Looking for a used vehicle? Even when considering identical makes, models and model years, not all used cars are created equal. In this guide, I’ll share helpful tips and considerations to keep in mind when shopping for a second-hand car.
Top used cars in Canada
We scoured the market for used vehicles that offer buyers the best value per dollar. Here’s the list of top models to buy in 13 different categories, along with information to help you find a good one.
Whether you need a thrifty commuter, a family hauler or a work truck, we’ve narrowed down the field to the vehicles we believe offer the best overall value in their category, including:
- Best used car for families
- Best used small sedan
- Best used small hybrid sedan
- Best used hybrid car
- Best used economy hybrid
- Best used EV for families
- Best used small SUV
- Best used large SUV
- Best used sports cars
- Best used minivan
- Best used pickup truck
- Best used small luxury car
- Best used large luxury car
- Best used luxury hybrid
Our top pick overall: Honda Accord
Our top pick for best-value used car in Canada is the Honda Accord, which continues to hold up its reputation as a safe, reliable and spacious people mover.
Capitalizing on Honda’s reputation for solid reliability, excellent resale value and strong owner satisfaction and loyalty, the Accord has also been called an IIHS Top Safety Pick, the North American Car of the Year, and the Canadian Car of the Year. Car and Driver has included the Honda Accord amongst its annual 10 Best rankings some 36 times, too. Put simply, few cars have the history, reputation and clout of the Honda Accord when it comes to delivering years of fuss-free family service, and owners tend to buy an Accord again and again. It’s as safe a bet as there is in a modern family sedan today.
In 2022, the new-for-2023 Honda Accord was rated Canada’s “Best Large Car” by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) after extensive testing against a field of competitors. AJAC also named the previous-generation Honda Accord its Canadian Car of the Year when it launched for 2018.
Not only that, but the Accord offers spirited and enjoyable performance with the kind of styling that other rides in its price range sometimes lack. Look for a pair of turbocharged four-cylinder engines under the hood. The 1.5-litre turbo spins up 192 horsepower, while the 2-litre turbo generates 252 horsepower—effectively replacing the V6 engine option from earlier models. A fuel-sipping hybrid engine, launched in 2018, is available, too.
More on the Accord below, under “Best used car for families.”
Used car prices in Canada
Before we dig into all 13 categories in this year’s list, let’s talk about money.
If you’re comparison-shopping used cars, remember that each is unique. An apples-to-apples pricing comparison is easy with brand-new vehicles, but used cars are subject to a multitude of additional factors that can affect their price.
Take two identical 2019 Ford Escapes, for instance. Even if they have the same mileage on their odometers, any differences in colour, features, condition, maintenance history and accident history can all affect their asking prices.
Though an apples-to-apples comparison of pricing is easy with brand-new vehicles, used cars are subject to a multitude of additional factors that can affect their price.
For detailed tips on shopping for a used car—including where to buy, costs to consider (fuel economy, auto insurance and more), inspecting the vehicle and negotiating a deal—see our tips below the list of best used cars, as well as MoneySense’s article on buying new vs. used. Our methodology for choosing these vehicles is at the bottom of this page.
Best used cars in Canada for 2024
Best used car for families: Honda Accord
Since the Honda Accord first rolled off of Honda’s assembly lines in 1976, it’s earned a loyal following of shoppers around the globe. Over 18 million Accords have been sold—many to repeat owners who stick with the model primarily for its drama-free ownership experience. Solid upfront value comes from the Accord’s generous standard feature and safety offerings, while long-term value is bolstered by the machine’s high residual values and strong history of reliability and owner satisfaction.
The 10th-generation Accord ran from model years 2018 to 2022, offering standard turbocharged engines that deliver generous torque while working to minimize fuel use. A hybrid engine was introduced to this generation Accord from its launch for model year 2018, helping to reduce fuel consumption with no performance penalty. You can even find the 10th-generation Accord with a six-speed manual transmission, if you prefer to row your own gears.
This surefire bet is fuel-efficient, fun to drive, roomy, safe and confidence-inspiring.
Read our review of the Honda Accord.
Best used small sedan: Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is the best-selling vehicle of all time, with some 50 million units finding their way into customer garages and driveways since 1966. To put that number into perspective, the current population of Canada is about 40 million.
The Corolla has one of the industry’s highest safety scores, and recent models have a growing list of standard safety equipment.
Shoppers after the lowest running costs and highest residual value can consider a Toyota Corolla Hybrid. It’ll cut your fuel bill by about a third, and its partial-electric hybrid engine turns in a higher-performing drive and superior fuel economy compared to non-hybrid models.
Though it doesn’t offer much in the way of glamorous styling, edgy handling or neck-snapping acceleration, the Corolla excels in other metrics like reliability, efficiency and an impressive roster of optional equipment. You can find hatchback or sedan body styles, and manual or automatic CVT transmission options, depending on the model (though the Corolla Hybrid only comes with an automatic CVT).
Read our review of the Toyota Corolla.
Best used hybrid car: Ford Escape Hybrid
With the Escape Hybrid, Ford placed its latest hybrid engine technology right where most Canadians were looking for it: in the form of a compact crossover. The Escape Hybrid puts a compelling partial-electric powertrain into the heart of this highly popular segment while offering all-wheel drive (AWD). With a quality set of winter tires, an Escape Hybrid AWD makes for a winter-busting fuel-sipper with a commanding driving position and traction to spare.
The Escape Hybrid also offers a taller ride and more room than a hybrid car, so you can expect a thrifty and flexible machine that’s ready for a wide range of tasks. With a highly adaptable interior and plenty of cargo-carrying accessories and gear racks, the Escape is easy to reconfigure for changing lifestyles and growing families.
The most recent generation of Ford Escape arrived for the 2020 model year with both hybrid and fourth-generation plug-in hybrid power (alongside conventional non-hybrid gas engines). In 2021, Ford updated the Escape to offer additional appearance packages, updated interiors, and enhanced safety features. Yet more improvements appeared for the 2023 model year. In 2022, J.D. Power and Associates gave the Escape an overall 80/100 score, with the most points awarded under the “Quality and Reliability” metric.
If it’s in your budget, opting for a used Ford Escape from the 2023 model year will get you updated looks, enhanced safety and connectivity functionality, and access to a newly restyled “ST-Line” variant designed for drivers who want enhanced looks and athletic touches.
Read our review of the Ford Escape Hybrid.
Best used small hybrid sedan: Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Toyota launched the 12th generation of the Corolla for model-year 2020, and for the first time, a new hybrid engine was along for the ride (available only for the sedan version). It’ll cut your fuel bill by about a third, and its partial-electric hybrid engine turns in a higher-performing drive and superior fuel economy compared to non-hybrid models.
The 2020 Corolla Hybrid was named Best Hybrid or Electric Car for the Money by U.S. News & World Report and Green Car of the Year for 2020 by Green Car Journal. Kelley Blue Book picked it for Best Resale Value in 2020, too. With top safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Corolla Hybrid has drivers covered regarding confidence and long-term value.
Read our review of the Toyota Corolla Hybrid.
Best used economy hybrid: Toyota Camry Hybrid
If you’re shopping for a an affordable pre-owned hybrid in Canada, be sure to consider a 2016 or 2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid.
Why those model years specifically? Two reasons.
First, by 2017, Toyota had over a decade into building the Camry Hybrid, and five or more years into building this second-generation model. Used cars bought this far into their production life cycle tend to fare better when it comes to long-term reliability than first-year models, for instance.
Second, the culmination of various year-over-year updates and enhancements to the Toyota Camry means that a 2016 or 2017 model-year unit will provide the highest levels of feature content for your dollar, including safety feature content.
In city driving, commuting and stop-and-go driving, the Camry Hybrid is smooth, responsive, and highly fuel-efficient. With proper maintenance and care, they’ve got a solid reputation of a long and dependable service live of hundreds of thousands of kilometres. The Camry’s Hybrid engine drinks less gas than a three-cylinder Mitsubishi Mirage, which helps stretch tremendous range from every tank of fuel.
Read our full review of the Toyota Camry Hybrid (coming soon).
Best used EV for families: Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Ford Mustang Mach-E was an award-winner right out of the gate. Launched for model-year 2021, it earned expert praise as the “EV of the Year” and an Editors’ Choice by Car and Driver—plus several other accolades.
I’m a fan, too. The Mach-E has excellent road manners, highly approachable safety and convenience technologies and access to a wide dealer network. It has a roomy, flexible interior, and shoppers will find various motor and battery options, including 70-kWh and 91-kWh battery packs. The latter can provide a driving range of 400-plus kilometres, depending on configuration—enough for a full week of travel, for most Canadian drivers.
Read our full review of the Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Best used small SUV: Kia Soul
The Kia Soul has long been a favourite of Canadian drivers shopping for a compact SUV that looks like a box but refuses to be put in one. It shares the boxy profile of many SUVs, but it embraces its blockiness in a way that’s injected with alertness, cheer and attention to detail.
Dramatic exterior lighting elements help set the Soul apart, with tail lamps and headlights featuring LED accenting and dynamic integration within the vehicle body lines. On board, the interior is logical and organized, and the tall roof is easy on taller drivers. Kia’s slick and simple infotainment system links up with a driver computer display to keep you entertained and connected on the move.
Under the hood, look for both conventional and turbocharged engine options. Shoppers after AWD traction will have to look elsewhere, however, as the Soul only comes with front-wheel drive.
In 2022, the Kia Soul earned accolades from both Car and Driver and J.D. Power. Model-year 2023 brought a refresh to the Soul, adding enhanced looks, bolder colours and enhanced safety technology.
Read our review of the Kia Soul.
Best used large SUV: Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon
The Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon are corporate twins, and they’re the largest SUV models offered by General Motors. Each is built on a proven truck frame platform borrowed from the automaker’s bestselling pickup range, and the 2021 model year saw a clean-sheet redesign complete with an independent rear suspension engineered to improve ride comfort, handling and stability.
For large families with a big need for space and towing capacity, the Suburban and Yukon are tough to match—especially when it comes to outright sales volume. Few automakers bake as much truck and 4×4 experience into their largest SUV offerings as these two. Just make sure you’ll benefit from the capability. Powerful V8 engines and high towing capacity mean these SUVs tend to be thirstier than smaller crossover options—though the latest engineering helps the Tahoe and Yukon power plants respect your fuel dollars as much as possible.
With four-wheel drive and room for up to eight people on board (along with cargo, shopping and canines), a second-hand Yukon or Tahoe might just be the ultimate adventure vehicle for a large family with lots of outdoor toys.
Read our review of the Chevrolet Tahoe /GMC Yukon.
Best used sports cars: Subaru WRX (year-round) and Ford Mustang (seasonal)
If you’re on the hunt for a pre-owned sports car, you’ve realized that there’s a lot to think about—from budget and brand to where and how and when you’ll drive it. That’s an especially important consideration given the challenges of winter driving in Canada.
With that in mind, I’ve narrowed down the field to two highly desirable models: the Subaru WRX for year-round driving and the Ford Mustang for fair-weather conditions.
The Subaru WRX has a high-performance engine and, critically, all-wheel drive (AWD) tuned around the concept of driving enjoyment regardless of the season or road surface.
Meanwhile, the Ford Mustang offers models from mild to wild, with a wide range of options. By the way, you can absolutely winter-drive a Ford Mustang, but most owners don’t.
Read our full reviews of the Subaru WRX and Ford Mustang (coming soon).
Best used minivan: Dodge Grand Caravan
There’s simply no people mover on the market today with the clout, reputation, success and popularity of the Dodge Grand Caravan.
With an unbeatable space-for-the-dollar quotient and flexibility unmatched by crossover and SUV models, this car-based minivan delivers appreciable handling and fuel economy in a package that can go from family mover to cargo van in a matter of seconds—thanks to flexible rear seating arrangements and the Stow ’n Go system. Heck, some contractors and business owners even seek out used Grand Caravans as a handier and thriftier alternative to a work truck or cargo cube delivery van.
The 3.6-litre V6 engine found in most used Grand Caravans is one of the most mass-produced engines of all time, as well as an award winner. Parts are generally easy to source and relatively affordable. However, shoppers after AWD should look elsewhere, since the Grand Caravan comes in front-drive only.
Read our review of the Dodge Grand Caravan.
Best used pickup truck: Ford F-150
Surging sales exceeding a million units a year see the F-150 topping the list of most popular vehicles in North America, year after year.
As more shoppers gravitate towards pickup trucks for use as family haulers, mobile offices and luxurious cross-country touring machines, Ford’s answered their calls with new trim grades, equipment packages and powertrains. You’ll find no shortage of specialty models in the second-hand marketplace, including the luxurious King Ranch, the off-road ready Tremor and the racy F-150 Raptor.
Though rugged, capable, four-wheel-drive-equipped and packed with generous towing capacity, the F-150 is a lifestyle tool as much as it is a hard-working truck. Aluminum bodies reduce weight, while widely available EcoBoost engines use turbochargers to boost performance and torque while keeping fuel use in check. The latest models were available with the PowerBoost hybrid engine, the most powerful in a mainstream F-150 model. This fuel-saver uses a self-recharging battery to boost power output, cut fuel use and function as a built-in generator for the campsite or worksite.
The latest F-150 generation arrived for model-year 2021, and new technology features were introduced for model-year 2022.
Read our review of the Ford F-150.
Best used small luxury car: Lexus ES
Shoppers have loads of options to treat themselves when it comes to luxury cars. Among those, it’s very tough to beat a Lexus if you’re after a smart buy that’s packed with long-term value and a confidence-inspiring reputation.
Toyota’s luxury division launched its ES model back in 1989, impressing reviewers and customers alike with compelling pricing, styling, features and reliability. This long-popular luxury sedan is packed with modern must-haves like advanced safety technology, available AWD and available hybrid power. The seventh (current) generation Lexus arrived for the 2019 model year. Highly ranked for dependability and reliability, the Lexus ES sees many repeat buyers.
Read on to find out what features Lexus introduced for ES model-year 2020 and newer.
Read our review of the Lexus ES.
Best used large luxury car: Genesis G90
Genesis luxury cars are some of the smartest second-hand buys on the road today. Genesis owners typically report the fewest problems with their vehicles as they age.
The G90 is the largest of the Genesis sedans, with first-generation models (2022 and earlier) offering six- or eight-cylinder power and an available twin-turbocharged V6, world-class ride comfort and the most in-demand tech. With one of the most generous standard equipment lists of any comparable modern luxury car, the G90 came fully loaded at a price that barely opened the bidding for German competitors.
Expect a tranquil ride that’s conducive to relaxing and socializing on the move. If the mood strikes, play tunes on the Lexicon stereo system, which boasts 17 high-precision, high-performance speakers. The HTRAC all-wheel drive system makes the G90 ready and willing to tackle Canadian winters, but be sure to use quality winter tires.
The same attention to detail that went into the G90’s aesthetics and equipment also made its way into the engineering; this car ages gracefully and with minimal issues. Owners tend to love the understated looks and excellent overall value. You don’t have to take their word for it, either: the model won two Good Design Awards in 2022 for its overall style and integrated cockpit design.
Features like rear-wheel steering, a multi-chamber air suspension, a mood curator, and hands-on detection for the steering wheel give drivers a taste of the segment’s latest and most innovative technologies—all from a flagship sedan built by one of the most highly rated automakers for dependability, according to J.D. Power and Associates.
Read our review of the Genesis G90.
Best used luxury hybrid: Volvo XC60
In 2018, Volvo brought the latest version of its mid-range XC60 crossover to the Canadian market. Taking its place between the flagship XC90 and entry-level XC40, the XC60’s middle-sibling status positioned it right where most Canadian luxury SUV shoppers were looking in terms of size and flexibility.
With a uniquely minimal luxury interior, approachable safety technology, available flagship-level audio and lighting systems, and a wide range of electrified engine options, the Volvo XC60 is a compelling way for second-hand SUV buyers to get a taste of world-class luxury hybrid motoring.
In addition to its strong hybrid sales and expertise with a single, modular hybrid engine configuration, Volvo is a pioneer in the hybrid SUV scene, and it’s a go-to brand for shoppers looking to switch to electrified.
Read our full review of the Volvo XC60.
Why buy a used car?
A car is one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make—meaning there’s a lot to think about. It all starts by assessing your needs and budget to determine whether you’re best served by a brand-new car or a used one. Each comes with its own set of pros and cons.
Buying a new car is appealing because you’re fully backed by the manufacturer’s warranty and roadside assistance coverage, plus you’ll have the latest technology and safety features. New cars are also free of the uncertainties that tend to come with second-hand models, boosting shopper confidence and the likelihood of a stress-free ownership experience.
With pandemic-related economic, market and supply chain challenges largely in the rearview mirror, there are positive signs in the used car market. For instance, AutoTrader.ca reported that used car inventory is on the rise, and that used car prices are dropping.
New cars are the pricier option, as well, and thanks to increased used car values in recent years, your trade-in has likely never been worth more than it is right now.
While buying a used car has some uncertainties, a little patience, research and expert guidance can go a long way. Below, you’ll find my top picks for quality, competitively priced second-hand vehicles.
With a little research, you can find plenty of options for good-quality previously driven cars, trucks and sports utility vehicles (SUVs), priced competitively—and ready to drive off the lot.
How to buy a used car in Canada
To avoid buyer’s remorse, here’s what to look for when buying a used car, truck or SUV.
Where to buy: Private sellers vs. dealers
Should you buy a used vehicle from a private seller or a registered car dealer?
When buying a vehicle privately, you buy “as is”—and if the seller misleads you, intentionally or otherwise, about the car’s history or condition, or if anything goes wrong after the deal is done, you have a major headache and little recourse. Buying from a registered dealer gives you access to more protections and services.
- Dealers must be licensed by a governing body, such as the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC), and comply with its code of ethics, as well as consumer protection laws. OMVIC holds dealers and salespeople to certain standards, and it has an enforcement strategy for non-compliance and illegal sales.
- Dealers rely on repeat business, so it’s in their best interest to treat customers fairly and provide good service. That doesn’t always happen, of course, but private sellers have no such incentive.
- A used vehicle sold by a dealership that’s familiar with the vehicle (and who has regularly serviced it) is less likely to cause you trouble, since recalls, software updates and preventive maintenance are typically up to date. There’s no such guarantee when buying privately.
- Dealers offer many value-added services, such as vehicle financing, used car warranties, in-store licensing, vehicle trade-ins, roadside assistance coverage, and maintenance and repair packages.
- Some dealers offer used cars through a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program, which requires used cars to meet higher standards of inspection, repair, maintenance and reconditioning before being sold. Vehicles sold as part of a CPO often included extended perks like add-on warranties and roadside assist, helping bolster shopper confidence.
- Buying from a dealer can remove a lot of the hassles of buying privately
The bottom line: Dealer prices might be a bit higher than those on classified advertising sites, but as the saying goes, you get what you pay for.
Car-buying costs to consider
Once you’ve decided on a vehicle, shop around to get a feel for current prices. Then break out your calculator. There’s more to a vehicle’s cost than its sticker price. Add up the overall cost to own, including insurance, gas, maintenance, taxes and—if you’re getting a car loan—interest fees.
Before financing your purchase, compare the interest rates offered at the dealership and your bank. Most dealers offer financing on used vehicles, and they can help to arrange loans with prime or subprime lenders.
Be sure to consider the wheels and tires on the car or truck you’re buying. Larger wheels are all the rage these days, but larger wheels are wrapped in larger tires, which tend to be pricier—both for all-season and winter rubber. Those 22-inch wheels sure look great, but the 18-inch wheels could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars when it comes time for new tires.
Check the fuel your vehicle requires, too. Aside from specialty luxury and performance models, most engines today are built to run on regular-grade 87-octane gasoline. To confirm, check the owner’s manual. If the car you’re after recommends premium fuel, you can typically still use lower-octane gas but with a slight reduction in performance. If premium fuel is required, you’ll be spending more on pricier gas every time you fill up.
Another cost to consider: an add-on warranty package. Typically offered by used car dealers during negotiations or at the completion of the sale, an extra-cost warranty is a great way to boost peace of mind and confidence by fending off future repair bills. These packages typically range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the coverage you purchase. The most common extended warranty packages will run between $1,000 and $2,000, and some are available on a subscription basis, with pricing about $50 to $80 per month.
Before you buy the warranty package, though, consider whether you could get the same benefit by creating your own contingency fund for repairs. This way, you’ve got money set aside if something goes wrong—and you get to keep that money if nothing does.
Warning signs for used cars
As with any big-ticket item, you should be aware of the warning signs that a vehicle may not be worth buying.
- Ask the dealer for a Carfax report. It shows the vehicle’s history including previous owners, accident claims, flood damage, and provinces the vehicle has been registered in.
- Get the vehicle’s service history. If your used car is still covered by some portion of the remaining warranty, you may be required to prove that the car has been serviced on time, every time, before a repair is authorized. Remember: your used car’s remaining warranty doesn’t cover damage or wear caused by a failure to maintain the vehicle properly. To avoid potential surprises, take steps to obtain all service records from the seller (and any previous owners) in case a warranty repair is required.
- Watch out for cars with suspiciously low kilometres. The average daily driver will clock around 20,000 kilometres per year, so if a four-year-old vehicle only shows half of the expected 80,000 kilometres, you should find out why. Remember, cars can develop problems when left to sit for too long—meaning that ultra-low-mileage car could be concealing a weak battery, excessive braking component rust, or damaged and flat-spotted tires.
- Avoid vehicles with extensive modifications. Many of these can void parts of your car’s remaining warranty (if applicable), or even void the entire warranty, depending on the situation. Some modifications can cause damage and wear that’s not covered by warranty.
Inspecting the vehicle
Never rely solely on what anyone tells you about a used car’s history or condition. Again, ask for a Carfax report, and learn to look for simple signs of excessive wear.
- Mismatched paint could mean the car was in a collision and may have underlying damage.
- If the width of the gap between the doors and frame isn’t consistent, this could indicate frame damage.
- Uneven tire treads could be a sign of poor steering alignment, which is usually fixable but could mean an unanticipated cost.
- Excessive interior wear on seat upholstery, floor mats or door panels might point to a previous owner who didn’t properly maintain the vehicle.
- If you notice any leaks or strange smells from inside the vehicle or under the hood, ask more questions to find out the cause.
Negotiating the deal
When negotiating with a dealer or private seller, keep these things in mind:
- Decide in advance—not while negotiating—how much you’re willing to spend.
- Don’t be afraid to walk away if you feel uncomfortable or pressured.
- If a dealer’s vehicle price is non-negotiable, try asking for extras like free rustproofing or winter tires.
- The bill of sale will show a price breakdown, including the vehicle’s sticker price, administrative fees, licensing fees, taxes, extra services and more. Take the time to read it carefully and ask the dealer to clarify any numbers you’re unsure about.
- Similarly, when discussing vehicle financing with a dealer or a bank, they’ll give you a lot of numbers, including interest rates, monthly payments and residual value. If there’s anything you don’t understand, ask them to slow down and explain it again.
Read more tips on preparing to negotiate.
Get notified about car recalls in Canada
When you bring your new-to-you car or truck home, you might be so excited that it’s easy to forget one final, important step: registering as the new owner of that vehicle. You’ll contact the automaker’s customer service department to do it over the phone, which takes just a few minutes.
Why register as the new owner? Because recalls. Recalls are issued by automakers to fix potential trouble with your car that may negatively affect its safety. Recall work is performed free of charge by dealerships, and many used cars have recalls in play. Registering as the new owner of a used vehicle makes sure that future recall notices are mailed to you in a timely fashion.
Methodology for “Best used cars in Canada”
The vehicles on this list were chosen after extensive and ongoing research of the used car marketplace as well as owners’ communities, expert reliability and dependability data, industry accolades and a network of automotive repair professionals.
The vehicles in this list are the models I’d most likely recommend to friends and family, based on the vehicles’ overall value, efficiency and reliability for the dollar, as well as the likelihood of a positive ownership experience.
Read more on autos:
- Should you take your vehicle to a car repair shop or a dealership?
- Video: How to buy a used car
- Best EVs in Canada
- Buying your first car in Canada: Insider tips from a salesperson
- How to sell a used car—and when you shouldn’t bother
The post Best used cars in Canada for 2024 appeared first on MoneySense.
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