If you’re shopping for a used car in Oshawa, you’ve got no shortage of options. From long-established dealerships along major corridors like King Street and Simcoe to newer online-first platforms, there are plenty of ways to find a vehicle that fits your needs and budget.
Oshawa’s driving culture is shaped by a blend of legacy auto manufacturing, commuter routes to Toronto, and a growing population of families and professionals. That means buyers are often looking for practical, year-round vehicles that handle well in the snow, offer great fuel economy, and are built to last, like sedans, compact SUVs, and light-duty trucks.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the best places to buy a used car in Oshawa, including both local dealerships and fully digital alternatives like Clutch. You’ll also find insights on the most popular used cars in the area, insurance costs, and how to register your vehicle once you’ve made your purchase.
Best Places to Buy a Used Car in Oshawa
Clutch (Online + Local Pop-Up)
Address: 160 Consumers Dr, Whitby, ON L1N 9S3 (Fridays only)
Clutch brings a fully digital car-buying experience to the Oshawa region, with the added convenience of a local drop-off and pickup location just minutes away in Whitby. Every vehicle comes with a 210-point inspection, free CARFAX report, and transparent no-haggle pricing. You can browse online, get pre-qualified, arrange delivery, or visit the local pop-up to drop off your trade or pick up your vehicle. With a 10-day money-back guarantee and easy online financing, Clutch makes used car shopping simple and stress-free. Shop used cars for sale in Oshawa with Clutch.
Fraser Ford
Address: 815 King St W, Oshawa, ON L1J 2L4
Fraser Ford is one of Oshawa’s most well-known dealerships, offering a wide range of certified pre-owned and used vehicles. While Ford models dominate the lot, you’ll often find other brands available too. The dealership is known for strong service support and helping buyers with trade-ins and financing.
Midway Nissan
Address: 1300 Dundas St E, Whitby, ON L1N 2K5
Located just west of the Oshawa border, Midway Nissan provides a broad selection of used vehicles across multiple brands, not just Nissans. Shoppers appreciate their certified used inventory and fair pricing, with additional services like extended warranty packages and financing available.
Deluxe Auto Centre
Address: 1000 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, ON L1G 4W2
Deluxe Auto Centre is a local independent dealership offering budget-friendly pre-owned vehicles across a wide range of makes. It’s a good option for shoppers seeking something under $20K or looking to finance with flexible terms. They’re known for responsive customer service and a rotating inventory.
Oshawa Hyundai
Address: 1200 Thickson Rd N, Whitby, ON L1N 6C4
Though technically just outside Oshawa, this dealership is a key player for Hyundai shoppers in Durham. They carry a large selection of used vehicles and offer in-house financing and service support. Many buyers appreciate the straightforward experience and wide availability of compact sedans and SUVs.
Top-Selling Used Cars in Oshawa
Oshawa drivers tend to favour vehicles that can handle diverse conditions—from Highway 401 commuting to snowy backroads in Durham Region. The local market leans heavily toward practical crossovers, dependable sedans, and family-ready SUVs. Here are the top-selling used vehicles in Oshawa based on 2024 sales trends:
1. Honda CR-V
A versatile SUV that’s perfect for Ontario winters, thanks to available AWD, strong resale value, and excellent reliability.
2. Honda Civic
A perennial best-seller that appeals to commuters and students alike for its fuel efficiency, affordable maintenance, and sporty feel.
3. Nissan Rogue
A popular compact SUV for families and everyday drivers, offering a smooth ride, generous cargo space, and modern tech.
4. Honda Pilot
A roomy 3-row SUV that’s ideal for growing families or weekend road trips, with a reputation for reliability and comfort.
A compact crossover with standard AWD, great ground clearance, and a rugged edge—well-suited for all-season driving.
6. Honda Accord
A midsize sedan with upscale features and strong performance, perfect for buyers who want more space without going SUV.
A favourite among Oshawa’s tradespeople and outdoor adventurers, known for its durability and towing capability.
A wagon-style crossover that blends utility, comfort, and standard AWD—great for weekend getaways or cottage drives.
A well-equipped compact car with a sleek design and good fuel economy, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers.
10. Honda HR-V
A subcompact crossover that’s easy to park in tight city spots but still offers flexible cargo space and AWD availability.
Driving in Oshawa: What to Consider
Oshawa drivers face a wide range of conditions throughout the year, from snowy winters with lake effect flurries to hot, busy summer weekends on the 401. The city sees plenty of road salt and ice, which makes winter tires essential and gives extra value to AWD vehicles like the Honda CR-V or Subaru Crosstrek.
Many residents commute to Toronto or other parts of the GTA, so easy access to Highway 401 and the toll-based 407 plays a big role when choosing a car. Fuel efficiency and comfort become important for long-haul weekday drivers, while weekend adventurers may prioritize cargo space or towing capacity.
In the city itself, a mix of suburban sprawl and tighter urban pockets means you’ll want something easy to maneuver and park. Compact cars and SUVs are a popular middle ground for balancing visibility, comfort, and convenience on Oshawa’s varied roadways.
Insurance Costs in Oshawa
The average annual auto insurance premium in Oshawa is approximately $1,953, according to Rates.ca. While this is slightly below the Toronto average, it’s still on the higher end for Ontario — largely due to the region’s dense traffic, accident rates, and proximity to the GTA.
Several local factors can impact your rate, including your driving history, vehicle type, age, and the specific Oshawa neighbourhood you live in. Areas with higher theft rates or more frequent collisions may lead to higher premiums, even within the same city.
To help reduce your insurance costs, consider:
- Choosing a vehicle with strong safety ratings and lower repair costs (like a Toyota RAV4 or Honda Civic)
- Maintaining a clean driving record
- Comparing quotes from multiple insurers
- Bundling home and auto policies
- Increasing your deductible if it fits your budget
Before finalizing your car purchase, it’s worth checking how your preferred model compares for insurance costs to avoid surprises down the road.
Registering Your Car in Oshawa
Once you’ve purchased a used vehicle in Oshawa, you’ll need to register your car with ServiceOntario to legally drive it on public roads. This process ensures the car is properly linked to your name and includes steps like transferring ownership and obtaining licence plates.
What you’ll need to register a used car in Ontario:
- Vehicle ownership permit (signed by the seller)
- Proof of valid auto insurance
- Driver’s licence
- Safety Standards Certificate (for private sales)
- Emissions test results (only for certain heavy-duty vehicles)
Nearby ServiceOntario locations in the Oshawa area include:
- 200 John St W, Oshawa, ON L1J 2B4 (Downtown)
- 1333 Wilson Rd N, Unit 105, Oshawa, ON L1K 2Z5 (North Oshawa)
Buying from Clutch? We take care of the registration process for you, including ownership transfer and safety certification. Whether you choose pickup at our Whitby pop-up location or home delivery, your vehicle arrives fully registered and ready to drive.
{{inlinecta2}}
Find the Right Used Car for You
Whether you prefer browsing dealer lots in person or shopping entirely online, Oshawa offers a wide range of options to suit your needs. Traditional dealerships provide the opportunity to see cars up close, while online platforms like Clutch offer convenience, transparency, and flexibility without the pressure of in-person sales.
With Clutch, you can explore certified used vehicles online, get upfront pricing with no haggling, and complete your purchase from the comfort of home. Choose home delivery or pickup at our Whitby pop-up location — and if you have a vehicle to sell, get an instant trade-in estimate online.
Ready to find your next ride?
Browse used cars in Oshawa or get a trade-in offer in minutes.
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
