Shopping for a used car in Ottawa comes with plenty of options—whether you prefer walking the lots of local dealerships or browsing online listings from the comfort of home. As Canada’s capital, Ottawa has a unique mix of government commuters, urban drivers, and suburban families, all with different needs when it comes to used vehicles.

From navigating snowy winters along the Queensway to weekend trips in Gatineau Park, the best used cars in Ottawa tend to be reliable, fuel-efficient, and ready for year-round driving. SUVs, compact sedans, and AWD vehicles are especially popular with local buyers thanks to their practicality across seasons and neighbourhoods—from downtown Centretown to rural Greely.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best places to buy a used car in Ottawa, including top-rated dealerships and fully online options like Clutch. You’ll also find insights on the most popular vehicles in Ottawa, tips for registering your car, and how to save on insurance when buying in the region.

Top Used Car Dealerships in Ottawa

If you prefer the traditional experience of test driving cars, walking the lot, and speaking with sales reps in person, Ottawa has several established used car dealerships worth visiting. Here are some of the most well-reviewed and recognized in the area:

Ogilvie Subaru

Address: 1040 Parisien St, Ottawa, ON K1B 3N2

Known for its large selection of certified pre-owned Subarus, Ogilvie Subaru also carries a variety of other makes. The dealership is praised for transparent pricing, knowledgeable staff, and a modern showroom.

Pathway Hyundai

Address: 1375 Youville Dr, Ottawa, ON K1C 4R1

Serving Ottawa’s east end, Pathway Hyundai offers a wide selection of used vehicles, including both Hyundai and other makes. They’re known for competitive pricing and strong financing support for buyers.

Janex Auto Sales

Address: 1470 Hunt Club Rd, Ottawa, ON K1T 1M6

A family-run independent dealership, Janex specializes in budget-friendly used cars. Their inventory changes frequently and includes options under $20,000. They also offer in-house financing options and vehicle trade-ins.

Elite BMW

Address: 1040 Ogilvie Rd, Ottawa, ON K1J 8G9

For buyers seeking premium pre-owned options, Elite BMW carries certified BMW vehicles along with other luxury makes. Their inventory tends to focus on higher-end, low-mileage vehicles with detailed service histories.

Bank Street Toyota

Address: 1811 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1V 7Z6

As one of the largest Toyota dealers in the region, Bank Street Toyota offers a robust used vehicle department featuring both Toyota and other reliable makes. Their used cars go through full reconditioning and safety checks before hitting the lot.

Buying a Used Car Online in Ottawa

While traditional dealerships are still popular, more Ottawa residents are turning to online car-buying platforms for their next vehicle—especially those seeking a more streamlined, transparent, and time-saving experience.

Clutch is the leading online platform for buying used cars in Canada, offering a fully digital experience from browsing to delivery, with services tailored specifically for Ottawa drivers:

• Browse and Buy Online

Skip the showroom and shop from the comfort of your home. Clutch lets you explore hundreds of certified used cars on your phone or laptop, complete with high-res images, 360° views, and full vehicle specs.

• No-Haggle Pricing

Every vehicle is priced upfront—no negotiations required. What you see is what you pay, making it easier to compare models without sales pressure.

• 210-Point Inspection + Free CARFAX Report

Every car sold on Clutch undergoes a detailed 210-point mechanical and cosmetic inspection. You’ll also receive a free CARFAX vehicle history report with each listing.

• Pickup or Delivery Options in Ottawa

Prefer to see the car in person before finalizing the deal? Clutch offers a convenient pop-up location in Ottawa for pickups and drop-offs. Or, you can have your vehicle delivered directly to your driveway anywhere in the city or surrounding areas.

• 10-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Worried about committing without a test drive? Clutch gives you a 10-day, 750-km test-own window. If the car isn’t the right fit, you can return it for a full refund—no questions asked.

• Trade-In and Financing Options

Instantly find out how much your current vehicle is worth with Clutch’s online trade-in tool. You can apply your offer toward a new purchase or simply sell the car to Clutch. Financing is also available and fully online.

Top-Selling Used Cars in Ottawa

Wondering what your neighbours in Ottawa are driving? Based on 2024 sales data, these are the most popular used vehicles in the region. With Ottawa’s mix of urban neighbourhoods, suburban sprawl, and harsh winter conditions, it’s no surprise that reliable sedans, compact SUVs, and capable trucks dominate the list.

1.  Toyota Corolla
A go-to for commuters and students, the Corolla is known for its long-term reliability, fuel efficiency, and low maintenance costs—making it one of the most trusted sedans in Canada.

{{widget-1}}

2. Ford F-150
Ottawa’s mix of city, suburbs, and rural outskirts makes the F-150 a strong choice for drivers needing towing power, bed space, and winter capability.

{{widget-2}}

3. Nissan Rogue
A compact SUV that’s great for families and winter driving. The Rogue combines practicality with good fuel economy and modern features.

{{widget-3}}

4. Honda Civic
A favourite among Canadian drivers for decades, the Civic balances fuel efficiency, comfort, and sharp styling—perfect for Ottawa’s daily commute.

{{widget-4}}

5. Honda CR-V
With available AWD, a roomy cabin, and strong resale value, the CR-V is a smart choice for drivers who need a do-it-all SUV for city and weekend use.

{{widget-5}}

6. Kia Soul
Known for its unique design and spacious interior, the Kia Soul is a practical and fun urban vehicle that works well year-round.

7. Kia Forte
A compact sedan with great value, modern tech, and solid efficiency—ideal for budget-conscious drivers who want a newer vehicle without breaking the bank.

8. Nissan Qashqai
Compact and nimble, the Qashqai offers a car-like ride with SUV versatility. A great pick for city driving and light snow duty.

9. Hyundai Elantra
A strong all-around sedan with sharp styling, fuel efficiency, and a smooth ride—well-suited for everything from downtown Ottawa to Orleans or Kanata.

10. Mazda Mazda3
Sporty yet practical, the Mazda3 is a favourite for its driving dynamics and upscale interior. Available as both a sedan and hatchback.

Driving in Ottawa: What to Consider

Ottawa’s unique blend of urban centres, expanding suburbs, and proximity to Quebec presents a range of driving conditions year-round. When shopping for a used car in Ottawa, here are a few factors to keep in mind:

Winter Weather

Ottawa averages more than 220 cm of snowfall each year, making winter tires a must—and all-wheel drive a smart choice. Compact SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue offer strong winter performance without sacrificing fuel economy.

Commuting Across the Region

With many residents commuting from areas like Barrhaven, Orleans, or Gatineau, fuel-efficient sedans like the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Elantra are popular for keeping fuel costs in check during daily highway and city driving.

Weekend Travel and Road Trips

If you’re heading to cottage country, up to the Gatineau Hills, or out to Montreal or Toronto, versatile vehicles like the Mazda3 or Nissan Qashqai offer the right mix of comfort, efficiency, and cargo space.

City Parking and Navigation

Downtown Ottawa can be tight for parking. Compact models like the Kia Soul or Forte are easier to maneuver and fit in smaller spaces—making them ideal for city living.

Insurance Costs in Ottawa

Compared to larger cities like Toronto, car insurance in Ottawa is generally more affordable. On average, drivers in Ottawa pay around $1,200–$1,400 per year for auto insurance, depending on the vehicle and individual driving profile.

That’s several hundred dollars less than the GTA average, making Ottawa a relatively budget-friendly city for car ownership.

What Affects Your Insurance Rate in Ottawa?

• Vehicle Type: SUVs like the Honda CR-V or Nissan Rogue may have slightly higher premiums than compact sedans like the Toyota Corolla or Hyundai Elantra due to size and repair costs.
• Driving Record: A clean record helps keep rates low, while tickets or accidents can raise your premium significantly.
• Coverage Level: Opting for comprehensive coverage increases your rate compared to basic liability, but also offers more protection.
• Neighbourhood: Rates can vary slightly based on where you live—denser or high-theft areas may carry higher premiums.

Tip: When shopping for a used car, it’s worth comparing insurance quotes for a few models before deciding. Vehicles with strong safety ratings, like the CR-V or RAV4, often qualify for lower premiums.

Registering Your Car in Ottawa

Once you’ve purchased a used car in Ottawa, the next step is registration. This ensures your vehicle is legally allowed on public roads and linked to you as the new owner.

What You’ll Need:

• Vehicle permit (ownership) signed by the seller
• Proof of valid insurance
• Safety standards certificate (if buying privately)
• Emission test results (only required for heavy-duty diesel vehicles)
• Driver’s licence and identification

If you’re buying from Clutch, most of this is handled for you—including the ownership transfer and safety inspection—so you can skip the line at ServiceOntario.

ServiceOntario Locations in Ottawa:

Here are a few locations where you can register your car or pick up plates:

• 110 Laurier Ave W, Ottawa, ON K1P 1J1 (Downtown)
• 1309 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Z 7L3 (Westboro)
• 2062 Meadowbrook Rd, Gloucester, ON K1B 4W7 (East Ottawa)

Tip: You can book appointments online at many ServiceOntario locations to save time.

{{inlinecta2}}

Find the Best Way to Buy a Used Car in Ottawa

Whether you’re browsing the lots of trusted local dealerships or shopping online from the comfort of home, there’s no shortage of great ways to buy a used car in Ottawa. The city’s diverse driving conditions—from icy rural roads to dense downtown streets—mean buyers need reliable vehicles that match their lifestyle.

If you want to skip the haggling, paperwork, and dealership visits, Clutch offers a simpler alternative. With online browsing, upfront pricing, home delivery, and a 10-day money-back guarantee, we make it easy to buy your next vehicle on your terms.

Ready to find your next ride?

Browse used cars in Ottawa or get an instant trade-in offer online today.