The 12 Best Used Car Dealerships in Toronto

You need a new car, but your budget doesn’t allow for a brand-new top-of-the-line purchase. So, you think a used car might be the way to go. But you dread the thought of dealing with the stereotypical used car salesman – the slick talker who’s more concerned about separating you from your cash than delivering a quality car.

However, buying a used car doesn’t have to involve shady dealers. Here, we’ve listed the 12 best used car dealerships Toronto has to offer. And, as a bonus, you’ll learn what to look for in a dealer and what should set alarm bells ringing in your head.

What Makes a Good Used Car Dealership Toronto?

When searching for a used car, you want one that’s in sound condition and works like it’s supposed to (which will also keep your car insurance premiums low in the bargain), rather than one that needs a trip to the shop every few weeks for fixes. Knowing what to look for in a trustworthy used car dealership is key.

OMVIC Certification

In 1999, Georgian College’s Automotive Business School of Canada teamed up with the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council to create a certification for used car dealers. That certification is mandatory in Toronto.

The certification course must be taken and passed by practically everyone who works in the dealership. This includes every new sales associate, the dealership’s management, partners, and officers. The only exceptions are partners and sole proprietors who are grandfathered (meaning the partner or proprietor took their role before OMVIC’s test become compulsory), though even then not everyone is exempt. A grandfathered salesperson, for example, needs to pass OMVIC’s course if they change their registration.

So, if a dealership (and its staff) lacks OMVIC certification, that’s an immediate warning sign that there may be something shady about the business.

A No-Pressure Sales Approach

Having a salesperson badgering you when you’re trying to make an important decision is annoying enough. When that salesperson keeps pushing you to purchase a more expensive vehicle or buy accessories you don’t need, it’s infuriating.

Less reputable dealerships use these types of high-pressure tactics to get you to “give in” and just sign the paperwork. It’s like stretching an elastic band – no matter how strong it is, if you keep pulling, the band will eventually break. Keep an eye out for dealerships that are more focused on selling you a high-priced item than on selling you what you actually need. The best dealers talk to you, figure out what you’re looking for, discuss your budget, and point you toward cars that actually suit your requirements.

Transparency When Talking

Have you ever felt befuddled when speaking to a salesperson? That’s a tactic, too, as the salesperson is trying to dazzle you with jargon so they can avoid talking in clear terms about what you want and what the car offers. It’s similar to the high-pressure tactic, only this time the salesperson wants to establish themselves as more knowledgeable than you, thus encouraging you to trust them.

Don’t fall for it.

Salespeople at the best user car dealerships Toronto has will explain complex or confusing terms to you if you ask. They’ll take the time to ensure you walk into a deal with your eyes wide open, rather than use jargon as a metaphorical blindfold to lead you to the deal they want to make.

The Best Used Car Dealerships in Toronto – Our 12 Picks

Before delving into the best used car dealerships Toronto has to offer, it’s worth explaining the criteria used to create the list. Customer service was key. We checked out the Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings for every dealership on this list (and provide a link so you can check for yourself) to confirm that each one holds itself to high standards.

The quality and nature of the cars play a role in determining the best used car dealerships, too. Some of the dealers on this list focus on specific manufacturers, with others selling luxury cars, and still others hitting the mid and low ranges of the market. This list aims to offer a good spread across all segments.

Finally, we took awards, charitable activities, warranties, and the availability of extra services, such as used car loans or financing into account. With all of that in mind, let’s begin your search for a great used car.

Platinum Cars, Inc.

If you enjoy the finer things in life, Platinum Cars has you covered. The name itself evokes luxury, which is what the dealership provides with a wide range of cars from manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, and Ferrari.

That lineup should clue you into the fact that even though they’re used cars, you’ll need a few hundred thousand dollars in the bank before you go down the Platinum route (some of its vehicles cost over $500,000). But the fact that AutoTrader has named them a “Best Priced Dealer” for three consecutive years between 2020 and 2022 shows that you’re getting good deals on its expensive cars.

Warranties of 36 days or 500km are standard with all vehicles, with extended warranties of up to 200,000km also available. And if you find a car you love that’s just out of reach, Platinum has an in-house financing team to help you get driving.

Address: 60 Martin Ross Ave, North York, ON, M3J2L4

BBB Rating – A+

Ken Shaw Lexus Toyota

Moving into a slightly more affordable (and focused) territory, Ken Shaw Lexus Toyota is part of the Shaw Automotive Group.

As the name implies, Toyota and Lexus are the main makes you’ll find at this dealership, though it does dip its fingers into other car makers’ pies. The occasional Volkswagen, Nissan, or Mercedes makes its way onto the lot, giving the dealership a sprinkling of variety.

Financing is available for those who don’t have the cash upfront. And the dealership serves as a one-stop shop for Toyota owners, as it can help you to source official Toyota parts, which it backs with a two-year warranty. The nifty loyalty program also nets you 10% of whatever you spend on services or parts, and 2% of spending on collision body repairs which you can put towards a vehicle.

Address: 2336 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6N 1K8

BBB Rating – A+

Good Fellow’s Auto Wholesaler

If variety is the spice of life, Good Fellow’s Auto Wholesaler has a lot of flavours because it’s one of the best used car dealerships Toronto residents can find for vehicle variety. It’s an award-winning dealer, too, with Dealer Rater doling out various “Consumer Satisfaction” and “Dealer of the Year” awards to the dealership since 2018.

At the time of writing, the dealership has over 100 used cars on sale, ranging from cheap and cheerful Nissan’s that set you back less than $20,000 to mid-range luxury vehicles by Mercedes and Lexus that cost more, of course, but not exorbitantly so.

Financing is available, with pre-approval financing available as well. And the dealership gets a steady flow of inventory because it buys cars in addition to selling them. The handy Online Vehicle Appraisal tool lets you check what your car’s worth before you visit so you can see if an exchange deal is worth your time.

Address: 3675 Keele St., Unit 1B & 2, North York, ON M3J 1M6

BBB Rating – A+

Volkswagen Downtown Toronto

Volkswagen by name and Volkswagen by nature is what defines this dealership, which sells both new and pre-owned models that all come from the famous German auto manufacturer. You’ll find Golfs, Jettas, and Beetles in its inventory, though the general availability of used cars means some makes and models may cycle in and out of inventory.

The best thing about this dealership is that it treats its used cars like new ones. If the vehicle you buy has any of the coverage left from the Volkswagen Assurance Program, it gets passed on to you. You can also buy an extended warranty covering two years or 40,000km.

But it’s the 112-point inspection carried out on every used vehicle that makes Volkswagen Downtown Toronto stand out. Every car undergoes the same battery of tests, meaning you can feel safe knowing that every vehicle on their lot has been thoroughly inspected before it’s put in front of your eyes.

Address: 550 Adelaide Street East, Toronto, ON, M5A 1N7

BBB Rating – A+

Parkway Honda

If an affordable (and reliable) Japanese brand is your cup of tea, Parkway Honda is the ideal choice. It offers finance rates starting at 4.71% for up to 24 months on all its used stock, and you can also lease cars with rates starting from 4.19% for the same period.

Though you might expect the dealership to stock nothing but Hondas, given the name, you’ll find cars and SUVs from manufacturers like Ford and Chevrolet available on the dealer’s website.

Parkway is also part of the WEINS Auto Group, meaning you can sign up for the WEINS Reward Program. That nets you benefits like free detailing, gift certificates, and up to 10% of the cost of a qualified purchase as a reward.

Address: 1681 Eglinton Ave E, North York, ON M4A 1J6

BBB Rating – A+

Logan Motors

Older cars are Logan Motor’s specialty, with much of its stock between 10 and 15 years old. That makes them a great choice for people who want something on the much lower end of the price spectrum, which might include parents seeking a reliable second car or students searching for their first vehicle.

Logan Motors is a member of the Used Car Dealers Association of Ontario, too. Combine that with its mandatory OMVIC certification and you have a dealership that goes the extra mile to maintain professional standards.

You can apply for financing through their website, though they don’t offer many details regarding rates or conditions. Don’t be fooled by the somewhat simplistic look of their website, by the way. What Logan’s lacks in bells and whistles it more than makes up for with good deals on reliable older cars.

Address: 917 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1J6

BBB Rating – A+

Coliseum Auto Sales

Based in Weston, Coliseum has nearly 15 years of experience serving the local community under its belt. The best used car dealerships Toronto last that long only if they combine good prices with quality service. Both are hallmarks of Coliseum.

The dealership primarily focuses on American service vehicles (trucks, vans, SUVs) from Ford, Dodge, and GMC, but they also offer Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans. They even have a sprinkling of coupes and sedans, as well as solid Japanese vehicles such as Hondas and Nissans.

Extended car warranties from Coliseum are part of the Autoguard program, which offers nationwide coverage (as well as coverage in the U.S.) and unlimited claims. Coliseum can service your vehicle as well as order and install parts, while financing is also available with rates starting from 4.99%.

Address: 16 Milford Ave, Toronto, ON, M6M 2V8

BBB Rating – A+

Legacy Motor Cars

Sometimes, you shop for a used car not because you want to save a little money, but because some makes and models have become timeless. Legacy Motor Cars scratch the itch for people who want classic cars at affordable prices. Its inventory includes vehicles dating back to 1957, including a gorgeous Ford Thunderbird (on sale at the time of writing).

You’re not left out in the cold if you want something more modern, though, as the dealership has plenty of cars from the 2000s. But if you’re looking for a vehicle released in the last five years, Legacy may not be the best choice for you.

The dealership accepts trade-ins, though the value is, of course, subject to the condition of your vehicle. You can apply for in-house financing online before ever setting foot in Legacy or arrange financing with your bank.

Address: 44 Ingram Drive, North York, ON M6M 2L6

BBB Rating – A+

Meadowvale Honda

The second Honda dealership to make it onto the list, Meadowvale is part of the Dilawri Auto Group. As the name might indicate, this is one of the best used car dealerships Toronto for Honda fans, with everything from Accords, Civics and CR-Vs on offer. It’s also a great option to find a reduced-price newer model, with several 2022 vehicles and at least one pre-owned 2023 model (as of this writing) on offer.

Trade-ins are accepted, with the dealership offering an instant valuation of your car online. You can also buy online and apply for financing via the website. Note that this doesn’t mean that Meadowvale delivers, as you still need to make a physical trip to the dealership to get your hands on your purchase.

Financing is available, along with a “Second Chance” option that’s ideal for people who have poor or no credit. Students may find “Second Chance” useful if they haven’t had a chance to build their credit histories.

Address: 2210 Battleford Rd, Mississauga, ON L5N 3K6

BBB Rating – A+

Yorkdale Ford Lincoln Sales Ltd.

Though Yorkdale typically sells new vehicles, it has a used category that offers competitively priced Ford F-150s, Toyota 4Runners, SUVs like Toyota Rav-4s, Lincoln Navigators, and similar all-terrain vehicles. It’s not the cheapest dealership around, likely due to its focus on newer and more high-end Ford models. But it’s ideal for somebody who wants a cheaper truck or SUV that’s still like new.

Official Ford parts are on offer in the dealership’s garage when you bring your Ford in for a service. If you’re a DIYer, you can also order parts online for your vehicle. You can also trade your old vehicle in for a little extra cash toward your purchase, with all trade-in prices based on Kelley Blue Book estimates.

Several financing programs are available, too, with the “Graduate” and “First-Time Buyer” programs offering deals accessible to people who may not have the best credit.

Address: 3130 Dufferin Street, North York, ON M6A 2S6

BBB Rating – A+

City South Fine Cars, Inc.

City South makes the bold claim that it doesn’t “only sell cars,” it builds relationships. They further stress their goal is to make the process of selling used cars transparent. Their customers will have to determine their success in that department but their A- rating from the BBB might be an indication.

City South has an eclectic mix of cars that run the gamut from high-end Porsches and Mercedes to older vehicles from mid-tier brands (like Hyundai) that are priced at less than $10,000. Think of it like a vehicular smorgasbord for car buyers with a broad spectrum of tastes and budgets.

They offer financing that takes into account bad credit and trade-in services are also on offer. The company has several five-star reviews (shown on its website) to go along with a solid BBB rating.

Address: 575 Keele St, Toronto, ON M6N 3E4

BBB Rating – A-

Canadian Fine Motors

Don’t let the fact that Canadian Fine Motors has a lower BBB rating than the other dealerships on this list deter you. According to the BBB, the company has been around for about three decades which might be due to the solid inventory of used cars across all the major brands that they offer.

Transparency might be the key to its success. Check out any of its vehicle listings and you’ll find all the key information you need to make a purchase, ranging from colour and body style to engine size and miles on the odometer.

The dealership has its own financing department, and you can apply online. They’ll also consider your old car for trade to put a little extra cash towards your purchase.

Address: 1882 Lawrence Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1R 2Y5

BBB Rating – B-

Get a Car You Can Trust From the Best Used Car Dealerships Toronto

With this in-depth examination of 12 of the best used car dealerships Toronto offers, you have everything you need to find a dealer who can offer you a clean, running vehicle at a decent price.

But there’s one more thing to consider when choosing a dealership – your gut.

If a deal sounds too good to be true, or something just feels “off” about the dealership, trust your instincts. Your gut’s giving you a warning, even if you’re not seeing the red flags right in front of your eyes. The good news is that none of the dealerships listed here should give you that uneasy feeling. Explore their websites, visit the lots, and chat with the salespeople on site. That (combined with this article) should give you a good feel for whether you’ve found the right dealer for you. After that, it’s just a case of making a decision, buying the car, getting car insurance, and heading out on the road.