Shopping for a used car online is easier than ever before. But with stacks of used car sites to choose from, which one is the best?
To find out, we put a host of leading platforms to the test to find the best used car sites in Canada. We wanted to work out what it’s like to buy a used vehicle online, including where to shop, how to compare your options and how to find the best deal. Here’s what we discovered.
1. Clutch: For competitive prices and an easy buying experience
Our take: If you’re buying a car online, you’ll struggle to find a site that offers as good a user experience as Clutch. Right off the bat, we appreciated the clean and uncluttered user interface of this used car site. We also liked the fact that if you don’t have a specific model in mind, you could just search in more general terms for what you need, like a “family SUV under $30k.”
Clutch offers 13 useful filters and plenty more subfilters to help you refine your search results, though we found it a little difficult to scroll down and access all filters on the left of the screen. We also love the fact that it’s possible to pick up your new (to you) car or get it delivered the same day, making Clutch one of the best used car sites in Canada. Learn more in our Clutch review.
Where it’s available: ON, NS and NB
Pros
- Completely online
- Easy and hassle-free buying process
- Free CARFAX reports
- 10-day money-back guarantee
- You can also sell or trade in your current car
Cons
- Not in all provinces
- You might find cheaper prices elsewhere
- No room to negotiate
- Must pay a (refundable) $100 deposit at checkout
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2. AutoTrader: For extensive options from private sellers and dealerships

Where it’s available: As far as we’re concerned, AutoTrader is a top choice if you want to buy a used car online. From start to finish, our used car shopping experience with AutoTrader was simple, straightforward and stress-free. It all started with the huge inventory of vehicles—almost 390,000 across Canada—and 15 filters, plus the option for a keyword search, which made it easy to narrow down the listings to those that matched our needs.
We also loved the price badge feature that shows you how a car’s price compares to other similar listings in your area on a colour-coded graph. And when we searched for two specific models, the Honda Civic and Ford F-150, in various cities across Canada, we were pleased to find plenty of suitable models.
Where it’s available: Across Canada
Pros
- Huge inventory of vehicles
- Shop dealerships as well as private sellers
- Clean and user-friendly site
- Useful search filters
- Excellent price badge feature for easy comparison
- Free CARFAX reports
Cons
- Annoying pop-up asking for your email address
- Quality of listing information varies depending on the seller
- Taxes and licensing not included in the prices listed
3. CarGurus: For an easy search experience with price alerts for used cars
Our take: Right from the start, we found the user interface of this online aggregator very easy to use and liked the huge range of search filters available. We particularly liked the option to filter results based on fuel economy and NHTSA safety ratings, two important factors to consider when buying a car that aren’t commonly available as filters on other used car sites.
Our biggest complaint with CarGurus was that the first three vehicles shown in our results were sponsored listings, so we had to scroll past them to see what other deals were available. But we were impressed by the inventory CarGurus had to offer across cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Halifax, so it’s an easy pick as one of the best used car sites in Canada.
Where it’s available: Across Canada
Pros
- Easy to navigate
- Huge range of search filters
- Large inventory in a range of locations
- Handy Deal Rating feature
- Competitive prices available
Cons
- Dealerships only
- First three results displayed are sponsored
4. Facebook Marketplace: For cheap used cars from verified private sellers

Our take: If you’ve ever shopped for second-hand stuff online, Facebook Marketplace needs no introduction. You can buy just about anything on this hugely popular marketplace app, and we found that it offered a huge inventory of vehicles in locations right across Canada. There were plenty of listings for our two popular target models, the Ford F-150 and Honda Civic, everywhere we looked, plus lots of useful filters and suggested searches to help you find the right vehicle.
We did encounter a few problems that any Marketplace user would be familiar with, like listings with overly ambitious asking prices or that were way too light on information. We also came across some annoying ads—why show us ads for Kia minivans when we’re searching for small Honda sedans?! But given the range of vehicles and potential bargains on offer, Facebook Marketplace is still a top choice if you’re shopping for a used car.
Where it’s available: Across Canada
Pros
- Plenty of vehicles to choose from
- Competitive prices
- Easy-to-use app
- Useful search filters
- Shop private sales as well as dealerships
Cons
- Some listings lack essential information
- You'll need to be prepared to haggle with sellers
- Risk of fraud and scams
- Some annoying ads when browsing listings
5. Kijiji: For used car private sales on an easy-to-use site

Our take: We had a successful shopping experience searching for used cars on Kijiji. This popular marketplace boasts a huge selection of vehicles, with over 145,000 cars and trucks listed for sale across Canada when we checked. We also found plenty of inventory for used Ford F-150s and Honda Civics, including in smaller cities like Halifax, NS.
There are over 15 filters to help you narrow your search results, though they were a little slow and clunky to apply. We also found it frustrating when listings lacked basic information like a vehicle’s engine type, but we loved features like price comparisons based on CARFAX data and whether a car had low, average or high mileage based on its age. The process of contacting a seller was smooth and seamless too, which is why Kijiji is well worth checking out.
Where it’s available: Across Canada
Pros
- Large range of vehicles
- Browse cars from dealers and private sellers
- Handy price comparison tool
- Plenty of useful search filters
Cons
- Quality of listings varies greatly depending on the seller
- Some listings lack essential information
- Applying filters is a little clunky
6. Carpages.ca: For a comprehensive search of used cars from dealerships

Our take: When we went shopping at Carpages.ca, we found over 68,000 vehicles for sale across Canada. You can browse by body style or make, or conduct a pinpoint search if you have a specific model in mind. We appreciated the simple search filters that allowed us to narrow down our results, though sometimes the site was a little glitchy when applying those filters.
We also found that the Carpages.ca user interface wasn’t as easy on the eye as some competitors’, and there was limited inventory of our target Ford F-150 and Honda Civic models. But the listings were easy to browse, the checkout process was simple, and we also loved the fact that some dealers provide the option to buy completely from home. That’s why we think you should check out Carpages.ca when searching for your next set of wheels.
Where it’s available: BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, NS and PE
Pros
- Wide range of vehicles to choose from
- Mobile app also available
- All listings are from government registered dealers or verified sellers
- Option to buy from home
Cons
- Not as user-friendly as some competitors
- Filters can be glitchy
- Limited inventory of popular models we searched for
7. Go Auto: For used car sales from dealerships in Western Canada

Our take: Go Auto is a solid option if you want to buy a used car online. This website brings together a network of dealerships across selected provinces, providing an inventory of over 17,000 vehicles (though more than half of those are new vehicles). Go Auto’s layout is a little busier than some competitors’, but we soon felt right at home browsing listings.
We appreciated the high level of customization available with 20 search filters, but we also liked the additional quick filters that let us search for “2020 or newer” or “Under $15,000.” We found the listings easy to digest too, providing fast access to key features as well as the option to do a deeper dive into vehicle specs. Other platforms have more vehicles, and it’s not available everywhere, but we still think Go Auto is one of the best used car sites in Canada.
Where it’s available: AB, BC, MB, ON, SK and NT
Pros
- Browse vehicles from over 70 dealerships
- Heaps of options to customize your search
- Free CARFAX reports
- Easy-to-understand and detailed listings
Cons
- Watch out for hidden dealership fees
- Not quite as user-friendly as some other platforms
- Not available everywhere
8. Craigslist: For cheap used cars purchased via private sales

Our take: Yes, this iconic online marketplace is still a legit place to shop for a used car in 2026. Craigslist’s no-frills design may look seriously dated, but we found it to be a simple and straightforward site for anyone shopping for a pre-loved vehicle. There were actually more search filters than we expected to help narrow down our buying options, so it’s quite easy to see what’s available that meets your needs.
But we did find that the number of listings varies greatly depending on your location—there were close to 5,000 cars and trucks listed in Vancouver, for example, but not a single one in Halifax. So depending on where you live, Craigslist could be a good choice as you search for your next car.
Where it’s available: Across Canada
Pros
- Simple to use
- Lots of handy search filters
- Potential to find a bargain
Cons
- Simple, dated design
- Limited inventory compared to some other sites
- Risk of fraud and scams
- Quality of listing varies depending on the seller
How we found the best used car websites in Canada
We found the best used car sites in Canada by shopping for used cars. We tested each platform in this list to check factors such as inventory size, ease of use, available search filters, price range and the checkout process. We also searched for two specific used models—the 2021 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCrew 4×4 and 2020 Honda Civic LX Sedan—in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Halifax to gauge how viable each platform is as an option for buyers in different areas of Canada.
Types of cars-for-sale websites in Canada
We’ve found that the best used car websites in Canada fall into four main categories. Weigh the pros and cons of each one below:
| Type of used car website | Examples | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online dealer |
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| General marketplace |
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| Online automotive marketplace |
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| Online network of in-person dealerships |
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Other cars-for-sale websites in Canada
If you’re searching for used cars online, here are some other car-buying sites you can visit.
| Used car site | Type | What you should know |
|---|---|---|
| AutoTempest | Aggregator | Displays listings from various used car sites like eBay, AutoTrader and Kijiji, but Canadian results are very limited |
| Used.ca | General marketplace | Similar to Craigslist, but more limited options |
| Carnex | Online dealer | For buying a used EV online, GTA only |
| Car Nation Canada | Online network of in-person dealers | Options to buy a new or used car online, Southern Ontario only |
| Ontariocars.ca | Online network of in-person dealerships | Options to buy a new or used car, Ontario only |
| Autorama | In-person dealership that offers online car sales | Shop for a used car online, Toronto only |
| Canadian Black Book | Car valuation site | For estimating the value of cars, available across Canada |
What’s the difference between online automotive marketplaces and online car dealers?
There are several key differences between online automotive marketplaces and online car dealers:
- Online automotive marketplaces. Marketplaces let you compare used cars from many dealers and private sellers. They don’t typically get involved in financing, vehicle sales or deliveries. You’ll need to arrange that with the dealer you choose.
- Online car dealers. Online dealers in Canada let you shop, finance and get your vehicle delivered all in one place. They typically offer newer used cars with low mileage for higher prices. They may also offer additional benefits like customer satisfaction guarantees and warranty coverage.
How to find the best online car-buying sites in Canada
Finding the best online car-buying sites in Canada will depend on your needs. To help narrow down your options, consider the following:
- Do you want to find the cheapest used cars? If so, consider private sellers from general marketplaces or online automotive marketplaces.
- Do you want a hassle-free buying experience and peace of mind? If so, consider one-stop-shop online dealers like Clutch.
- Do you want an easy experience browsing cars online? If so, consider used car sites with a good amount of listings and easy designs like AutoTrader, CarGurus and Clutch.
What to look for in a used car site
There are a few key factors to look for when comparing used car sites:
- Inventory. The more models available, the better your chances of finding the perfect car. But vehicle availability on some sites varies greatly depending on where you live, so look for sites with buying options close to you.
- Prices. Compare prices for similar models across multiple used car sites. You will generally be able to pay less if you buy from a private seller rather than a dealer, but you will need to shop around to find a bargain.
- Ease of use. The best used car sites offer a clean user interface, convenient search filters, price comparison tools and easy-to-read listings. Look for sites that show you all the key details you need to know, such as a vehicle’s mileage, trim level and transmission, immediately.
- Car history reports. The best used car sites offer free CARFAX reports, allowing you to quickly check a vehicle’s history.
- Scam protection. Look for websites that offer protection against scammers, such as taking steps to verify sellers and offering secure online payment options (if applicable).
What are the best used car websites according to Reddit?
Feedback on car-buying websites across various automotive Subreddits includes many of the platforms we’ve listed above.
Facebook Marketplace, AutoTrader and CarGurus are often listed as popular options. Some users mention the advantage of using more than one marketplace to find the best deal on the make and model you want, although this requires researching beforehand the exact type of vehicle that’s right for you.
Car-buying websites by province
Here’s a breakdown of which car-buying websites you can use where you live.
| Province | Car-buying sites |
|---|---|
| Alberta |
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| British Columbia |
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| Manitoba |
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| New Brunswick |
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| Newfoundland and Labrador |
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| Nova Scotia |
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| Ontario |
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| Prince Edward Island |
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| Québec |
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| Saskatchewan |
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Where can I find the cheapest used cars in Canada?
You can usually find the cheapest used cars from private sellers on automotive marketplaces like AutoTrader or general marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace. Buying a used car from a private seller takes more time and effort as you sift through many listings and book test drives with sellers, but the benefit is better prices.
What is the best used car to buy?
When looking at the best used car to buy, long-term dependability will be a top priority. To help you narrow down your options based on reliability, compare models from the following list of award winners from the J.D. Power 2026 Vehicle Dependability Study. These vehicles had the fewest number of owner-reported problems after three years of ownership:
- Most dependable model: Lexus IS
- Compact car: Toyota Corolla
- Midsize car: Toyota Camry
- Small SUV: Subaru Crosstrek
- Small premium SUV: Lexus UX
- Compact SUV: Chevrolet Equinox
- Compact premium SUV: BMW X4
- Midsize SUV: Nissan Murano
- Midsize premium SUV: Lexus GX
- Upper midsize SUV: Buick Enclave and Toyota 4Runner
- Upper midsize premium SUV: Cadillac XT6
- Large SUV: Chevrolet Tahoe
- Large light-duty pickup: Ram 1500
- Midsize pickup: Toyota Tacoma
- Minivan: Toyota Sienna
Vehicle availability is another important factor when choosing the best used car to buy. Higher inventory means more options for you, along with better price comparisons and negotiation potential.
According to the AutoTrader Price Index Q1 2026 report, used SUVs have the highest inventory availability, followed by used cars, used trucks and finally used minivans with the lowest inventory.
The average price of used cars has reached its lowest level since March 2022, falling to $36,713.
Which used car brand is the most reliable?
Consumer Reports in the US calculates used car reliability rankings based on the problems reported by its members on currently owned 5- to 10-year-old vehicles. According to the data, the top 5 most reliable brands are:
- Lexus: 77/100
- Toyota: 73/100
- Mazda: 58/100
- Honda: 57/100
- Acura and BMW: 53/100
You can also measure a car’s reliability in terms of how well it retains value. In J.D. Power’s 2026 US ALG Residual Value Awards, Toyota was the leading brand with 6 of its models winning awards. Plenty of other popular models also featured—for example, the Honda Civic was the top compact car and the Toyota Camry was the top midsize car.
Bottom line
Our testing showed that these platforms are the best websites for buying used cars in Canada. Whether you’re looking to shop for a vehicle and finance it from the comfort of your home or simply compare used car options from private sellers or dealerships, these used car sites make the car-buying process easier.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
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