7 TrueCar alternatives in Canada

While TrueCar is a popular platform in the United States for car pricing insights and dealer offers, it’s not available to Canadian buyers. Fortunately, there are plenty of platforms and services in Canada that offer similar features, from dealer invoice pricing to online car shopping with home delivery. Whether you’re looking for a new or used vehicle, these TrueCar Canada alternatives will help simplify the buying process and give you the tools to make informed purchasing decisions.

Is TrueCar in Canada?

TrueCar isn’t available in Canada. The United States-based online automotive marketplace offers price analysis, dealer connections and buyer incentives for American consumers. But don’t worry, several TrueCar Canada alternatives offer similar tools and insights to help you research and purchase a new or used vehicle with confidence.

1. Clutch

Clutch is a Canadian-only used car retailer that lets you buy, sell or trade vehicles completely online with delivery or pickup options across the country.

• APR: From 8.99%
• Loan amounts: From $7,500
• Loan terms: 24 - 96 months

How it works

Clutch is only available in select provinces. You can sell your car to Clutch if you’re located in ON, NB, PEI, BC and NS (no trade-in option in BC), and you can purchase a car from Clutch if you live in ON, NS and NB.

If you live in a different province, you can still purchase a vehicle from Clutch, but you’ll have to accept the delivery in one of the operating provinces and handle the registration yourself.

Here are the steps you can follow to buy a car from Clutch.

1. Browse their inventory. Each car comes with a 210-point inspection, a detailed condition report with photos and a free CARFAX history report.
2. Apply for financing. If you need a loan to purchase a car, Clutch can provide it if you’re located in one of its operating provinces.
3. Buy the car. Once you select a vehicle, complete the paperwork digitally by providing details like your name, address, employment status, driver’s licence and proof of insurance.
4. Get the car delivered. Select a preferred date and time for delivery or pick it up from a nearby hub.
5. Try out the car risk-free. You have 10 days/750 km to try out the car. If you change your mind about the purchase, Clutch will pick it up and refund you.

Go to site

Pros	Cons
Fully online process with home delivery Offers a 10-day trial period with a money-back guarantee Cars come with a CARFAX report and a three-month protection plan Transparent pricing Trade in your car for value toward a new purchase	Only available in select provinces No new vehicles No in-person test drive

2. CarsFast

CarsFast is an online comparison platform that helps users get pre-approved for auto loans and matches them with dealerships that have vehicles suited to their financing and preferences.

• APR: 3.90% - 29.90%
• Loan amounts: $500 - $75,000
• Loan terms: 12 - 96 months

How it works

1. Submit an application. Complete a short online form with your vehicle preferences and financial information.
2. Match with lenders. Then, you’ll be matched with local lenders who have pre-approved you. Review their rates and terms and apply for the loan you want directly with the lender.
3. Choose a vehicle. CarsFast partners with over 350 dealerships across the nation, so you can use your loan to purchase a vehicle from one of them or find a car on your own.

Go to site

Pros	Cons
Two-minute application Works with all credit types Nationwide network Tailored matches	Limited to dealership vehicles High APRs for bad credit

3. Loans Canada

Loans Canada is partnered with a network of dealerships to help you find the best vehicle and auto financing.

• APR: 0% - 35%
• Loan amounts: $5,000 - $50,000
• Loan terms: 12-96 months

How it works

1. Apply online. Fill out a short application form on the Loans Canada website with information like the type of car and loan you want, your estimated credit score and financial details.
2. Get matched. Then, the platform will match you with suitable lenders from its network who can provide auto loans you’re eligible for.
3. Compare offers. Review and compare the loan offers, interest rates and terms to choose one that suits your needs.
4. Choose and connect. Select the best option and finalize the loan directly with the lender.

Go to site

Pros	Cons
Wider network of lenders Fast pre-approval Free service Bad-credit loans available Transparent terms	Not a direct lender Interest rates may vary

4. Dealerhop

Dealerhop works a little differently as you submit what you’re looking for in a car, then receive quotes from local dealerships.

• APR: 6.99% - 29.99%
• Loan amounts: From $7,000
• Loan terms: 12 - 96 months

How it works

1. Complete a car request profile. Start by filling out a form indicating your car preferences, budget and financing needs.
2. Review dealer offers. Dealerhop will then match you with local dealers who will offer you quotes, including vehicle options, APR and loan terms.
3. Choose a vehicle. If you like the terms, you can negotiate and finalize the sale with your chosen dealer either online or at their dealership.
4. Set up home delivery. Some dealers offer door-to-door delivery

Go to site

Pros	Cons
Save time by gathering multiple offers Encourages dealers to offer their best prices up front Useful for both new and used cars Home delivery	No direct inventory browsing Depends on dealer participation Only available in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland

5. AutoTrader

AutoTrader is one of the largest car marketplaces in Canada, offering new and used vehicles from dealerships and private sellers.

• APR: Varies
• Loan amounts: Varies
• Loan terms: Varies

How it works

1. Search for vehicles. Narrow down your search by entering details like your preferred make, model, year, price range, location and mileage.
2. Browse listings. Each listing typically includes photos, vehicle details, price and sometimes a CARFAX report.
3. Compare prices. AutoTrader shows market pricing trends, compares listings to average prices, and tags vehicles as a great price, good price, fair price or overpriced.
4. Contact the seller. If you find a vehicle you like, you can contact the dealer or owner via phone, email or message form on the listing page.
5. Arrange a test drive and financing. Schedule a test drive, negotiate terms and discuss financing options directly with the dealer or owner.
6. Finalize the purchase. You also handle the paperwork, payment and vehicle registration yourself or with dealer assistance.

Pros	Cons
Massive nationwide inventory Detailed filters for narrowing searches Price analysis and market value comparisons Both dealer and private sales	No integrated buying or delivery service Financing handled separately with sellers or dealers Inconsistent listing quality

6. Carpages

Carpages is an online automotive marketplace where you can find new and used vehicles from both dealers and private sellers.

• APR: Varies
• Loan amounts: Varies
• Loan terms: Varies

How it works

1. Search for a vehicle. Head to the Carpages website or download the app to search for cars. Filter by make, model, location and price range.
2. Browse listings. View listings from dealerships and private sellers, which include photos, mileage, condition, pricing and basic specs. If you want to complete the entire purchasing process online, look for listings with the “Buy From Home Available” badge (only available in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island).
3. Contact the seller. If you find a vehicle you’re interested in, reach out to the seller via the contact form, phone or dealership website.
4. Negotiate and buy. Arrange the sale and all its details directly with the seller. If you need financing or insurance, Carpages partners with LowestRates.ca and Dealerhop to provide it.

Pros	Cons
Mobile app available for Android and iOS Wide selection of vehicles from dealers and private sellers Easy-to-use filters Dealer contact info is provided	No market analysis No direct financing or insurance options

7. CarCostCanada

CarCostCanada provides free dealer invoice pricing and detailed new-vehicle cost reports to help buyers negotiate better deals at the dealership. It doesn’t provide any financing.

How it works

1. Get a price report. Choose your new or used vehicle and get a price report that shows the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) vs. dealer invoice cost, factory incentives, rebates, finance/lease rates and the average purchase prices in your region.
2. Determine a fair price. Use CarCostCanada’s buying tools, like the pricing worksheet and trade-in calculator, to determine a fair price for the vehicle you want to purchase.
3. Negotiate the sale. Share the report with your chosen dealer or get a referral to a vetted dealership to negotiate the price. If you’d rather not handle the search and negotiations yourself, take advantage of CarCostCanada’s paid concierge service, and they’ll take care of the details for you.

Pros	Cons
Concierge service available to handle the car search and purchase Free reports available Trusted dealer referrals Alerts you to current rebates and promotions	Primarily for new vehicle purchase Not all dealer costs are included, like dealer holdbacks Ongoing use requires a paid membership

Other sites like TrueCar

Site	Type	Key features
Canada Drives	Dealer network	Instant approval, online financing, home delivery of certified used cars
Unhaggle	Dealer pricing service	Invoice pricing, dealer incentives, connects to partner dealers
Car Gurus	Marketplace and analysis	Market value scores, time-on-market stats, dealer rating system
Kijiji Autos	Classifieds	Private and dealer listings, customizable alerts, good for local deals
LeaseCosts	Lease comparison tool	Compares new vehicle lease deals across provinces
CarDoor	Online dealer	Fully digital, 7-day return policy, delivery across Ontario

Where’s the best place to buy a car?

The best place to buy a car depends on your priorities:

• For a fully online experience: Clutch
• For the widest selection: AutoTrader or Carpages
• To get insider pricing for negotiation: Unhaggle or CarCostCanada
• For private sale options: Kijiji Autos or Facebook Marketplace

Tips to negotiate your vehicle price

Even if you’re buying a car online, you can still negotiate the price. Here are some tips to get a better deal:

• Use pricing tools. Use platforms like Unhaggle and CarCostCanada that show the dealer invoice price so you know how much margin they have to negotiate.
• Get pre-approved for financing. Having pre-approval from your bank or lender gives you leverage and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer.
• Check for hidden fees. Make sure you ask for a “drive-away” price that includes taxes, licensing, documentation fees and any other charges to prevent surprise costs.
• Use the inspection report to your advantage. If the car has cosmetic issues or minor mechanical concerns (even if they’re already fixed), use that to negotiate a better price.
• Compare quotes from multiple sources. Use different platforms, like Clutch and AutoTrader, to compare deals and let sellers know you’re shopping around.
• Ask for added value. If the seller won’t budge on the price, ask for extras like winter tires, free servicing or extended warranty.

Frequently asked questions

• Can I sell my car or trade it in with an online dealer?

  Yes, you can sell or trade in your car with most online dealers in Canada. Typically, you just need to enter details like your VIN, mileage, location and a description of the car's condition. Then you'll receive an offer. If you accept, you can schedule a pick-up or drop-off and use your old car's value to purchase a new one.

• Can I buy a car entirely online?

  Yes, several platforms like Clutch allow you to browse, finance and purchase a car entirely online. Some even offer home delivery and return policies for added convenience and peace of mind.

• Do I need a down payment to finance a car online?

  Not always. Some lenders and online dealerships offer no-down-payment options, especially if you have strong credit. However, making a down payment can help you lower your monthly payments and increase your chances of approval.

• Can I test drive a car before buying it online?

  Some online retailers, such as Carpages, can set up at-home test drives, especially if you live in a major city. Others offer return windows (typically between 7–10 days) so you can test the vehicle risk-free and return it if it doesn't meet your expectations.