You can search the Internet or call the local transportation ministry in your city to find out about car dealers or car rental agencies.

If you only need a car for short periods, you can rent a car from a car rental agency. Make sure car insurance is included in your car rental agreement if you need it.

In some cities, there are car-sharing programs that let you use a car without buying, leasing or renting one. You may want to research this option to see if it meets your needs.

Buying a car

You can buy a new or used car from a:

• car dealer
• person who is selling their car

Get information and help with buying or selling a car from the department that regulates cars and driving in your province or territory. For information on consumer issues related to buying a vehicle:

• see the Canadian Consumer Handbook
• contact your provincial or territorial consumer affairs office

Leasing a car

Instead of buying a car, many people in Canada lease a car from a car dealer. A lease is a legal agreement between you and the dealer in which you:

• agree to pay a fee to use the car for a specific period of time (usually several years)
• return the car to the dealer in good condition after the time ends

Since a lease is a legal agreement, make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the lease before you sign it.