Overview

Ontario’s used car market offers something for everyone, whether you’re commuting through Toronto’s dense traffic, navigating snowy roads in Ottawa, or heading to cottage country for the weekend. With a wide selection of vehicles at various price points, buyers in Ontario can find fuel-efficient sedans for city driving, SUVs for all-season versatility, and trucks built for work and adventure. The province’s mix of urban centres, suburbs, and rural highways makes used cars a practical and cost-effective choice. If you’re new to the process, our Guide to Buying a Used Car in Ontario walks you through everything you need to know.

Compared to buying new, used cars in Ontario provide better affordability, lower depreciation, and access to a wider variety of makes and models. Popular choices include compact sedans like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, well-suited for long highway commutes, and SUVs like the Ford Escape and Hyundai Tucson, which handle Canadian winters with ease. If you’re looking for recommendations, check out our list of the Best Used Cars to Buy in Canada or explore our picks for the Best Used SUVs in Canada. Whether you need a budget-friendly daily driver or a premium vehicle at a lower price, Ontario’s used car market offers plenty of options.

Potential Trade-offs

While used cars in Ontario offer great value, it’s essential to consider a few factors to ensure you’re making the right purchase:

• Vehicle Condition & History – Since every used car has a unique history, it’s important to review maintenance records, accident history, and wear and tear—especially with Ontario’s winter road conditions.

• Winter Wear & Rust – Ontario’s salted roads in winter can lead to rust issues, especially on older vehicles. Consider rust protection or undercoating when buying a used car.

• Financing Rates vs. New Cars – Interest rates for used car financing can sometimes be higher than for new vehicles. However, the overall cost savings still make used cars the more affordable option in most cases.

• Technology & Features – While used cars can still offer modern features, older models may lack the latest driver assistance systems, infotainment upgrades, or smartphone connectivity found in new vehicles.

• Availability of Specific Models – Popular models, such as Toyota RAV4s, Honda CR-Vs, and Ford F-150s, can be in high demand, leading to limited inventory or slightly higher prices for well-maintained units.