Finding a reliable, budget-friendly used car that’s ready to tackle Canadian winters is a top priority for many Ontario shoppers. Whether you’re in Toronto’s busy streets, Windsor’s highways, or London’s snowy suburbs, buying cheap used cars in Ontario that deliver both value and safety is essential. In this guide, we’ve rounded up eight of the cheapest used cars in Canada for 2025, with details tailored for buyers looking for affordable used cars in Ontario.

1. 2020–2022 Toyota Corolla: The All-Rounder

Price Range in SW Ontario: CAD 16,000–20,000
Key Specs:

• Engine Options: 1.8L 4-cylinder (139 hp) or 2.0L Dynamic Force (169 hp)

• Transmission: Standard CVT or 6-speed manual (SE trim)

• Fuel Economy: Approximately 7.1 L/100 km (city) and 5.5 L/100 km (highway)

• Safety: Comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, automatic emergency braking)

• Winter-Ready: Front-wheel drive with optional heated seats; pair with Michelin X-Ice Snow tires for icy roads

Why It’s a Smart Choice:
The Corolla is one of the best used cars under $25k in Ontario thanks to its low ownership costs, average annual maintenance around CAD 350, and high resale value. This model is ideal for anyone seeking reliable, cheap used cars in Ontario.

2. 2019–2021 Honda Civic Hatchback: The Urban Workhorse

Price Range: CAD 17,500–21,000
Key Specs:

• Engine Options: 1.5L Turbo (174 hp) or 2.0L naturally aspirated (158 hp)

• Transmission: CVT (Sport Touring) or 6-speed manual (Si trim)

• Fuel Economy: Roughly 7.8 L/100 km (city) and 6.2 L/100 km (highway)

• Cargo Capacity: 25.7 cu-ft (seats up) to 46.2 cu-ft (seats down)

• Safety: Honda Sensing® suite; rated as an IIHS Top Safety Pick

Ontario Perks:
Ideal for urban driving on Highway 401, its versatile “Magic Seat®” configuration meets the needs of families and commuters. It’s a top pick for affordable used cars in Ontario.

3. 2020–2022 Mazda3 AWD: The Upscale Performer

Price Range: CAD 19,000–23,000
Key Specs:

• Engine: 2.5L SkyActiv-G (186 hp)

• Transmission: 6-speed automatic

• Fuel Economy: Around 8.2 L/100 km (city) and 6.6 L/100 km (highway)

• Safety: Equipped with i-Activsense® (blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert; IIHS Top Safety Pick+)

• Interior: Includes leather upholstery (GT trim), a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and a heated steering wheel

Local Advantage:
Standard AWD makes the Mazda3 especially attractive for regions with challenging winter conditions in Ontario. It’s a quality option among budget used cars in Ontario.

4. 2020–2021 Hyundai Elantra Preferred: The Tech Powerhouse

Price Range: CAD 14,500–18,000
Key Specs:

• Engine Options: 2.0L MPi (147 hp) or 1.6L Turbo (201 hp in the N Line trim)

• Transmission: IVT (base models) or 7-speed DCT (N Line)

• Fuel Economy: Approximately 7.4 L/100 km (city) and 5.7 L/100 km (highway)

• Tech Features: 10.25-inch digital cluster with wireless Apple CarPlay and Hyundai SmartSense® safety features

• Warranty: Comes with transferable 5-year/100,000 km coverage

Key Tip for Ontario Buyers:
This model ranks as one of the best cheap used cars in Ontario, especially for tech-savvy buyers on a budget.

5. 2021–2022 Kia Forte GT-Line: Sporty Value

Price Range: CAD 16,000–19,500
Key Specs:

• Engine Options: 2.0L MPI (147 hp) or 1.6L Turbo (201 hp, GT trim)

• Transmission: IVT or 7-speed DCT (GT trim)

• Fuel Economy: Around 7.6 L/100 km (city) and 6.1 L/100 km (highway)

• Performance: Sport-tuned suspension and paddle shifters ideal for Toronto’s winding roads

• Tech: 8-inch touchscreen with UVO Link for remote start—a handy feature for warming up in Kitchener winters

Why It’s Worth Considering:
Competitive insurance rates (approximately CAD 120–150/month) and strong performance make the Forte a solid contender among affordable used cars in Ontario.

6. 2018–2020 Subaru Impreza Hatchback AWD: The Snow King

Price Range: CAD 17,000–21,000
Key Specs:

• Engine: 2.0L Boxer (152 hp)

• Transmission: CVT or 5-speed manual

• Fuel Economy: Approximately 9.1 L/100 km (city) and 7.0 L/100 km (highway)

• Winter Dominance: Standard Symmetrical AWD for superior traction in snowy conditions

• Safety: Equipped with Eyesight® safety suite (adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking) with a 5-star NHTSA rating

• Cargo: Versatile interior with up to 55.3 cu-ft of cargo space (seats down)

For Ontario Drivers:
An excellent choice for handling harsh winter roads in Ontario, just be mindful of the typically higher oil consumption in Boxer engines.

7. 2020–2021 Hyundai Accent: The Modern Compact

Price Range: CAD 15,000–18,000

Key Specs:

• Engine: 1.6L inline‑4 (120–130 hp)

• Transmission: 6‑speed automatic or manual (depending on trim)

• Fuel Economy: Approximately 7.4 L/100 km (city) and 6.1 L/100 km (highway)

• Interior Versatility: Updated infotainment system with smartphone integration and a refined, modern cabin

• Safety: Equipped with advanced driver‑assistance features such as lane keep assist and forward collision warning

Ideal For:
Perfect for budget-conscious buyers and first-time car shoppers in Ontario who are looking for reliable, affordable compact cars with modern features and lower insurance costs.

8. 2019–2021 Toyota Prius AWD-e: The Hybrid Hero

Price Range: CAD 22,000–26,000
Key Specs:

• Powertrain: 1.8L Hybrid (121 hp) plus a 7.2-hp electric rear motor

• Fuel Economy: A remarkable 4.4 L/100 km combined with an EV range of ~40 km under ideal conditions

• Winter-Ready: The AWD-e system engages at low speeds for better traction on slippery roads

• Tech & Comfort: Features an 11.6-inch touchscreen with an energy flow monitor plus heated seats and steering wheel

• Cost Savings: Save over CAD 500 per year on fuel compared to gas-only cars and qualify for Ontario’s green license plates for HOV lane access

Why It Stands Out:
For buyers seeking eco-friendly options and lower fuel costs, the Prius AWD-e is one of the best affordable used cars in Ontario.

Additional Ontario Buyer Tips for Cheap Used Cars

When shopping for cheap used cars in Ontario, consider these key points:

• Rust Prevention: Ontario’s road salt can lead to rust.

• Trim Levels & Options: Certain trim levels may add value. For example, a Mazda3 GT or Honda Civic Sport Touring might come with additional features that enhance comfort and safety. Find the trim (and vin number) for the details every used car has its own features sometimes!

• Dealer vs. Private Sales: Vehicles from reputable trusted Ontario dealers offer extra assurance and may include warranties and roadside assistance, reducing long-term maintenance costs.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned buyer or a first‑time shopper, these eight models represent some of the best cheap used cars in Ontario in 2025. From the dependable Toyota Corolla to the fuel-efficient Prius hybrid, each option has been chosen with affordability, reliability, and winter-readiness in mind.

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Note: All prices and specifications are approximate and based on current market averages in Southwestern Ontario. Always conduct your own inspection and review the vehicle history before purchasing.