The 10 Best Sites to Sell Your Car in Canada
By Arthur Dubois | Published on 28 Dec 2023
Are you looking to sell your car in Canada? Whether you’re upgrading to a newer model or simply want to get some extra cash, there are multiple sites and marketplaces that allow Canadians to sell their car online. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best ones. From popular platforms to specialized websites, these options will help you reach a wide audience and find the perfect buyer for your vehicle.
1. Clutch – Best for Ontario and Nova Scotia Residents
Revolutionizing the Canadian car-selling experience, Clutch.ca offers a seamless digital platform catering to the modern-day motorist. Currently only serving residents of Nova Scotia and Ontario, Clutch eliminates traditional dealership hassles, providing a stress-free avenue to sell or trade-in vehicles. Unlike traditional dealerships, Clutch doesn’t rely on in-person negotiations or test drives. Instead, owners upload essential documents, and based on the car’s condition, mileage, and other criteria, a fair, firm offer is generated. This straightforward process not only provides competitive pricing but also keeps psychological games at bay, ensuring transparency.
Clutch’s commitment to convenience is further underscored by its unique pick-up service. Be it due to mobility issues, a packed schedule, or health concerns, customers can schedule the most suitable day for the car exchange without ever leaving their homes. Additionally, Clutch allows a reasonable 1,000 km disparity between appraisal mileage and actual mileage during pick-up, ensuring flexibility.
Completing the sale is hassle-free. Payments are expedited through Electronic Funds Transfer, reaching sellers’ bank accounts within mere days. With a high satisfaction rate, Clutch.ca is not just a platform; it’s a testament to user-centric innovation, making it one of the top recommendations for selling cars in Canada.
2. Kijiji Autos – Reach Buyers Across Canada
If you’re looking for a popular online marketplace to sell your car, Kijiji Autos is the way to go. With millions of monthly visitors all over Canada, your listing will receive maximum exposure. Kijiji Autos offers various advertising options to help you stand out from the competition, including sponsored ads and premium placements. Selling your car on Kijiji Autos is easy, thanks to their intuitive interface and extensive user base.
When it comes to selling your car, exposure is key. And with Kijiji Autos, you can rest assured that your listing will be seen by a wide audience. With millions of monthly visitors, Kijiji Autos provides the perfect platform to showcase your car to potential buyers. Whether you’re selling a sleek sports car or a reliable family vehicle, Kijiji Autos has the reach to ensure that your listing gets the attention it deserves.
But it’s not just about the numbers. Kijiji Autos also offers various advertising options to help you make your listing stand out from the competition. With sponsored ads, you can boost the visibility of your listing and increase the chances of finding the right buyer. And if you really want to make a statement, premium placements are available to give your listing prime real estate on the Kijiji Autos website. Currently, you can post 2 advertisements for free on Kijiji Autos. If you want to post more advertisements, you need to pay a small flat listing fee.
One of the great things about Kijiji Autos is its user-friendly interface. Selling your car can be a daunting task, but Kijiji Autos makes the process as simple as possible. With an intuitive layout and easy-to-use features, you can create a compelling listing in no time. Plus, Kijiji Autos has a large and active user base, which means that your listing will be seen by people who are actively looking to buy a car.
3. Facebook Marketplace – Sell to Your Network
As one of the world’s largest social media platforms, Facebook Marketplace provides an excellent opportunity to sell your car. With its extensive reach and user-friendly interface, Facebook Marketplace allows you to connect with buyers from all over Canada easily.
When it comes to selling a car, having a platform that reaches a wide audience is crucial. With over 30 million monthly active users in Canada, Facebook provides an unparalleled opportunity to showcase your vehicle to potential buyers. Whether you’re selling a compact sedan or a spacious SUV, Facebook Marketplace ensures that your listing will be seen by a diverse range of individuals, increasing your chances of finding the right buyer.
Creating a detailed listing is essential when selling a car, and Facebook Marketplace makes it easy to include all the necessary information. You can provide potential buyers with the make, model, year, mileage, and any additional features or modifications your car may have. By including these details, you allow buyers to make an informed decision and increase the likelihood of receiving serious inquiries.
Furthermore, Facebook Marketplace allows you to upload high-quality photos of your car, giving potential buyers a visual representation of what they can expect. Clear and well-lit images that showcase the exterior and interior of your vehicle can significantly enhance its appeal. You can even include pictures of any maintenance records or recent repairs to provide buyers with added peace of mind.
One of the advantages of using Facebook Marketplace is the ability to communicate with potential buyers directly through the platform. This feature eliminates the need for exchanging personal contact information, ensuring a safe and secure selling experience. You can answer questions, negotiate prices, and arrange test drives all within the comfort of the Facebook Marketplace messaging system.
Another unique aspect of Facebook Marketplace is its integration with your Facebook profile. By listing your car on Facebook Marketplace, you can leverage your existing social network to build trust with potential buyers. Friends and acquaintances who see your listing may vouch for your credibility, providing additional assurance to interested buyers.
4. AutoTrader – Take Advantage of Comprehensive Search Filters
AutoTrader has been a trusted platform for buying and selling cars in Canada for decades. With its vast inventory and comprehensive search filters, AutoTrader attracts a wide range of buyers looking for their next vehicle. Whether you’re in the market for a sleek sports car, a reliable family SUV, or a fuel-efficient hybrid, AutoTrader has it all.
But AutoTrader is not just a marketplace for car sales; it is a community of car enthusiasts who share a passion for all things automotive. When you list your car on AutoTrader, you are not just reaching potential buyers, but also connecting with fellow car lovers who appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of different vehicles.
One of the key advantages of using AutoTrader is the ability to target a highly specific audience. When you create a listing, you can specify the make, model, year, price range, and other details that help potential buyers find your car. This means that your listing will be seen by people who are actively searching for the exact type of vehicle you have to offer, increasing the chances of a successful sale.
The great thing about AutoTrader is that it’s completely free to list your car for sale. If you want to give your advertisement more visibility, then you can choose to purchase the Priority Placement or Highlighted Listing, which both give your advertisements increased exposure on the website. However, AutoTrader does not disclose the cost of these upgrades.
5. Craigslist – Best for Direct Contact with Potential Buyers
Craigslist has long been a go-to platform for selling a wide range of items, including cars. With its vast user base, Craigslist offers a large pool of potential buyers across Canada. However, keep in mind that while the platform is free, it’s important to take precautions when dealing with potential buyers. Always meet in a safe public place and be wary of scams or fraudulent activity.
When it comes to selling your car on Craigslist, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. First and foremost, make sure to create a detailed and accurate listing. Include important details such as the make, model, year, mileage, and any additional features or modifications. Providing clear and high-quality photos of your car from different angles can also help attract potential buyers.
Another important aspect to consider is pricing your car competitively. Research similar vehicles in your area to get an idea of the market value. Keep in mind that pricing too high may deter potential buyers, while pricing too low may raise suspicions of a hidden issue. Finding the right balance is crucial to attracting serious buyers.
Once you’ve created your listing, be prepared to communicate with potential buyers. Respond promptly to inquiries and be transparent about the condition of your car. It’s important to answer any questions potential buyers may have and provide additional information if needed. Building trust and establishing good communication can go a long way in closing a successful sale.
6. eBay.ca – Leverage a Vast Audience
One of the most recognized names in online marketplaces, eBay.ca continues to be a go-to platform for Canadians wishing to sell their cars all over the nation. Originating from eBay’s broader international presence, its Canadian counterpart offers a familiar, user-friendly interface catering specifically to the Canadian market.
Sellers on eBay.ca can leverage the vast audience of the platform, allowing them to reach a diverse range of potential buyers, from local enthusiasts to international collectors. Unlike more niche automotive selling sites, eBay.ca offers the flexibility of auction-style listings, where sellers can set a starting bid and let the market determine the vehicle’s final selling price, or use the ‘Buy It Now’ feature to establish a fixed price.
eBay.ca does charge fees for selling a vehicle on their website. If you’re listing up to 6 vehicles per year, then eBay considers you a low-volume seller. Low-volume sellers are not required to pay a fee to list a vehicle on the website. However, if your vehicle gets sold, then you need to pay a fee of $60 if the vehicle is sold for a price of no more than $2,000, and a fee of $125 if the vehicle is sold for a price of more than $2,000.
While eBay does come with final value fees upon a successful sale, the potential exposure often outweighs the costs for many sellers. The platform also offers an extensive support system with detailed seller guidelines, ensuring that even first-time car sellers have the necessary resources at hand. Overall, eBay.ca provides Canadians a versatile platform, melding the local touch with global reach, making it a prime choice for selling vehicles.
7. Carity – For Dealerships in Ontario
Based in Toronto, Carity stands out as a remarkable tech-driven platform designed specifically for dealerships seeking to offload their used cars with minimal fuss. Partnering with more than 1,700 dealerships in Ontario, Carity ensures that sellers receive the most competitive offers.
While its services are presently limited to Ontario, Carity’s aspirations extend beyond, with plans to encompass other Canadian provinces. Its AI-powered platforms focuses on offering consistent branding and customer experiences for auto dealers. Carity’s intel helps dealerships find the best cars on the market through thousands of AI-powered conversations per month. By qualifying the condition of cars this way, they can scale their inventories more efficiently to suit shoppers.
8. Autozen – Best for Coordinating Loan Payouts
Originating in Vancouver, BC, in 2020, Autozen has revolutionized the car-selling experience. Catering to sellers, Autozen simplifies the selling process by having its representatives inspect the vehicle right at the owner’s doorstep. With a vast network, spanning over 150 pre-qualified buyers, sellers are poised to receive competitive offers for their cars. Autozen commits privacy and convenience; sellers interact exclusively with Autozen, shielding them from unsolicited contacts.
Pioneering a transparent process, Autozen assures there are no hidden fees. Impressively, the platform entertains financed vehicles as well, coordinating for loan payouts. However, a caveat to note is their non-acceptance of rebuilt status vehicles. The procedure of selling on Autozen is straightforward. After a quick online valuation, the seller arranges for an inspection. Afterward, the car gets listed in their thrice-weekly auctions. Post-auction, sellers receive their offers promptly and can finalize the deal with seamless paperwork and prompt payment methods.
Currently, their services span select cities in Ontario, BC, and Alberta, with a roadmap for further expansion. Autozen has certainly simplified the selling process and ensures a fair price. However, cross-reference with other platforms to ensure they harness the best possible deal for their vehicles.
9. MintList – Best for BC and Alberta Residents
Making waves in the online vehicle auction landscape, MintList, established in 2020. It provides a sophisticated, AI-driven platform for purchasing, selling, and trading cars. With its roots in local markets, MintList guarantees that only verified buyers will bid on your car. This includes a diverse group of auto dealers, vehicle exporters, leasing firms, and retail brokers. With multiple offers to consider, sellers can choose the top bid, all without spending a dime on the platform.
MintList’s credibility is evident in its accolades and recognition. It holds the title of Car Buying App of the Year awarded by AutoTech Breakthrough. Also, it has garnered significant attention in various media outlets like Techcouver and Financial Post, among others. The firm proudly showcases a plethora of positive feedback on Google, cementing its reputation.
Serving BC and Alberta, MintList champions the user experience. Sellers can swiftly input their vehicle’s data and execute a digital inspection via their mobile phones. Their unique selling point lies in the intense competition it fosters. With more than 100 qualified buyers vying in the weekly online auction, sellers can witness in real-time. While the platform’s free and fast, it also assures payment even in instances where a buyer retracts their commitment. However, sellers should be aware of certain restrictions. For instance, cars with a rebuilt or salvage status aren’t accepted. Further, offers can be revised if a vehicle exhibits undisclosed damages.
10. Carnex – Sell your Electric Vehicle
Carnex emerged as a groundbreaking e-commerce platform in 2020, empowering Canadian EV owners to sell their vehicles across the country. It quickly ascending as one of Canada’s top sites for selling pre-owned EVs. Now, Carnex specializes exclusively in the electric market, offering a seamless selling experience tailored for the modern EV enthusiast.
What makes Carnex stand out in this niche? At its core, this intuitive website allows sellers to schedule a 30-minute inspection. Sellers swiftly receive an offer or bid from Carnex’s expansive network of EV-specialized dealers. This meticulous and focused approach guarantees accurate valuation of electric vehicles, eliminating uncertainties often associated with more traditional platforms. Sellers can rest easy knowing that every detail, from minor dings to battery health, is transparently detailed online. Overall, this creates a trustful environment for both sellers and potential buyers. And what’s more, there are no fees when selling your EV on Carnex!
6 Things to Do To FInalize Your Car Sale in Canada
There’s more to the process of selling your car than just uploading photos and setting a price. Selling a car online requires both digital finesse and real-world diligence. As you navigate these platforms to attract potential buyers, you ensure a seamless transition of the vehicle to its new owner. Here are some essential steps to take before handing over those keys, ensuring both parties leave the transaction satisfied.
1. Complete a Thorough Cleaning
A clean car enhances its appeal and value. Opt for professional detailing to ensure the car is spotless inside and out. Next, remove all personal items to present a vehicle that’s ready for its new owner.
2. Compile All Relevant Documentation
Organize crucial documents, including service history, warranties, and recent inspection reports. Offering these to the buyer not only fosters trust but also helps them in managing the vehicle’s future maintenance.
3. Draft a Bill of Sale
Before the final handover, both parties should sign a detailed bill of sale. This document should encompass all vital transaction details, from vehicle specifics to sale price. It serves as a binding record and safeguards both the buyer and seller from potential misunderstandings.
4. Make sure to get paid
Before relinquishing keys, always verify the receipt of the full payment. Cash remains the most straightforward and trustworthy method, especially in private sales. Interac e-transfers are also convenient and safe, but make sure to accept the e-transfer before handing over the keys. After all, it can easily be cancelled. Another safe payment method are cashier’s cheques. However, before accepting it, make sure to authenticate its legitimacy with the issuing bank.
5. Transfer Ownership through Your Provincial Registry
Before you hand over the keys, officially transfer the vehicle ownership through the appropriate car registry in your province. This legal step is vital to protect you from potential future liabilities related to the vehicle.
6. Cancel Your Car Insurance
Once the ownership transfer gets completed, promptly notify your insurance company to cancel your car insurance policy. Waiting could put you at risk in case the new owner faces any incidents before setting up their own insurance. Plus, you might be eligible for a refund if you’ve prepaid your car insurance policy.