3640, rue Jarry Est, Montréal, QC H1Z 2G5, Canada

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A car in Montréal for newcomers to Canada

You have just settled in Canada and need a car for work, school or family? The most common hurdle is not income but the lack of a Canadian credit history. At Auto Focus International, in Montréal, we take the time to explain how car financing works here, which documents to prepare and which used vehicles make sense for a first purchase.

Why credit works differently when you arrive

In Canada, lenders rely heavily on the file kept by the credit bureaus. Your banking history abroad usually does not appear there, even if it was excellent. An empty file is not a bad file: it is a thin one. Some lenders then weigh other factors, such as your job, your status in the country and your down payment. Flexible credit options are available, but financing remains subject to lender approval and no approval is guaranteed.

Documents to prepare

Depending on the lender, you may be asked for:

From the form to the keys

  1. You fill in the online financing application, in French or in English.
  2. A quick answer from our team: an advisor reaches you to understand your situation and answer your questions.
  3. With your consent, your credit is checked and your file is presented to lenders.
  4. You choose your vehicle, test-drive it, then take care of registration and insurance before driving off.

Choosing a sensible first vehicle

For a first purchase in Canada, a moderately priced vehicle makes approval easier and leaves room in the budget for insurance, registration, fuel and maintenance. Think about winter, too: winter tires are mandatory in Québec from December 1 to March 15, and an all-wheel-drive SUV can be reassuring if you have never driven on snow. Many of our vehicles come with a CARFAX report, handy for learning the history of a vehicle that was on the road long before you arrived.

A few vehicles to consider

Under $20,000 · AWD and 4x4 SUVs · Inventory

Close to home in Montréal

We are at 3640, rue Jarry Est, Montréal, QC H1Z 2G5, Canada, in the Saint-Michel area, close to Highway 40. Many families who have recently settled in Saint-Michel, Villeray, Saint-Léonard, Montréal-Nord or Laval drop by. Rather ask your questions before making the trip? Write to us on Messenger or at sales@afocus.ca.

Directions to Auto Focus International (Google Maps)

Newcomer questions

Can I get financing without a Canadian credit history?

Some lenders review newcomer files by looking at employment, status and the down payment. The decision belongs to the lender and no approval is guaranteed.

Can a temporary work permit be enough?

Each lender sets its own rules, for example on the loan length compared with your permit’s expiry date. Your advisor will tell you what is possible in your case.

Is a down payment required?

Not always, but a down payment lowers the amount to finance and can strengthen a thin file.

Will a car loan help me build credit in Canada?

Generally, a loan paid on time is reported on your credit file and helps build your Canadian history. Choose a payment you can keep up every month.

Start my financing application · Phone 514-593-4333

1st, 2nd and 3rd chance financing · Payment calculator · AWD and 4x4 SUVs · Under $20,000