The Best Time To Buy A Used Car In Ontario: A 2025 Market Insider's Guide

Shopping for a pre-owned vehicle can feel stressful, especially if you want the best deal. Many drivers do not know that market trends and timing play a big part in used car pricing across Ontario.

In this guide from Erinwood Ford’s team, you will learn about the Best Time To Buy Used Car Ontario and how to save on your next ride in Mississauga or the Greater Toronto Area. Find out when smart buyers make their move.

Key Takeaways

• Late autumn, namely October and November, is an affordable season to purchase a pre-owned vehicle as dealers aim to dispose of older inventory prior to welcoming fresh models.

• Year-end promotions during November and December feature sizable deductions and price reductions at outlets such as Erinwood Ford as they strive to achieve annual objectives.

• The onset of the year, particularly January and February, witnesses fewer transactions. It's an opportune time for purchasers to bargain for reduced prices due to diminished buyer competition.

• Dealers aspire to reach selling milestones at the conclusion of every month or quarter. Shopping during these intervals could result in additional price reductions on pre-owned cars.

• The shift of seasons affects the demand for different vehicle types. For example, SUVs and trucks are more reasonable in the colder months, while the prices for convertibles decrease during the warm season.

  
  

Understanding the Used Car Market in Ontario

Our team at Erinwood Ford knows that the Ontario used car market has seen big changes in 2025. The average listing price sits at $25,512 as of July. This marks a shift, especially as wholesale prices dropped 0.63% in just the second week of July 2025.

Minivans and full-size SUVs showed even bigger drops with values falling up to 0.81%. Vehicles under $20,000 are now attracting more buyers because older models are holding value, and some younger vehicles face sharper depreciation.

The typical car now sells faster too—about 40 days on the market compared to over 55 days late last year. These shifts mean more bargaining power for you and shorter waits for great deals on pre-owned vehicles from us at Erinwood Ford in Mississauga.

Demand is up for affordable options such as family vans or SUV crossovers, reflecting buyer needs across Ontario’s diverse drivers. Stay sharp by watching these Ontario used car market trends; our automotive professionals can help you spot opportunities and keep your expenses down whether you want an SUV or another vehicle type, all while avoiding high premiums or insurance scams common elsewhere.

The Best Times to Buy a Used Car in 2025

Our team at Erinwood Ford has seen that timing can make a big difference in your purchase. Certain months give you extra leverage and unlock the cheapest time to buy used car models across Ontario.

Late Fall: September through October

Late fall brings some of the cheapest times to buy a used car in Ontario. October and November often deliver big discounts right before the end-of-year sales ramp up. Many dealerships aim to clear out stock, which means more room for negotiation if you plan your visit during these months.

“A typical price drop for a 3-year-old vehicle is expected to be 6% in 2025,” says industry forecasts, so shoppers can expect great savings on popular trims.

Desirable 3-year-old models become harder to find as supply drops in late fall, leading many buyers to act fast on well-priced vehicles. Our team at Erinwood Ford watches the market closely and helps you get ahead of rising prices that often hit just before winter arrives.

With expert salespeople ready, flexible car loan options for qualified customers, and full inspection reports available on request, we ensure every shopper feels confident about making their purchase decision this season.

End of the Year: November and December

Dealers in Ontario, like us at Erinwood Ford, start major inventory clearance events every November and December. You see our best end-of-year car sales, then as we make room for upcoming models.

Fewer buyers shop during these colder months, so we offer bigger rebates and discounts to meet sales goals before January. Black Friday brings low prices and unique offers on pre-owned cars, SUVs, and trucks.

The holiday season is also the top time to secure limited-time deals or extra incentives like lower rates for qualified customers. Many drivers search for tax benefits or deductions on vehicles purchased before the calendar flips over.

As activity slows down near the end of the year, you get more power when negotiating your purchase price with our team. In the next section, let’s look at why deals often continue into January and February after the holidays wind down.

Beginning of the Year: January and February

January and February bring the slowest used car sales in Ontario. Our Erinwood Ford team sees less traffic, which makes us more flexible with pricing. Fewer buyers visit during these winter months, so our sales professionals work extra hard to meet targets.

This creates opportunities for you to negotiate lower prices on SUVs, cars, and trucks.

After the holiday season ends, many drivers trade in their vehicles for later models or different trims. As a result, inventory grows at the start of the year, offering shoppers better choices across all budgets.

February 2025 stands out as an excellent month to find deals since we are motivated by market trends and dealership sales goals. Buying during this quiet period often means more selection and savings at Erinwood Ford Mississauga for qualified customers looking for great value on insured used cars.

End of the Month or Quarter

Dealerships like Erinwood Ford push hard to reach sales targets by the end of each month and quarter. March, June, September, and December are key times for bigger savings in Ontario.

Our team often provides deeper discounts as managers work towards meeting goals. This means lower prices on used vehicles and more room for negotiation right before those dates.

Sales professionals may act quickly if they need one last sale to hit a goal or win an incentive trip from Ford Canada. Shopping during these periods helps you catch seasonal car-buying tips Ontario buyers use every year.

Get your financing approved ahead of time so you can move fast when a great deal appears.

At Erinwood Ford, we love helping Mississauga drivers save money at just the right moment—especially when it helps us meet our targets too!

Seasonal Considerations for Specific Vehicle Types

Certain cars become more popular at different times of the year in Ontario. Our team watches these changes closely to help you find great deals on used vehicles that fit your needs and lifestyle.

Winter Deals on SUVs and Trucks

December and January bring some of the best end-of-year car sales Ontario shoppers can find on SUVs and trucks. The colder months mean fewer people visit dealerships, making it easier to get lower prices as dealers look to clear last year’s models.

At Erinwood Ford, we work hard in winter to help you save more on popular options like the Escape, Edge, Bronco Sport, F-150, and Ranger.

Dealers often offer bigger discounts during these months because demand drops while snow piles up outside. You may spot savings on both gas-powered and hybrid versions that match Canadian winters perfectly.

Our team also offers competitive financing for qualified customers who want tough vehicles for snowy roads or hauling loads around Mississauga. Next up are summer deals perfect for those eyeing convertibles or sporty cars.

Summer Discounts on Convertibles and Sports Cars

Summer brings some of the best deals on convertibles and sports cars in Ontario. Our team at Erinwood Ford sees prices drop as more people shop for fun rides around holidays like Canada Day.

Dealers often launch special marketing offers, making it a smart time to act if you want one of these eye-catching vehicles. Attractive financing for qualified customers is also common during these months.

We use helpful tools like cookies to tailor deals and keep you updated on the latest promotions that fit your needs. Summer discounts can help drivers save money over other times of year.

Keep an eye out for extended protection plans too, which may be available with select models in our inventory during summer sales events. End-of-the-month opportunities can stack extra value on top of our already competitive pricing, leading into key factors that influence pricing decisions across all vehicle types.

Key Factors That Influence Pricing

Our team at Erinwood Ford watches market trends and supply levels closely. Prices can shift fast due to factors like trade-ins, more vehicles in stock, and dealer goals for meeting targets.

New Model Releases

Manufacturers roll out updated vehicles in late summer or early fall across Ontario. This timing prompts discounts on last year’s models, making October to December the best months to buy a used car.

Dealers want to clear space for updates like SYNC infotainment systems and advanced safety features found in Ford Explorer or Escape models for Canada.

Sales teams often lower prices on current stock to meet quotas before holidays. "October through December gives you an edge as a shopper," I always tell customers at Erinwood Ford.

Those looking for additional protection plans will find more options during this period because inventory is high and incentives are strong. The best month to buy a car in Ontario is usually November, when dealer offers are most attractive for qualified buyers seeking value and reliability.

Inventory Clearance

After automakers release updated models, our team at Erinwood Ford in Mississauga focuses on moving older vehicles from our lot. This period often leads to inventory clearance events packed with cashback offers, bigger price cuts, and low-interest financing for qualified buyers.

From September to December, these deals show up the most as we work toward yearly sales targets and make room for upcoming stock.

During inventory clearance, extra incentives may be offered. Shoppers can find pre-inspected vehicles with options to add extended protection plans for peace of mind. Our automotive professionals aim to provide simple buying steps and quick financing solutions on approved credit throughout these aggressive pricing periods.

Sales Quotas and Dealer Incentives

Moving from inventory clearance, another big factor is sales quotas and dealer incentives. Sales managers at Erinwood Ford often aim to meet targets by the end of each month or quarter.

To qualify for bonuses, we may lower prices on select vehicles and even sell them with less. This creates strong negotiating power for shoppers during these times.

Dealer incentives can include cash discounts or special financing rates on approved credit for qualified customers. Sometimes we pair these offers with extended warranties to make your purchase even safer.

Our team tracks market data closely, using tools like Carfax reports and Canadian Black Book pricing guides to ensure you get fair value in Mississauga’s used vehicle market.

Tips for Getting the Best Deal

Our team uses CARFAX reports and Canadian Black Book values to help you make smart choices. Shopping during our holiday events often means lower prices and more selection for Mississauga drivers.

Research Vehicle History and Pricing

Use trusted tools like CARFAX Canada to check each vehicle’s history before you buy. Look for accident records, past ownership, and service details. This helps avoid costly surprises down the road.

Ask our team of professionals at Erinwood Ford for an official history report on any used car we offer.

Ontario’s average used car price hit $25,512 in July 2025. Market trends show wholesale prices fell by 0.63% mid-July, which means better deals could be available right now. Older models under $20,000 are getting more popular; they also hold value well due to higher demand across Mississauga and beyond.

You deserve full confidence when purchasing your next vehicle; our thorough research can make that happen.

Take Advantage of Holiday Sales Events

Holiday sales events offer some of the strongest deals on used vehicles in Ontario. Major Canadian dates like Canada Day, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Boxing Day bring deep discounts and special promotions at Erinwood Ford.

Our team often posts eye-catching markdowns as we aim to move inventory before the end of the year.

Dealerships want to reach sales targets during these times. Many customers find flexible financing plans or exclusive bonus perks if they qualify. Watch for limited-time price drops and extra trade-in value.

These short windows can help you save thousands on your purchase from our Mississauga location. The best opportunities come when stock is high and competition among buyers slows down after big holidays.

Visit Midweek for Better Negotiation Opportunities

Visit our Erinwood Ford dealership in Mississauga midweek. Fewer shoppers come on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so our sales team can focus more on you. This means you get better attention and answers to your questions about used vehicles.

Salespeople often try harder to meet monthly targets during slow days. They may be more open to making a deal that works for you. This quiet time can help you save money or find extra perks when buying your next car, SUV, or pickup truck.

Our team is ready to help every step of the way.

Why Erinwood Ford is Your Go-To Dealership in Mississauga

At Erinwood Ford, my team and I offer unmatched customer care and a broad range of thoroughly-inspected pre-owned vehicles with top prices and financing options on approved credit—discover how we make your next car-buying journey easy in Mississauga.

Unmatched Customer Service

Thousands of drivers across Ontario trust our team because we put people first. We have earned great reviews from happy customers.

Every shopper gets clear answers and honest help at every step, whether looking for a Ford Escape or an F-150 Lariat in Mississauga.

Our staff listens to each person’s needs with care. Feedback matters to us; we invite all guests to share their stories so we can keep getting better as a dealership serving vehicle shoppers like you.

We work hard every day for real people who need great vehicles—and their voices push us forward, says Dave Raymond, President of Erinwood Ford.

Wide Selection of Pre-Owned Vehicles

Erinwood Ford gives you access to a huge variety of inspected pre-owned vehicles in Mississauga. We offer many options, including popular Canadian trims and models, all checked for quality by our team of automotive professionals.

You can sort the inventory by price, year, mileage, or features that matter most to you. Different purchasing choices and flexible payment plans are available for qualified buyers.

With so many reliable used cars, trucks, and SUVs in stock at Erinwood Ford, shoppers can easily find something that fits their needs and budget. Let’s look at how competitive pricing and flexible financing help make your next vehicle choice even easier.

Competitive Pricing and Financing Options

We offer competitive pricing on all pre-owned vehicles to help shoppers save big. Our team at Erinwood Ford works hard to keep prices low and pass those savings on to our customers.

Flexible payment plans are available for both pre-owned and current-model vehicles with approved credit. Qualified buyers can access tailored solutions that fit their budget and lifestyle.

Our finance experts guide you at every step so you drive away happy from our Mississauga showroom.

Explore Our Wide Selection of Pre-Owned Vehicles

Great pricing and flexible financing pave the way to our collection of pre-owned vehicles at Erinwood Ford. Shoppers can choose from 136 different models, including popular Ford cars, trucks, and SUVs suited for the Canadian market.

Mileage starts as low as 67 kilometres and ranges up to over 213,000 kilometres. Every vehicle comes with a full history report for clear information about previous use. Our team reviews each car closely before it hits the lot.

We help match drivers with options that fit both your lifestyle and budget here in Mississauga.

Discover Why Buying from Us Makes a Difference

My team at Erinwood Ford works hard to make every experience smooth and honest. Reviews show buyers feel welcome, not pressured. Our sales advisors listen and give help that matches your needs.

We stand out because we treat you like a valued guest, whether you visit online or in our Mississauga store.

Our diverse inventory covers cars, crossovers, trucks, and SUVs for Canadian drivers. We focus on quality by offering only the best used vehicles with clear history reports. Shoppers often share how easy it feels to compare options without stress or surprise fees.

See how selling us your car can also be quick and fair in the next section.

Considering Selling Your Car? We're Interested

Erinwood Ford wants your vehicle. Our team gives fair offers backed by real-time market data for Ontario trades and sales. We buy SUVs, trucks, sedans, and more. You get competitive pricing that matches the current value of your car across Mississauga.

Bring your vehicle in or contact us online to start with a quick appraisal. Many sellers use these funds toward one of our door-crasher deals on pre-owned models. Selling and buying together can make it easy to upgrade or switch vehicles without hassle or hidden fees.

Conclusion

Timing your used car purchase in Ontario makes a real difference. Our team at Erinwood Ford uses market tools and store knowledge to help you save. Choose late fall or year-end for top deals, as these months often have clearances and extra discounts.

Check our wide range of inspected pre-owned vehicles; we back each one with solid support from our experts. Visit us in Mississauga, Ontario, and see how easy it is to find your next ride with people who care about your budget and driving needs.

FAQs

1. When is the best time to buy a used car in Ontario?Late fall—particularly October and November—and the end of the calendar year are typically the best times to buy a used car in Ontario. Dealerships like Erinwood Ford offer significant discounts during these months to clear out older inventory and meet annual sales targets.

2. Why do prices drop at the end of the month or quarter?Dealerships often push to meet monthly or quarterly sales goals. This can lead to deeper discounts and more flexible negotiations, especially in March, June, September, and December when end-of-quarter targets come into play.

3. Are there seasonal advantages to buying certain types of vehicles?Yes. SUVs and trucks tend to have better prices during the winter months due to lower demand, while convertibles and sports cars often go on sale in the summer when dealerships promote holiday events like Canada Day or long weekends.

4. How does understanding the used car market help me save money?By following trends in pricing, inventory, and demand—such as average days on the market or wholesale price drops—you can shop smarter and negotiate better deals. Erinwood Ford closely tracks this data to help you buy at the right time.

5. Can I get financing during these high-discount periods?Yes. Erinwood Ford offers flexible financing options for qualified customers year-round, with additional promotions often available during holiday sales events or inventory clearances. Getting pre-approved can help you act quickly on a great deal.

Dave Raymond

President, Erinwood Ford & Direct Nissan

Dave Raymond has been a dedicated leader in the automotive industry since 2006, serving as the President of Erinwood Ford and Direct Nissan in Mississauga. With a wealth of experience and a customer-centric philosophy, Dave has consistently aimed to deliver the highest level of satisfaction to his customers.

His involvement in industry relations is extensive, including his roles as a former member of the Ford National Roundtable, President of the Toronto Dealers Association, and various leadership positions on advertising and action committees at the national and local levels.

Dave is deeply committed to social responsibility, actively participating in numerous projects that reflect his dedication to making a positive impact on society. His approach to business ethics focuses on continuous improvement, fostering a team ethos through community service, and creating an interactive and satisfying buying experience for customers.