If you’re thinking of buying or selling a vehicle online or simply applying for financing, here’s a look at how three well-known companies compare in various categories.
Canada Drives vs Clutch vs CarDoor
As of March 2023, you can no longer buy a car online from Canada Drives. However, you can still sell your car to them or get approved for a car loan.
Canada Drives | Clutch | CarDoor | |
---|---|---|---|
Inventory | None | Pre-owned cars, SUVs, minivans and Jeeps | Pre-owned cars, SUVs, minivans and Jeeps |
Buys used cars | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Accepts trade-ins | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Accepts cars with a loan on it | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Serviced provinces | All | Ontario and Nova Scotia | Ontario |
APR ranges | Not disclosed | From 8.99% | Undisclosed |
Loan terms | 12 - 96 months | 24 - 96 months | 12 - 96 months |
Minimum loan amount | $5,000 | $7,500 | $5,000 |
Maximum loan amount | $75,000 | No maximum | Not disclosed |
Fees | Not disclosed | In Halifax, there is an $899 car-prep fee. | $130 for registering your licence plate |
Trial period | Not applicable | 10 days/750 km | 14 days/750 km |
Exchange policy | Not applicable | Exchanges can be made within the 10 days/750 km “test own” policy. | 60 days/5,000 km |
Warranty | Not applicable | Complimentary 90 days/6,000 km warranty | Complimentary 90 days/10,000 km warranty |
Eligibility requirements |
|
|
|
Accepts no down payment | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Cross-province purchases | Not applicable | Between Ontario and Nova Scotia | No |
Negotiable prices | Not applicable | No | No |
Contactless delivery | Not applicable | Yes | Yes |
Turnaround time | Less than 24 hours | Less than 24 hours | Less than 24 hours |
Better Business Bureaus | F rating (not accredited), 1.73 stars out of 5 (based on 41 reviews) | A+ rating (accredited), 1.94 stars out of 5 (based on 17 reviews) | No BBB profile |
Canada Drives vs Clutch vs CarDoor: Who is the best?
When you’re shopping for a car and the financing to make your purchase, there are crucial factors you’ll want to zero in on. Here’s how these online dealers stack up:
Best for deals: Clutch
- Weekly deals. Unlike CarDoor, Clutch has deals on cars, where you can browse discounted cars for sale – possibly saving you a few thousand dollars off the vehicle’s purchase price.
Best for inventory: CarDoor
- Large inventory. CarDoor has over 1,000 vehicles in its inventory, while Clutch has over 300.
- Detailed inspection process and vehicle history records. Count on CarDoor to provide you with everything you need to know about the pre-owned car you’re eyeing. Its pre-owned cars come with a free CARFAX vehicle history report and details about their interior and exterior. (Clutch does the same as well.)
Best for trial period (and exchanges): CarDoor
- Test drive your vehicle. CarDoor offers the lengthier trial period at 14 days/750 km compared to Clutch (10 days/750 km).
- Make an exchange. CarDoor is generous with its exchange policy too, providing a timeframe of 60 days/5,000 km. Clutch allows exchanges within the trial period of 10 days/750 km.
Best for warranty options: CarDoor
- Complimentary warranty. CarDoor offers a free 90 days/10,000 km that covers defects in materials or workmanship for many parts of the car, but excludes wear items like brakes and tires. Its warranty is longer in distance than Clutch.
- Option to purchase warranties through the dealer. Both Clutch and CarDoor provide buyers with the option to buy in-house warranties.
Best for financing options: Canada Drives
- Range of financing options available. With Canada Drives, choose between new car loans, used car loans, bad credit car loans (including no credit, poor credit and bankruptcy).
- Flexible terms. All three offer trade-ins and no down payment, along with similar loan terms Clutch (24 - 96 months), Canada Drives (up to 96 months) and CarDoor (12 - 96 months).
Compare car loans
How does online car shopping work?
Online car dealers are making it easier to do your vehicle shopping and financing from wherever you have an Internet connection. Here’s how:
- Choose from a variety of new and pre-owned vehicles via online platforms. Look through inventory listings, each with a virtual 360-degree walk around, key features and a CARFAX vehicle history report.
- Apply for vehicle financing if you need an auto loan. Online dealers provide a one-stop shop, so you can apply for a car loan to make your purchase. Learn more about used car financing.
- Make your purchase and have it delivered straight to your home. Select a delivery date and your online lender will bring the car to your front door for a “test own” period.
How do I qualify?
Eligibility criteria vary between each online dealer, but as a baseline, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
- Be a Canadian resident, of the age of majority in your province.
- Have a valid driver’s licence.
- Have a steady income to make loan repayments.
- Have an active bank account.
What documents do I need to apply?
When your vehicle is delivered to your home, you’ll need to provide the following:
- A void cheque or direct deposit form for the bank account you want your payments to come from.
- A copy of your new insurance, in effect upon receiving your vehicle.
- A valid driver’s licence.
Frequently asked questions
More guides on Finder
-
Carnex review: Online dealer of used EVs
How to buy a used electric vehicle online with Carnex, including how to choose a vehicle and find financing.
-
4 companies like CarMax
Compare companies in Canada similar to CarMax. Shop for cars online.
-
Companies like Vroom in Canada
Compare companies in Canada similar to Vroom. Buy your next car online.
-
Companies like Carvana in Canada
Carvana is a popular online car-buying platform in the US that isn’t currently available in Canada. Here are Carvana alternatives in Canada.
-
6 companies like Canada Drives
Shopping for a car online? Compare six companies like Canada Drives.
-
CarDoor review
If you’re thinking of buying a used car in the Greater Toronto Area, check out online car buying platform CarDoor.
-
Clutch review: Car purchase and financing platform
Buy a car completely online through Clutch, a car-buying platform with thousands of used vehicles.
-
How to buy a car online in Canada
Find out how to buy a car online in Canada and have it delivered to your doorstep.
-
Buying a car online vs in person at a dealership
Compare the pros and cons of buying a car online vs at a dealership, and choose which option suits you best.