending on the platform you choose, you might also get a limited test drive period.
This method is undoubtedly a quick and convenient way to get your next set of wheels. However, you’re limited to the inventory of vehicles your dealer provides. The fact that you might not be able to inspect or test drive a vehicle in person before buying will also put off some buyers.
The exact buying process varies depending on the online car sales platform, so check out our guide to the best used car websites in Canada to find out more.
Option 3: Buy a used car from a private seller
Once you would’ve browsed classified ads in the newspaper to find cars listed privately for sale, but now you can do this online. Options include platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji as well as dedicated automotive marketplaces like AutoTrader.
When you buy privately, there’s often more room to negotiate and get a better deal. You also don’t have to worry about high-pressure sales tactics you might experience when shopping at a dealership.
The downside is that you have fewer protections if something goes wrong with the car you buy, so it’s important to have the vehicle thoroughly inspected before handing over any cash.
There’s a lot to consider when buying a used car, including safety, reliability, fuel economy, cargo space and, of course, your budget. Make sure you know exactly what you want in a vehicle before you go shopping, and compare a range of vehicles to find one that ticks all the boxes.
Frequently asked questions
There are multiple options to consider when searching for the best used car deals. Physical dealerships and online car dealers offer easy access to a wide range of vehicles and in-house financing, but these businesses also have overhead costs to consider.
You may be able to get a better price if you buy from a private seller who's willing to negotiate, so it's worth browsing ads on sites like AutoTrader and Facebook Marketplace to see what's available. Learn more about new and used car deals.
According to Consumer Reports' annual auto reliability brand rankings, Toyota (66 out of 100) Subaru (63) and Lexus (60) are the three most reliable car brands. These predicted reliability ratings are based on Consumer Reports member surveys.
There are pros and cons to both options. Buying a used car from a dealership means you have the security of purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle. Dealers also offer easy access to financing, and you're protected under consumer law if you're sold a lemon (provided you buy from a properly licensed dealership).
But dealers have overhead costs they need to cover, so you may be able to get a car for a slightly lower price from a private seller.
There are several things you can do to ensure that you get a good deal when buying a used car. Start by researching car values on sites like CARFAX, Kelley Blue Book and Canadian Black Book. Get a CARFAX report so that you know the full history of a vehicle, and get it professionally inspected to make sure there are no defects.
Tim Falk is a freelance writer for Finder. Over the course of his 20-year writing career, he has reported on a wide range of personal finance topics. Whether you're investing in stocks and ETFs, comparing savings accounts or choosing a credit card, Tim wants to make it easier for you to understand. When he’s not staring at his computer, you can usually find him exploring the great outdoors.
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