New
Pros
- Brand new — no previous owners
- Factory warranties
- Worry-free ownership start
- Customize exactly what you want
Cons
- Higher purchase price
- Extra fees (PDI, shipping, dealer prep, freight)
- Depreciates as soon as you drive off the lot
Advice & Tips
Practical guidance before you buy, lease, or finance your next vehicle.
Is this your first vehicle?
Are you considering a purchase but need some help? 411 Drives wants to help with important advice and tips to consider before getting a vehicle. Being informed puts you in control.
Below we break down new vs used, lease vs finance, and the everyday essentials every Canadian driver should keep in the car.
Advice
Unsure whether you should buy a new or used vehicle? Compare the trade-offs.
Used
Pros
- Costs less upfront
- No PDI, freight, or air-conditioning fees
- May still have factory warranty — plus extended options
- Someone else took the biggest depreciation hit
- Often a nicer car for the price of a new entry-level model
Cons
- More uncertainty about prior use and wear
- Warranty coverage varies by year and history
Lease vs Finance
Should you lease or finance? These details can help you choose the better fit.
Lease
- Monthly payments are typically lower
- You pay to use the vehicle for a set term (some leases offer lease-to-own options)
- Modifications are usually not allowed
- Easy to change vehicles more often
- Mileage limits apply
- Restricted to lease terms
Finance
- Monthly payments are typically higher
- You are paying to own the vehicle
- Customize and modify to your liking
- Unlimited mileage
- Full ownership once paid off
- No term restrictions after the loan is complete
Smart buying tips
- Always ask for a CarProof (or equivalent) vehicle history report — as a consumer, you have every right to review it.
- Buy a vehicle you can afford. You may want a luxury brand, but long-term payments and insurance matter more.
- Research and test-drive every vehicle you are considering so you can choose with confidence.
- Factor insurance costs into your budget — rates vary widely by make and model.
- Ask your finance manager whether the loan is open or closed. Open loans let you pay the balance early; closed loans lock you into the full term.
- Never use a line of credit to buy a vehicle. Auto loans usually have a fixed rate, while LOCs can fluctuate and may be payable on demand.
Vehicle essentials
Some drivers keep almost nothing in the car; others pack everything. Here are the top 20 essentials every vehicle should have.
- A packaged emergency safety kit — flashlight, fire starter, blanket, seatbelt cutter, and similar basics (build one or buy a ready-made kit).
- Your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
- A gas can for roadside fuel emergencies.
- Duct tape for temporary fixes.
- A tire inflator and sealer — enough to get you to a safe place or shop.
- Jumper cables or a portable jump starter — batteries fail when you least expect it.
- A first aid kit.
- A paper map (GPS can fail or lose signal).
- An ice scraper and snow shovel for Canadian winters.
- Bottled water and emergency snacks.
- Tow-truck and auto-repair contact information.
- Windshield washer fluid.
- A spare tire, jack, and tire iron.
- A phone charger or car USB charger so you can call for help.
- Work gloves for roadside tire changes and cold weather.
- A reflective warning triangle to alert other drivers.
- A compact multi-tool for small roadside fixes.
- Sunscreen — especially useful on long summer drives.
- Spare fuses that match your vehicle’s electrical system.
- A reflective safety vest for better visibility if you are outside the vehicle at night.
Our experts have the answers
Frequently asked questions about financing with 411 Drives.
411 Drives offers more than just financing. We can assist you if you are looking to lease, buy a vehicle outright, or if you found a vehicle that you need funding for.
Although we have many $0 down options available, a down payment has its benefits. It can help lower your monthly payments as well as demonstrate to lenders that you are serious about making this commitment.
You must be 18 years of age or older; have 2 forms of valid photo ID (Driver's License, Passport, Social Insurance, etc.); and proof of income (paystubs, Notice of Assessment, T4, bank statements, ODSP & pension documentation, etc.).
The amount that you are pre-approved for depends on multiple factors. After you have submitted your auto loan application, a finance specialist will contact you to discuss the details of your pre-approval.
Bad credit car loans in Whitby are our specialty. With our 98% approval rate, we can get you into a vehicle today!