{"id":989769,"date":"2022-07-13T13:16:48","date_gmt":"2022-07-13T17:16:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/ca\/?page_id=989769"},"modified":"2025-04-21T16:56:13","modified_gmt":"2025-04-21T20:56:13","slug":"how-to-sell-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/ca\/car-loans\/how-to-sell-car","title":{"rendered":"How to sell a car in Canada"},"content":{"rendered":"

You can sell your car in Canada through a private marketplace, an online or in-person dealership or an online automotive marketplace. Requirements for how to sell a car vary by province, and you may need to take different steps depending on the platform you choose.<\/p>

Keep reading for step-by-step instructions.<\/p>

How to sell a car in Canada: Step-by-step guide<\/h3>

Wondering how to sell a car in Canada? Follow these steps for an easy process from start to finish:<\/p>

  1. Prepare your car for sale<\/a><\/li>
  2. Figure out how much your car is worth<\/a><\/li>
  3. Choose where to sell your car<\/a><\/li>
  4. Prepare your documents<\/a><\/li>
  5. List your car and get an offer<\/a><\/li>
  6. Finalize the sale<\/a><\/li><\/ol>

    Step 1: Prepare your car for sale<\/h3>

    Use this checklist to prepare to sell your car:<\/p>

    Clean your car<\/h4>

    Wash and polish the outside (including the engine and tires), vacuum the seats, wipe down surfaces and remove all of your personal belongings. You may even want to consider getting your car professionally detailed to help with the sale.<\/p>

    Visit your mechanic<\/h4>

    Get an inspection report for your car to make sure it\u2019s in good shape. This costs a bit extra but could help you net a higher price for your car. Prices for inspections usually range from $150 to $250.<\/p>

    Gather your paperwork<\/h4>

    Gather records for oil changes, regular servicing and accessories like new tires or wipers to show that you take good care of your car. You can also download a copy of your CARFAX report to have on hand.<\/p>

    Prepare your ad<\/h4>

    If you plan to post an ad online, take high-quality photos of your car in a nice location with good lighting. Write a detailed ad that lists key information about your vehicle and its special features.<\/p>

    Step 2: Figure out how much your car is worth<\/h3>

    Search for your car on sites like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, Consumer Reports or AutoTrader to figure out how much it\u2019s worth. You can also search for similar vehicles on online marketplaces to get a better idea of how much other sellers are asking for.<\/p>

    \n
    \nDive deeper: <\/span>How much is my car worth?<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>

    Step 3: Choose where to sell your car<\/h3>

    There are several different ways to sell a car in Canada, each with its own pros and cons. Compare your options in this table.<\/p>
    Where to sell<\/th>Example(s)<\/th>Best for<\/th>Pros<\/th>Cons<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    Online dealership<\/a><\/td>Clutch<\/a><\/td>Convenience<\/td>
    • Sell your car without leaving your home<\/li>
    • Simple and straightforward<\/li>
    • Avoid the hassle of negotiating<\/li><\/ul><\/td>
    • May get a lower price than you want<\/li>
    • Online dealers only accept newer vehicles<\/li><\/ul><\/td><\/tr>
    In-person dealership<\/td>Search for local dealerships in your area<\/td>Fast sales<\/td>
    • Quick and convenient<\/li>
    • Dealer can help you take care of the paperwork<\/li>
    • Trade in your vehicle to help pay for the next one<\/li><\/ul><\/td>
    • Lower sales price<\/li>
    • Less chance to negotiate<\/li><\/ul><\/td><\/tr>
    Online marketplace<\/td>AutoTrader, Carpages.ca, Craigslist, Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace and Used.ca<\/td>Getting the best price<\/td>
    • You get to name your price<\/li>
    • Lots of popular platforms to choose from<\/li>
    • Sell old or new models<\/li><\/ul><\/td>