Car Research Tools: Best Car Apps and Websites in Canada

Looking to buy a new (or new-to-you) car? It can feel overwhelming trying to figure out where to start on your search. Filter out the noise and start your car search on the right foot by visiting some of these helpful and easy-to-use Canadian car-selling sites and car-buying apps.

Car buyers have a lot of resources to help them in their search for a new set of wheels—right at their fingertips. If you’re looking for a new or used vehicle, car-buying apps and websites can provide access to private seller and dealership listings, as well as tools for researching the right vehicle and figuring out how much your car loan will cost.

AT A GLANCE

Everyone has a smartphone in their pocket these days and developers are busy creating apps for our every want and need. Why not use technology in our favour when it’s time to do research for our next vehicle? We selected the most common car-buying apps and the most popular car-selling websites in Canada.

Here’s our list of the best car-buying apps In Canada on the market for both Apple and Android users:

• Auto Trader
• Kijiji
• CARFAX
• Facebook Marketplace
• Cars.com
• Consumer Reports Car Guides
• CarGurus
• Mint / Credit Karma
• CarBuzz
• Carpages
• Canadian Black Book
• Used Cars Canada

Our Picks For The Best Car-Buying Sites and Apps In Canada

Each platform offers unique advantages tailored to different needs. Whether you prioritize pricing transparency, a vast inventory, or user-friendly tools, these sites provide everything you need to make an informed decision. Some platforms focus on new cars with detailed pricing breakdowns, while others cater to used car buyers with features like financing calculators and vehicle history reports. By understanding what each platform offers, you can ensure that you’re making the most informed decision for your car-buying needs. Let’s dive into their features, pros, cons, and costs to help you choose the best platform for your car-buying journey.

With the rise of online car shopping, Canadians have a huge selection of websites and mobile apps to use when searching for their next vehicle. Whether you’re just browsing car listings or you’re ready to buy, these apps can help you find the right vehicle at the best price. Here are some of the most popular options for finding and purchasing cars online in Canada:

Auto Trader

iOS | Android

Auto Trader’s website is one of the most comprehensive online car search tools for Canadian car buyers. You can search the ample vehicle database for free without signing up for an account. Searches are based on your location and can be as detailed or as broad as you’d like. Results include Auto Trader’s pricing index info so you know if used vehicles are priced accurately by the seller. You can also fill up your “virtual garage” by saving vehicles that catch your eye while you’re scrolling.

Pros

• Comprehensive search filters for narrowing down your options
• Large inventory of vehicles across Canada
• Includes listings from private sellers and dealerships
• Features vehicle history reports for many listings
• Mobile-friendly interface, making it easy to browse on the go

Cons

• Some listings may lack detailed descriptions or photos
• Private sellers may not offer warranties or guarantees
• Higher competition for sought-after vehicles can lead to faster sales

Cost

• For Buyers: Free to browse and use the platform
• For Sellers: Private sellers can list their vehicles for free, but paid options for enhanced visibility are available. Dealerships typically pay for listing packages, with pricing depending on the number of vehicles and advertising features. Enhanced packages can include priority placement, extended listing durations, and additional photos.

Kijiji

iOS | Android

You can buy and sell just about anything on Kijiji and its popularity makes it a good place to look for used cars as a research tool. It’s essentially an online classifieds section, so the quality of the ads and information about the posted vehicles will vary widely. The app does give sellers the option of adding specs to their listing, which covers all the basic car details from make, model, and colour to drive, terrain and transmission.

Pros

• Large inventory of both new and used vehicles
• Free to browse and list cars
• Ability to filter by location for local purchases
• Diverse range of vehicle types and price points

Cons

• Minimal buyer protection
• Some listings may lack vehicle history information
• Higher likelihood of encountering outdated or duplicate listings

Cost

• For Buyers and Sellers: Free to use, with optional paid features for enhanced visibility and promotion. Paid options include premium ads that appear higher in search results or extend the listing’s visibility duration.

CARFAX

iOS | Android

Used car shopping is a practice in buyer-beware warnings. While you want to give every seller the benefit of the doubt, it’s very important to have the right research tools. CARFAX is a trusted vehicle background-checking service that now offers a mobile app. You can request a Vehicle History Report through the app by entering the driver’s licence plate number or the car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (or VIN) into the database. The service isn’t free, however, trusted dealerships will provide you with a CARFAX copy free of charge.

Facebook Marketplace

iOS | Android

Facebook Marketplace has exploded in recent years as a place for Canadians to buy and sell vehicles directly to others in their local community. You can access Marketplace through the Facebook app where car buyers can browse local listings, communicate with sellers and purchase cars all in one place. Keep in mind that these listings are user-created and may not always include all details of the vehicle. It’s important to do your research and find out as much as you can about the car (including taking a test drive, if possible) before purchasing.

Pros

• No fees for buyers or sellers.
• Wide variety of vehicle options, including local deals.
• Direct communication with sellers via Facebook Messenger.
• Easy to navigate and integrated with your existing Facebook account.

Cons

• Limited buyer protection or warranties
• Quality of listings varies widely
• Higher risk of encountering scams or fraudulent listings

Cost

• Completely free to use for buyers and sellers

Cars.com

iOS | Android

Cars.com has over half a million new and used vehicle listings from auto dealers across Canada, making it one of the largest online automotive marketplaces in the country. In the app, you can shop for vehicles by make, model, price, and location. You can also browse dealer inventories in your own area, research prices and connect with sellers across Canada.

Pros

• Extensive inventory of new and used vehicles from dealers and private sellers.
• User-friendly interface with advanced search filters.
• Provides tools like price comparisons and finance calculators.
• Offers dealer reviews and ratings for informed decision-making.
• No subscription required for buyers; free to browse and use.
• Mobile app available for convenient access.
• Provides vehicle history reports for informed decision-making.

Cons

• Does not have a physical inventory; connects users with dealerships.
• Some users report inaccuracies in vehicle listings.
• No direct financing options; users must secure financing separately.
• Advertisements may be present on the platform.
• Limited integration with vehicle inspection or test drive scheduling.
• Dealer inventory may not always be up-to-date.
• Private sellers may experience varying response times from potential buyers.

Cost:

Cars.com is free for both buyers and sellers.

Consumer Reports Car Guides

iOS | Android

How much are you actually going to spend on your new or used vehicle? Yes, the sticker price is an important part of the calculation, but most people don’t have the cash to buy a car outright. If you’re going to be leasing or applying for a car loan you should have the Consumer Reports Car Guide app on the ready. It has a free lease and loan calculator that helps you add up all the cost-related aspects of buying a new car so you won’t be surprised by your monthly payments. You can either plug in the price of an actual car or search their database to find the average selling price of a car you’re interested in.

Pros

• Offers unbiased and data-driven reviews for vehicles available in Canada.
• Includes detailed safety ratings and crash test results specific to Canadian regulations.
• Provides insights into vehicle reliability based on user feedback and repair history.
• Features price comparisons and recommendations for Canadian buyers.
• Covers a wide range of vehicles, including models commonly available in Canada.
• Helps identify fuel-efficient cars suitable for Canadian driving conditions.
• Offers detailed insights into resale value and long-term ownership costs.

Cons

• Requires a subscription to access full reports and guides.
• Limited availability of specific Canadian models compared to U.S. coverage.
• Some recommendations may not account for unique Canadian climate needs (e.g., winter performance).
• Vehicle data may rely on broader North American trends, potentially overlooking regional nuances.
• No direct access to vehicle history reports or market-specific incentives.

Cost

Consumer Reports requires a subscription to access its car guides and full reports in Canada. The cost is approximately $40 CAD annually for a digital subscription, which includes unlimited access to product reviews, car ratings, and reliability data. For those seeking additional features like print magazines, a combined digital and print subscription is available for around $60 CAD per year.

CarGurus

iOS | Android

Car buyers can feel confident they’re getting a fair price when using CarGurus because of its instant price analysis and deal ratings on car listings. The app compiles dealer inventories nationwide to help you find the right car at the right deal. You can search millions of listings in one place, compare prices and features, access unbiased ratings and reviews, and estimate payments.

Mint / Credit Karma

iOS | Android

While not specifically related to car-buying, Mint (which has now moved to Credit Karma) is a great tool to help you save for that big purchase. The app allows you to view your current month’s spending broken down by category, your average spending in each category and how much your current month’s spending differs from the same period in the previous month. It also shows your transactions across all of your connected accounts, giving you a view of your spending at a glance.

Pros

• Free access to credit scores and financial tools in Canada.
• Provides insights into loan options for financing used cars.
• Offers tailored recommendations for car loans based on credit profile.
• User-friendly platform accessible via web or app.
• Includes educational resources to help understand credit and financing.

Cons

• Focuses primarily on financial aspects, with limited car-buying tools.
• Loan recommendations may include higher interest rates for low credit scores.
• Does not provide vehicle listings or history reports.
• Recommendations are based on partner lenders, potentially limiting options.
• Limited integration with Canadian-specific vehicle financing resources.

Cost

Credit Karma is free to use in Canada, offering access to credit scores and tailored financial insights at no cost. While the platform doesn’t charge fees, it generates revenue through partner loan recommendations, which may impact the range of financing options presented to users.

CarBuzz

iOS | Android

CarBuzz is designed primarily for car enthusiasts with daily updates about industry news and new models. That said, if you’re looking for a brand-new car it’s a good place to go for information on new releases. The free app also has a car review section that can be narrowed down by make. It offers detailed overviews of new and old models complete with plenty of photos and information about interior and exterior craftspersonship, handling performance, fuel consumption, and more. The app’s buyer’s guide also allows you to research different car types by price range and includes all of the trim types available and has links to CarBuzz articles published on the vehicle.

Pros

• Provides up-to-date automotive news and reviews.
• User-friendly interface with comprehensive car information.
• Offers a mobile app for convenient access.
• Features a community section for discussions and user engagement.
• Includes detailed car comparisons and buying guides.

Cons

• Contains advertisements that may disrupt user experience.
• Some users report occasional clickbait titles.
• Focuses heavily on high-end and luxury vehicles, potentially limiting content for average consumers.
• Limited coverage of regional automotive news specific to Canada.
• User comments can sometimes be unmoderated, leading to negative interactions.

Cost

Overall, CarBuzz offers a wealth of automotive information at no cost, though users should be aware of its focus areas and the presence of advertisements.

Carpages

iOS | Android

Carpages.ca is a mobile app designed for those looking for a used car in Canada. It has a sparse interface but offers everything you need while searching for a vehicle. It’s free to use and you can jump right into a search from the load screen. Pick the year, kind of car you’re looking for, make and model and away you go. The Carpages app allows you to bookmark vehicles and the history tab allows you to look at your past searches.

Pros

• Extensive inventory of new and used vehicles nationwide.
• User-friendly interface with advanced search filters.
• Offers vehicle history reports for informed decision-making.
• Provides financing tools, including payment calculators.
• Features dealer reviews and ratings to assess seller reputations.
• Mobile app available for convenient browsing.
• “Buy From Home” program for safe and convenient purchasing.

Cons

• Primarily focuses on dealer listings; fewer private seller options.
• Limited inventory in remote or smaller communities.
• Some advanced features may require account registration.
• Advertisements present throughout the platform.
• No direct integration for vehicle inspections or test drives.
• Limited support for vehicle trade-ins.
• Potential delays in response times from some sellers.

Cost

For Buyers: Carpages.ca is free for buyers to use, offering access to a wide range of vehicle listings, search tools, and resources without any subscription fees.

For Sellers: For sellers, particularly dealers, there may be costs associated with listing vehicles and utilizing premium services, though specific pricing details are not publicly disclosed.

IMPORTANT FEATURES TO HIGHLIGHT

The number one reason the apps above made the list of top car-buying apps in Canada is how easy they make it for the user to shop for new and used cars right from their phone. Each app has its own unique advantages, but here are some key features they all have across the board:

• Huge inventories of vehicles for sale
• Detailed vehicle information and history reports
• Price comparisons across vehicles and sellers
• Loan payment calculators
• Test drive options
• Purchasing and financing within the app

HOW CANADIANS USE THESE APPS

More and more Canadians are turning to these car-buying apps on their vehicle-buying journey. How are they using them to their advantage? Here are 5 ways:

• Browse Inventory: Buyers can search massive national inventories to find specific makes, models, and prices. They can view inventory across the entire country to find exactly what they want.
• Compare Pricing: Using these car-buying apps allows buyers to compare prices across a number of sellers and negotiate the best deal possible. Having quotes from several dealers creates leverage for a lower price.
• Check Vehicle History: Car buyers use these apps to check on the detailed vehicle history of a vehicle before buying. Many offer access to maintenance records, accidents, etc.
• Schedule Test Drives: Some car-buying apps offer the option for buyers to get a feel for the car before buying by scheduling a test drive at a local dealer.
• Make An Easy Purchase: A big draw for some buyers is to make their entire car purchase digitally—financing included. Your next car could be delivered straight to your door!

Best Car Buying Websites in Canada 

Don’t want to look into apps? Preferer to do your car research on the comfort of your tablet or computer? We’ve also selected the best websites  

Car Pages

Get extensive listings for both new and used vehicles with the click of a button. Car Pages has an exclusive agreement with the Used Car Dealers Association, providing exceptionally accurate information and fair pricing from listed dealers. All private sellers listed on the site are identity-verified.

Auto Trader

The gold standard for buying and selling used cars, this site boasts extensive Canada-wide listings for both dealer and private vehicle sales. Using their “Compare” function compiles an at-a-glance spreadsheet of up to four different vehicles, so your final decision will be even easier!

Canadian Black Book

This site offers one-stop shopping for both new and used cars across Canada. Simply choose the make, model, and price that fit your criteria to be presented with a selection of options close to you, or search by location for most major Canadian cities. CBB also provides the useful “Average Asking Price” function, allowing you to compare your findings against average market prices for any car you’re considering.

Used Cars Canada

Easily adjust search settings to find the exact vehicle you’re after in the price range you want. Or, search by the dealer to see who has the best deals in your area. Save cars to your compare list to easily weigh your options, and contact the dealer directly through the website.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right car-buying site in Canada depends on your specific needs, whether it’s finding a used car, securing the best deal on a new car, or simply comparing options. Platforms like AutoTrader and Kijiji offer vast inventories, while specialized tools like Canadian Black Book and Car Cost Canada help with valuations and pricing insights. If you’re looking for transparency, platforms like Unhaggle and CarGurus excel in simplifying pricing comparisons. Each site has its strengths, so consider your priorities when deciding where to start.

Ready to start your search? Explore these sites today and find the perfect vehicle to match your needs and budget!

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