Are you thinking of buying a new car? Before you step foot into a dealership, a little preparation can save you time, stress, and anxiety. This easy-to-follow checklist walks you through what to research, bring, and ask—so you can walk in (and out) feeling confident.

### ✅ Step 1: Know Your Budget

This seems like an obvious step, but we don't mean just what you think you want to spend on the vehicle. Car ownership is more than just your car payments, so make sure you take additional costs into consideration.

*   Decide your total budget or monthly payment cap

*   Consider insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs

*   Factor in down payment and taxes/fees

    📎Pro tip: Use a car loan calculator before visiting the lot.

### ✅ Step 2: Research Before You Shop

With so many options available to you, it's always a good practice to narrow down what you really need. An SUV and a sedan can both get you from point A to point B, but only one of these vehicles would do really well off-roading and adventuring if needed.

*   Narrow down makes and models that fit your needs (commute, family, hauling, etc.)
*   Check safety ratings (NHTSA or IIHS)
*   Compare fuel consumption, warranty, and trim options

    📎Pro tip: Read real owner reviews, not just dealership promos.
     

### ✅ Step 3: Know Your Trade-In (If You Have One)

Trading in your current vehicle can save you quite a bit of money if you can maximize your trade in value with proper preparation and negotiation.

*   Get estimates from sites like Carfax of Auto Trader
*   Clean it and gather maintenance records
*   Don’t mention your trade-in until after you negotiate the price of your new car
     

### ✅ Step 4: Get Pre-Approved (or Pre-Qualified)

Proving that you have met the initial criteria for car ownership will help save time as you won't have to wait for financing approval and are less susceptible to high pressure sales tactics.

*   Shop around for financing (banks, credit unions, online lenders)
*   Getting pre-approved gives you negotiation power

    📎Pro tip: Even if you use dealership financing, pre-approval sets a baseline rate to beat.
     

### ✅ Step 5: Gather Your Docs

Having the proper paperwork will ensure that you can shop with confidence knowing you have everything you need with you. Bring:

*   Valid driver’s license
*   Proof of insurance
*   Pre-approval letter (if applicable)
*   Trade-in documents (title or loan info)
*   Recent utility bill or pay stub (some dealers require proof of residence/income) 

### ✅ Step 6: Ask the Right Questions

Come prepared with questions and *write them down*. It's easy to think that you will remember
everything you meant to ask, but between test drives and negotiations things can slip through the cracks.

*   What’s the out-the-door price? (Not just MSRP)
*   Are there any dealer-installed add-ons or hidden fees?
*   What’s included in the warranty?
*   Can I see the car’s invoice price or history (even for new models)?

    📎Pro tip: Take a test drive and inspect the actual VIN-numbered car you’ll be buying.
     

### ✅ Step 7: Don’t Feel Pressured

Car ownership is a big commitment and something you should feel excited about, not pressured into, so take your time and feel confident about the choice you make.

*   You can leave and think about it
*   Ask for an emailed quote
*   Compare offers from other dealers

    📎Pro tip: The best deal might come the day you walk away.



The Ultimate New Car Buying Checklist: What to Know Before You Visit a Dealership

Top 10 brands in the USA  by early 2025 sales 

Think your car is made where the brand is based? Not always! While the top 10 car brands have well-known headquarters, many of their most popular models are built in unexpected places. These infographics break down where these brands call home and where select models roll off the assembly line.

It’s a fun peek under the hood of how global and collaborative the auto industry really is, no passport required.


Top 10 car brands and where they're manufactured 

Purchasing a new car in Canada doesn't have to break the bank and we've found the top 10 most affordable cars available, based on the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) to prove it to you. We get it, cars require a significant investment and affordability doesn't mean compromising on quality or essential features. Here are the top 10 cheapest cars in Canada.

1.  **2025 Hyundai Elantra - Starting at $25,159
    **![](/images/Hyiundai-Elantra-2025.png)
    Our list starts with the Hyundai Elantra, a sedan that's build for your every day drive. This compact car features a Smartstream 2.0L MPI 4-cylinder engine and 8.0" Touch-screen display with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay. With a combined fuel economy rating of 6.5L/100 km.

2.  **2024 Nissan Sentra - Starting at $25,155**
    Makes moves with the sporty handling of the Nissan Sentra. It features remote keyless entry, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a combined fuel efficiency rating of 6.8L/100 km.

3.  **2024 Nissan Kicks Play - Starting at $25,135**
    Move to your own beat with the Nissan Kicks Play, packed with street-smart tech. Standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 7" colour touchscreen display audio system. With a combined fuel economy rating of 7.2L/100 km.

4.  **2024 Hyundai Elantra – Starting at $24,559**
    The Hyundai Elantra offers a sleek design and features advanced safety systems, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The interior is spacious, providing ample comfort for both driver and passengers. With a combined fuel economy of approximately 6.5L/100 km, it's both stylish and efficient.

5.  **2025 Hyundai Venue – Starting at $24,034**
    This Hyundai Venue offers the same comfort and host of standard features as the previous year with greater flexibility in exterior colour choice, so you have more opportunity to show your personality. Otherwise, the 2024 model makes our list at number 7.

6.  **2024 Kia Forte– Starting at $23,676**
    The Kia Forte is a compact car that offers a comfortable interior and a smooth ride. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Safety features like forward collision-avoidance assist are available. Its 2.0L engine delivers a combined fuel economy of approximately 7.9L/100 km.

7.  **2024 Hyundai Venue – Starting at $23,634**
    The Hyundai Venue is a compact SUV that offers a comfortable ride and a host of standard features. It includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, forward collision-avoidance assist, and lane-keeping assist. Its 1.6L engine provides adequate power while maintaining a fuel economy of around 7.5L/100 km combined.

8.  **2025 Nissan Versa – Starting at $23,405**
    This Nissan Versa is equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque, it delivers a smooth driving experience complemented by impressive fuel economy—achieving up to 7.4L/100 km in the city and 5.9L/100 km on the highway.

9.  **2024 Nissan Versa – Starting at $23,105**
    The Nissan Versa is a 4 door sedan that offers excellent value. It comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, and includes automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. Its 1.6L engine provides good fuel efficiency, with a combined rating of around 6.7L/100 km.

10. **2024 Mitsubishi Mirage – Starting at $19,469**
    The Mitsubishi Mirage is one of the most affordable new cars in Canada. It features a compact design, making it ideal for city driving. Standard features include a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity. Its 1.2L engine offers exceptional fuel efficiency, achieving approximately 6.2L/100 km combined.



Blog

The Ultimate New Car Buying Checklist: What to Know Before You Visit a Dealership

Top 10 car brands and where they're manufactured

10 Cars $25K and Under in 2025