Want to Buy a Car in Canada? Here’s How.
Surely, coming to Canada could involve several preparations upon arrival, one of them could be buying a car for easier transportation around your new city.
This guide will provide newcomers on how they can purchase a new car and what procedures they’ll need to take before buying one to guarantee a hassle-free and quick vehicle buying experience!
Table of Contents
📜 Getting a Driver's Permit in Canada
Before anything else, the most important part of buying a car would be to first get a driver’s license.
Note: If you need to drive instantly upon arrival, for a limited time, you should be able to drive in Canada using your foreign driver’s license. Your international driver’s license is valid for up to just a year in any country including Canada, and you also have the option to renew it if needed.
🚘 What to Consider When Buying a Car in Canada
Searching for a car would be the next part of your journey. But before you even get to that part, you’ll need to jot down some key notes before making a final decision, such as:
Budget
In addition to the amount you may spend on the automobile, you’ll want to set aside money for normal and unexpected maintenance bills, as well as other car expenses like petrol. When purchasing a vehicle, bear in mind that you’ll be responsible for paying taxes and maybe additional charges. To register your new vehicle with the government, you may still be required to pay sales tax even if you bought it from an individual.
Personal Preference
If you merely need a vehicle to go about town, a sedan can be a good option. However, if you have a big family, you may want to consider an SUV or van.
Automatic or Manual Vehicle
In Canada, automatic automobiles are more frequent, although you may still obtain manual cars if you like. Manual automobiles are often less expensive than their automated counterparts.
New or Used
When you buy a new automobile, you have the joy of being the first owner. On the other hand, they tend to be more costly and don’t stay at the same high valued price as they first came out with. If you plan on reselling the vehicle in the future, this is something to keep in mind. Many secondhand automobiles are available in Canada, including some that are almost new.
After narrowing down your choices to a few specific makes and models, going automobile shopping becomes much less of a hassle. Make a list of the cars you “need” and the cars you “want”. If you can find something that sits in the middle, that should be your best option!
To give you a better look at Canada’s top-selling car brands in today’s market and their prices, check the list down below!
🚗 What should I know about driving in Canada?
DOs
- During winter season you may need to change your tires to “snow tires”.
- If you see a school bus flashes red, you must “STOP”.
- If traffic signals are not working, proceed as if each intersection is a “4-way stop”.
- When driving, drivers must always have prepared their driver’s license, their vehicle registration, and their insurance papers within the vehicle.
- Always check your side and rear view mirror
DON'Ts
- Do not use any handheld electronics when driving
- Drive without any seatbelts
- Keep your children in the front passenger seat
- Drive intoxicated
- Drive pass warning and street signs without following
💰 Car Insurance in Canada
Your vehicle must be insured at all times when driving in Canada. Auto insurance is required by law to ensure the safety of all parties involved. Here are the forms of Car Insurance:
This is required by law in Canada. It protects you in the event that you harm someone or cause damage to their vehicle. The minimal level of coverage necessary varies from province to province.
Although this coverage is optional, it is strongly advisable since it covers the expenses of repairing or replacing your vehicle if you are at fault in an accident. Keep in mind that there will be a deductible, which implies that you will be responsible for a certain amount prior to your insurance company covering the remaining expenditures.
If your automobile is stolen or damaged while it is parked, comprehensive coverage will cover the costs of repairs. This coverage is also subject to a deductible.
✍️ Don’t forget to register your car!
Normally car dealerships register the chosen car with your province or territory on your behalf.
Although if you plan to purchase a car from a private seller, you will be responsible for registering the vehicle with the appropriate authorities.
The following requirements are needed upon registration:
- Driver’s license
- Proof of current automobile insurance
- A valid vehicle permit as well as a signed transfer of ownership paperwork
So what are you waiting for? With the right information from CanadaCIS, you may begin your journey to become a first-time car buyer in Canada and enjoy your first ride. Safe travels!
❓ How to Buy a Car in Canada FAQs
- You’ll need to take a knowledge written exam, along with an eye test (if requested). If you pass, you’ll receive a learner’s permit.
- Once you’ve completed 1 year of practice, you’ll need to take a drivers test to receive an intermediate permit.
- Once one to two years of driving has passed, you’ll then be allowed to take the full license road test and receive your official driver’s license.
- You may apply for a license at the nearest “DriveTest Center” within your current city/province.
There are several driving schools in every Canadian city and province to choose from. If you’re looking for the best driving classes to sign up for, head over to your local government and ask for recommendations or do a quick search online to see which driving schools within your area are most suitable for you!
Finding a vehicle to see and drive in person is easy these days thanks to the abundance of online resources. A few examples of web site choices include searching for cars on Google Search, Facebook Marketplace, and other car dealership/listing websites that are located near you.
- Pay upfront in cash
- Bank to Bank Transfer
- Car Loan Financing
- Rent or Rent-to-Own (Car Leasing)
