Buying a car in Canada

Can I buy a car anywhere in Canada?

You can find dealerships, owners and all kinds of vehicles anywhere in Canada. However, there’s one “rule” to keep in mind—be extra careful when buying a used car in Quebec. It’s nothing to do with your French language skills; it’s just that Quebec is the only province where car inspections are not mandatory.

In other words, second-hand cars sold in Quebec don’t have to go through any mandated inspection, nor is the seller or dealership under any obligation to provide any level of safety or reliability. So lemons tend to end up in Quebec and if you’re not particularly knowledgeable about cars, you could end up with a terrible deal.

Stuck in Quebec? Don’t freak out; you can still find decent cars. Just be careful and, if possible, bring a knowledgeable friend. You can also head to neighbouring provinces like Ontario or New Brunswick to buy a car that was inspected. However, don’t bother crossing the border—importing a car from the US can be a red-tape nightmare.

Should I buy my vehicle from a dealership or from a private owner?

Both options are perfectly valid and in both cases, common sense applies. Realistically, unless you’re in the car business, it’s unlikely you will outsmart sellers, so it pays to do your research, compare prices and stick to your budget.

If you decide to buy your vehicle from a private owner, your top choice should be a one-owner car over a car that had multiple owners—lower mileage, less wear and tear, and a better traceable history. Ask for service records that document the vehicle maintenance and repairs.

You can also shop around at dealerships. Compare models, prices and add-ons, and book a few test drives. You must have heard a stereotype or two about sleazy car salesmen, right? Well, they may apply. High-pressure sales tactics and the whole dance of negotiation are best handled by keeping in mind that you have options and there are plenty of dealerships to buy from. Don’t be afraid to walk out and don’t feel pressure to take the first offer you receive.

When is the best time to buy a car?

One of the not-so-secret dealership secrets is that the best time to buy a car—i.e. get a good deal—is in October, November and December. Nothing to do with Halloween or Christmas, it’s just that car salesmen work on commission and have to meet yearly, quarterly and monthly sales quotas. Show up at the end of the month/year and you could get a good offer from a salesman who has yet to meet their quota.

There’s no perfect timing to buy from a private seller. In fact, be careful if the person claims they have to sell fast because they’re “moving away for a job”; it could be a scam. This doesn’t apply if you buy a used car from another backpacker who is genuinely going home, however!

Where should I start researching deals online?

The Internet is a precious resource to collect info that you can use to narrow your search and negotiate a deal—research the average price for the make/model, dealer shipping fees, applicable taxes, financing offers, etc.

These websites should be useful in your search:

• Autotrader
• Auto123.com
• Driving.ca
• Auto Aubaine (for Quebec)
• Information on fuel-efficient vehicles from the Government of Canada
• Consumer info from Ontario’s Vehicle Sales Regulator
• Financing a car from the Government of Canada
• Kijiji