Car Buying Guide
Used Car Buying FAQs in Oshawa, Ontario
Your Guide to Used Car Financing, Safety Certification, CARFAX Reports & Warranties
Shopping for a reliable used car in Oshawa, the Greater Toronto Area, or Eastern Ontario?
At True North Automobiles, we believe purchasing a pre-owned vehicle should be straightforward, informative, and pressure-free.
Located at 184 King Street West in Oshawa, Ontario, our independent used car dealership welcomes customers from Durham Region, Toronto, Port Perry, Peterborough, Belleville, Kingston, and surrounding communities.
Whether you’re searching for an affordable used car, a family SUV, a dependable first vehicle, or flexible financing options, our goal is to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
Below are answers to 10 of the most frequently asked questions about buying a used car in Ontario.
1. Where can I buy affordable, reliable used cars in Oshawa, the GTA, or Eastern Ontario?
True North Automobiles is an independent used car dealership located in Oshawa, Ontario, welcoming customers from across Durham Region, the Greater Toronto Area, and Eastern Ontario.
Our inventory includes a selection of pre-owned sedans, SUVs, trucks, hybrids, and crossovers from popular manufacturers such as Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Ford, Kia, Chevrolet, and more.
Whether you’re searching for a fuel-efficient commuter car, a family SUV, or an affordable first vehicle, our inventory offers a range of makes, models, and price points.
We focus on competitive pricing, transparent vehicle information, accessible CARFAX Canada history reports, and a comfortable buying experience.
Customers from Toronto, Clarington, Peterborough, Belleville, Kingston, and surrounding areas can browse our available inventory online before visiting our Oshawa dealership.
Browse Used Cars for Sale in Oshawa
2. What is the difference between certified and uncertified used cars in Ontario?
A certified used vehicle has successfully passed an Ontario Safety Standards Inspection, confirming that it met the province’s minimum safety requirements at the time of inspection.
An uncertified vehicle has not been provided with a valid Safety Standards Certificate for the sale and may require inspection and repairs before it can be registered for road use.
At True North Automobiles, customers purchasing eligible vehicles advertised as unfit and not certified may choose our optional certification package, which includes the repairs necessary for the vehicle to pass the applicable Ontario safety inspection.
Vehicles certified through True North Automobiles also include our complimentary 36-day limited safety guarantee, beginning on the date of certification, not the date of vehicle pickup.
This guarantee covers eligible safety-related defects that existed at the time of certification or resulted from defective parts or workmanship associated with certification repairs, subject to our written terms and applicable law.
A Safety Standards Certificate is not a comprehensive mechanical warranty and does not guarantee that future breakdowns will not occur.
3. Can I get approved for used car financing with bad credit or no credit in Oshawa?
Yes, used car financing may be available even if you have bad credit, no credit, or a limited credit history.
At True North Automobiles, we work with a network of automotive lenders to help customers explore used car financing options based on their individual circumstances.
We assist buyers with a variety of credit situations, including:
- Bad credit or a low credit score
- Limited or no established credit history
- Previous bankruptcy or consumer proposal
- Newcomers to Canada
- First-time vehicle buyers
- Customers rebuilding their credit
Financing approval depends on factors such as income, credit history, existing debt, vehicle eligibility, and lender requirements.
Whether you’re located in Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Toronto, Peterborough, or Belleville, our team can help you explore available financing options before making the trip to our dealership.
Less-than-perfect credit doesn’t automatically mean you can’t finance a used vehicle.
4. Can I buy a used car with no down payment in Ontario?
Yes, zero-down used car financing may be available to qualified buyers, depending on lender approval and the vehicle being financed.
A down payment isn’t always required, but eligibility depends on factors such as your credit history, income, existing financial obligations, and the lender’s financing guidelines.
When financing a used vehicle, it’s important to consider more than just your monthly or biweekly payment.
Review the interest rate, loan term, amount financed, and total cost of borrowing. A longer loan term may reduce individual payments while increasing the total interest paid.
At True North Automobiles, we help customers understand their available financing options and payment structures before committing to a purchase.
5. Can I view a CARFAX Canada report before buying a used car at True North Automobiles?
Yes. CARFAX Canada Vehicle History Reports are conveniently accessible directly through our website, allowing you to review available vehicle history information while browsing our used car inventory.
Simply select a vehicle you’re interested in and click the CARFAX badge on its listing to access the available report.
A CARFAX Canada report may include:
- Reported accident and damage history
- Vehicle registration history
- Available odometer records
- Reported service and maintenance history
- Other vehicle history information where available
Reviewing a vehicle history report can help you make an informed purchasing decision before visiting our Oshawa dealership.
Not every accident, repair, or maintenance event is necessarily reported to CARFAX. We recommend reviewing the report alongside the vehicle’s overall condition and available maintenance information.
Browse Our Used Car Inventory and CARFAX Reports
6. Can I test-drive or get an independent inspection before buying a used car?
Yes. True North Automobiles welcomes customers to test-drive vehicles and arrange independent pre-purchase inspections.
A test drive allows you to evaluate a vehicle’s comfort, handling, acceleration, braking, visibility, and overall driving characteristics.
An independent inspection by a qualified mechanic may provide additional insight into a used vehicle’s mechanical condition, including concerns that may not be identified during a standard Ontario safety inspection.
Before purchasing, we encourage customers to review available vehicle history information, maintenance records where available, tire condition, braking performance, and overall mechanical condition.
If you’re travelling from Toronto, Clarington, Port Perry, Peterborough, Belleville, Kingston, or elsewhere in Ontario, we recommend contacting our team in advance to arrange a suitable appointment.
We believe informed customers make confident purchasing decisions.
7. Can I trade in my current vehicle toward another used car in Oshawa?
Yes. True North Automobiles accepts vehicle trade-ins toward the purchase of another used car, truck, SUV, or crossover.
Your trade-in value depends on factors such as:
- Year, make, model, and trim
- Kilometres driven
- Mechanical and cosmetic condition
- Accident and maintenance history
- Current wholesale and retail market demand
You may also be able to trade in a vehicle with an outstanding loan. Depending on the remaining loan balance and the vehicle’s market value, you may have positive or negative equity.
In Ontario, qualifying trade-ins can also reduce the HST payable on your vehicle purchase by applying tax to the eligible net difference, subject to applicable rules.
Whether you’re located in Oshawa, Whitby, Bowmanville, Clarington, Toronto, or surrounding areas, contact us with your vehicle information to discuss a trade-in appraisal.
8. Do used cars come with a warranty in Ontario?
Not all used cars in Ontario include a comprehensive mechanical warranty. Warranty coverage varies depending on the dealership, vehicle, and any optional protection plan purchased.
At True North Automobiles, vehicles purchased with our optional certification package include a complimentary 36-day limited safety guarantee.
This guarantee begins on the vehicle’s safety certification date, not the date of pickup, and applies to eligible safety-related defects that existed at the time of certification or resulted from defective certification repairs, subject to our written agreement.
True North Automobiles does not provide any other complimentary mechanical or electrical warranty.
We encourage customers to consider purchasing an optional extended vehicle warranty for additional protection against eligible future mechanical breakdowns.
Customers who decline additional warranty protection are generally responsible for repairs outside our limited safety guarantee, subject to applicable Ontario consumer protection laws.
Claims under separately purchased extended warranties are handled directly with the warranty provider according to the provider’s terms and conditions.
9. What taxes and additional fees should I expect when buying a used car in Ontario?
When purchasing a used vehicle from an Ontario dealership, buyers should understand the full purchase price, applicable taxes, licensing costs, and any optional products or services.
Ontario’s all-in price advertising rules generally require registered dealers to include mandatory fees in advertised vehicle prices, with HST and licensing excluded where clearly disclosed.
Special disclosure requirements apply to vehicles advertised as unfit or as-is.
At True North Automobiles, our advertised cash prices exclude HST and licensing. An optional certification package is available for eligible vehicles advertised as unfit and not certified.
Financing may involve additional disclosed costs, depending on the transaction and lender requirements. All applicable charges and financing terms will be explained before you sign a purchase agreement.
We encourage customers to review the complete transaction details, including vehicle price, taxes, licensing, financing terms, optional products, and total amount payable.
10. What should I look for when buying a reliable used car in Ontario?
When shopping for a used car in Ontario, focus on the vehicle’s condition, maintenance history, total ownership cost, and suitability for your driving needs rather than price alone.
Before purchasing, consider the following:
- Vehicle history: Review the available CARFAX Canada report for reported accidents, damage, and registration information.
- Mileage: Compare the vehicle’s kilometres with its age, condition, and maintenance history.
- Mechanical condition: Test-drive the vehicle and consider an independent pre-purchase inspection.
- Safety certification: Understand the difference between certified, unfit, and as-is vehicle sales.
- Reliability and maintenance: Research common issues, expected maintenance, and repair costs for the specific model.
- Financing: Understand the interest rate, loan term, payment amount, and total borrowing costs.
- Warranty coverage: Review what is covered, what is excluded, and the applicable coverage period.
- Ownership costs: Consider insurance, fuel economy, regular servicing, tires, and unexpected repairs.
At True North Automobiles, our goal is to help customers find a vehicle that suits their needs, lifestyle, and budget.
Shop Used Cars in Oshawa — Serving the GTA & Eastern Ontario
Looking for your next used car, SUV, truck, or hybrid?
True North Automobiles is conveniently located at 184 King Street West in Oshawa, Ontario, serving local buyers and welcoming customers travelling from:
- Durham Region: Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Clarington, Courtice, Bowmanville, Port Perry, and Uxbridge.
- Greater Toronto Area: Toronto, Scarborough, Markham, and surrounding communities.
- Eastern Ontario: Peterborough, Belleville, Kingston, Cobourg, Port Hope, and surrounding areas.
Browse our available inventory online, access CARFAX Canada vehicle history reports, and contact our team to arrange a test drive before making the trip.
True North Automobiles
184 King Street West, Oshawa, Ontario
Phone: 905-576-8111
Straightforward information. Competitive pricing. A better-informed buying experience.