5151 boul. Industriel, Montréal-Nord, QC H1G 3H2, Canada

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Your first car in Canada, in Montréal-Nord

Settling in Canada means finding a home, a job, a school for the kids… and often a way to get around. If you do not have a Canadian credit history yet, buying a vehicle can feel complicated. At Classe Auto, we take the time to explain every step, in English or in French.

Why credit works differently for newcomers

In Canada, lenders rely heavily on the credit file kept by the credit bureaus. Your history from your home country usually does not show up there, so you are starting almost from zero. That is not bad credit, it is missing credit. Lenders then look at other things, such as your job, your income, your status in Canada and the down payment you can make. Every lender has its own criteria, and the answer depends on your situation. Financing subject to lender approval.

The steps, from licence to keys

  1. Check your driver’s licence. Ask the SAAQ how long your foreign licence remains valid in Quebec and what you need to do to get a Quebec licence.
  2. Set your budget: payment, insurance, fuel, maintenance and winter tires, which are mandatory in Quebec from December 1 to March 15.
  3. Fill out our online financing form, or call us at 514-360-4448 if you would rather talk first.
  4. An advisor reviews your file with you and presents it to lenders, who make the decision and set the terms.
  5. You choose a vehicle that fits the approved payment, take a test drive, then get insurance before you take delivery.

Documents to prepare

Every file is different: depending on your situation, a lender may ask for other documents or a larger down payment.

A sensible first vehicle

For a first car in a new country, a simple, economical model is often the wisest choice: a compact sedan or a small SUV with a clear maintenance history. A moderate price lowers the amount to finance and makes the payment easier to get approved. Our vehicles are inspected, and our inventory holds more than 100 used vehicles from brands such as Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Kia, Ford and Chevrolet.

Under $10,000 · Under $15,000 · Inventory

Starting your Canadian credit history

A car loan that is paid properly helps build your credit history in Canada. Always pay on time, keep a small reserve for maintenance and avoid piling up other debt at the start. After a few years, your file may open the door to better terms on your next purchase.

Finding us

Classe Auto is at 5151 boul. Industriel, Montréal-Nord, QC H1G 3H2, Canada, in the east end of Montréal-Nord, close to boulevard Henri-Bourassa. We welcome customers from Montréal-Nord, Anjou, Saint-Léonard, Rivière-des-Prairies, Montréal-Est, Laval and across Montréal. Hours: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Sunday). You can also message us on Messenger.

Directions to Classe Auto (Google Maps)

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy a vehicle without a Canadian credit history?

Yes, you can always pay cash. For financing, some lenders also review files with no Canadian history, but approval is never guaranteed. Financing subject to lender approval.

Do I need a job to apply?

Stable, provable income is one of the most important things a lender looks at. Talk to an advisor: they will tell you which documents will help in your case.

Can I apply in French?

Yes. The website and our team work in both French and English.

Is insurance mandatory?

Yes. You must be insured before you drive the vehicle away. Ask for insurance quotes as soon as you have picked a model.

Apply for financing · Talk to an advisor: 514-360-4448

Financing application · Bad credit financing · Under $10,000 · Under $15,000 · Contact us