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 AutoTrader’s valuations tool. Unless otherwise specified, the price range listed for each vehicle is for a 2020 model in base trim, located in Ontario and with 100,000km on the odometer.
Best reliable used car: Toyota Corolla
There’s nothing particularly sexy or flashy about the Toyota 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.
Price: $13,625 – $16,725 (2020 model)
Why it’s one of the best
The 2020 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 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA, and it also won the 2020 Green Car of the Year award at the Los Angeles Auto Show. With Toyota finishing second in Consumer Reports’ auto reliability brand rankings based on the 2000 to 2023 model years, plus the 2020 Corolla scoring 85 out of 100 for Quality & Reliability in J.D. Power’s 2023 Dependability Ratings, 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 at least 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: $8,075 – $10,575 (2013 model, 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 2013 model features a sporty 1.8-litre i-VTEC engine, dynamic handling and pleasing fuel economy figures. Add in extra features like six airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist and a 5-star NHTSA safety rating, and there are many good reasons why the Civic should be at the top of your shopping list.
Downsides
Headroom could be improved
Infotainment user interface isn’t the most user-friendly
The Chevy Bolt EV is a great option if you’re looking for a used electric car. This pint-sized EV boasts 200hp, rapid acceleration and an impressive range compared to many rivals of a similar vintage. And while it was announced in 2023 that the Bolt was going to be discontinued, Chevrolet has since confirmed that this model will return in 2025.
Price: $12,225 – $15,625 (2020 model)
Why it’s one of the best
One of the key factors that sets the Bolt apart from the competition is its affordable price tag. This combined with its 400km-plus range and practical interior makes the Bolt an attractive entry point to the world of EVs for many buyers. It boasts a 5-star NHTSA safety rating, won the Canadian Green Car Award twice and grabbed the J.D. Power 2022 Canada ALG Residual Value Award. That’s why the Bolt is our top pick.
No one said used cars have to be budget buys. Even if you’re buying used, you can still get behind the wheel of luxury models like BMW’s M4—potentially for less than you expect. The 2020 model of this high-performance machine boasts a 425hp engine, a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and exciting handling characteristics that will please any keen driver.
Price: $41,325 – $46,825 (2020 coupe)
Why it’s one of the best
This rear-wheel-drive rocket delivers thrilling performance from its twin-turbo engine. It was a finalist in the World Performance Car category of the World Car Awards, while its rapid acceleration and dynamic handling will ensure that you’re always happy to get behind the wheel. For even greater performance, keep an eye out for a model with the 444hp Competition Package.
If you’re in the market for a used hybrid car, it’s hard to go past the Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid. First introduced in 2017, this so-called “Prius killer” features a 1.6L four-cylinder gas engine and a 32kW electric motor with a 1.6-kWh lithium-ion battery. It’s impressively fitted out inside too with a touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker stereo system, dual-zone automatic climate control and tire pressure monitoring.
Price: $13,325 – $16,125 (2020 model)
Why it’s one of the best
The IONIQ Hybrid is a practical and fuel-efficient performer. Delivering fuel consumption of just 4.2 litres per 100km, it lets you go a long time between trips to the gas pump. It also earned good crash test results from the IIHS, while its comfortable interior and long list of safety tech mean you get plenty of bang for your buck.
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 2020 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.
Price: $16,625 – $19,725 (2020 model)
Why it’s one of the best
The Subaru Outback features Subaru’s Eyesight active safety suite to help you stay safe on the road, and it gets a 5-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 reviewers criticize the continuously variable transmission performance
The Toyota Sienna offers plenty of bang for your buck. It features a 296hp V6 engine, a spacious and practical cabin, and more advanced safety features than you can poke a stick at. Three-zone climate control, a 7-inch display screen and 17-inch alloy wheels round out the list of features.
Price: $26,200 – $29,900 (2020 model)
Why it’s one of the best
Value is very much in the eye of the beholder, so what represents a great deal to one buyer might not look quite as attractive to the next. But for our money, it’s hard to go past the value proposition offered by the Toyota Sienna. It offers seating for seven or eight people depending on the model you choose, and there are AWD variants available. Plus, this minivan comes with an impressive suite of advanced safety tech. Add to this the fact that it’s the highest-rated minivan in J.D. Power’s Dependability Ratings, not to mention a winner in the J.D. Power 2023 Canada ALG Residual Value Awards, and it’s easy to see why the Sienna is worth a look.
The Kia Forte may be small in size, but it’s big on features, driving performance and interior refinement. This affordable compact car has a base 147hp 2.0L four-cylinder engine, and you get the choice of a manual or continuously variable transmission. Other features include an 8-inch display screen, four-speaker sound system and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Price: $11,525 – $14,425 (2020 model)
Why it’s one of the best
The 2020 Kia Forte was named the best compact car in J.D. Power’s 2023 Dependability Ratings, scoring an impressive 85 out of 100 for Quality & Reliability. It has an affordable price tag, sips (rather than guzzles) fuel and its interior offers plenty of space for this category of vehicle. If you’re in the market for a compact used car, the Forte is definitely worth adding to your shortlist.
Downsides
Sluggish performance from base engine
Rear seat legroom could be improved
Only has a 4-star NHTSA safety rating (2020 model)
The Honda Accord is a mid-size sedan that comes with a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine as standard. 17-inch alloy wheels are fitted, and once you step inside you’ll find a comfortable cabin along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Tire pressure monitoring, an eight-speaker stereo system and advanced safety tech complete an impressive all-round package.
Price: $18,600 – $21,800 (2020 model)
Why it’s one of the best
There are lots of good reasons why the Honda Accord is the best used car under $20,000. The 2020 model was named the Kelley Blue Book’s Midsize Car Best Buy of 2020 and featured in Car and Driver’s 10Best of 2020. It’s stylish on the outside and both practical and comfortable on the inside, while its fuel-efficient performance will help your budget. The Accord also has a 5-star NHTSA safety rating and safety tech like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and driver attention monitor, so it offers a safe and reliable drive.
The Lexus NX is a compact SUV available in gasoline and hybrid models. The NX 300 gets a 2.0L turbocharged engine and a 6-speed transmission, while the NX 300h is the model’s hybrid variant. Both come with AWD for added traction and control, while dual-zone automatic climate control and a host of advanced safety tech are also included.
Price: $23,175 – $26,825 (2020 model)
Why it’s one of the best
The NX was named the best compact premium SUV in the 2023 J.D. Power Dependability Ratings, scoring 87 out of 100 for Quality & Reliability. It has a 5-star NHTSA safety rating for added peace of mind when you hit the road, and its interior is comfortable and stylish. That’s why we think it’s well worth a closer look if you’re shopping for a used car with a budget of $30k.
You’d be hard pressed to find a better used vehicle to tackle Canada’s snowy, slippery roads than the Toyota Highlander. The base L model only offers front-wheel drive, so it isn’t perfect for those seeking extra traction. But the other three available trims come with AWD. It also features a gas-powered V6 or a four-cylinder hybrid engine, seating for 7-8 people and an 8-inch infotainment screen as standard.
Price: $23,575 – $27,075 (2020 LE model)
Why it’s one of the best
Get behind the wheel of a Highlander and you can expect a high level of standard equipment, a spacious interior and a 5-star NHTSA safety rating. It’ll hold its value well too, having been named a winner in the J.D. Power 2023 Canada ALG Residual Value Awards. Add Toyota’s famous reliability into the equation—the Highlander was named the best upper midsize SUV in the J.D. Power 2023 Dependability Ratings, scoring 86 out of 100 for Quality & Reliability—and it all adds up to an impressive overall package.
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, a 5-inch touchscreen and heated front seats headline the list of features. Continuously variable transmission is optional.
Price: $10,750 – $13,650 (2020 model)
Why it’s one of the best
The best used car for seniors should offer an affordable price tag, interior comfort and hassle-free ownership. The Elantra ticks all of those boxes. It’s competitively priced, has impressive fuel economy figures and comes loaded with features even in the base trim. It won’t give you any grief either, with the Elantra scoring 84 out of 100 for Quality & Reliability in J.D. Power’s 2023 Dependability Ratings.
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 and Canada Drives allow 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.
Bottom line
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.
According to Consumer Reports' annual auto reliability brand rankings, Lexus (79 out of 100), Toyota (76) and Mini (71) 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 15-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.
Learn how to calculate how much car you can afford based on your salary and budget.
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