{"id":822502,"date":"2019-12-12T00:44:43","date_gmt":"2019-12-12T05:44:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/ca\/?p=822502"},"modified":"2026-01-08T14:42:54","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T19:42:54","slug":"where-to-buy-a-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/ca\/car-loans\/buying-a-car\/where-to-buy-a-car","title":{"rendered":"Where to buy a car in Canada"},"content":{"rendered":"

These days, buying a car doesn\u2019t necessarily mean going to a dealership. While the traditional approach of visiting a new or used car dealer in person is still an option, you can also buy from a private seller, at an auto auction house or even online \u2013 in fact, you don\u2019t even have to leave home to buy your next car.<\/p>

But with so many options available, where is the best place to buy a car in Canada? In this guide, we\u2019ll break down your car sales choices one by one to help you decide the right option for you.<\/p>

Quick view: Where to buy a car in Canada<\/h3>

If you\u2019re wondering where to buy a car \u2013 whether new or used \u2013 the table below outlines your options.<\/p>
<\/th>Online dealer<\/b><\/th>In-person from a new car dealer<\/b><\/th>In-person from a used car dealer<\/b><\/th>Private seller<\/b><\/th>Auction<\/b><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Cost<\/b><\/td>Often cheaper<\/td>Often more expensive<\/td>Often more expensive<\/td>Often cheaper<\/td>Cheap<\/td><\/tr>
Speed of purchase<\/b><\/td>Depends how much you shop around<\/td>Can be time-consuming<\/td>Can be time-consuming<\/td>Can be time-consuming<\/td>Very fast<\/td><\/tr>
New cars available<\/b><\/td>Depends on the dealer<\/td>\"check<\/td>\"x<\/td>\"x<\/td>\"x<\/td><\/tr>
Used cars available<\/b><\/td>\"check<\/td>\"x<\/td>\"check<\/td>\"check<\/td>\"check<\/td><\/tr>
Test drives<\/b><\/td>Trial period usually<\/td>\"check<\/td>\"check<\/td>\"check<\/td>\"x<\/td><\/tr>
Ease of purchase<\/b><\/td>Easy<\/td>Varies \u2014 depends on the seller<\/td>Varies \u2014 depends on the seller<\/td>Varies \u2014 depends on the seller<\/td>Easy<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

5 places to buy a car in Canada<\/h3>
  1. Buying a car from an online dealer<\/a><\/li>
  2. Buying a car in-person from a new car dealer<\/a><\/li>
  3. Buying a car in-person from a used car dealer<\/a><\/li>
  4. Buying a car from a private seller<\/a><\/li>
  5. Buying a car at an auction<\/a><\/li><\/ol>

    1. Buying a car from an online dealer<\/h3>

    Online car dealerships such as Clutch<\/a> and CarDoor<\/a> allow you to compare and buy cars completely online. Simply browse the dealer\u2019s vehicle inventory on their website, compare models you\u2019re interested in and then place your order.<\/p>

    The car you buy can then be delivered to your door. In many cases, you\u2019ll then have a trial period of around 7\u201314 days to drive the vehicle and make sure you\u2019re happy with your purchase. Some online dealers also allow you to trade in your current vehicle to put toward the cost of your next car.<\/p>

    The biggest advantage of buying a car online<\/a> is that it\u2019s extremely convenient. You can compare a wide range of vehicles and prices without having to get off the couch and without feeling pressured to buy. However, making such a major purchase without physically laying eyes on the car yourself is a barrier for some potential buyers.<\/p>

    Check out our guide to online car dealers in Canada<\/a> to research your online car buying options.<\/p>

    Pros<\/h4>