Getting a car is a major purchase. Unless you have thousands of dollars saved up, going through financing is typically your best option.
To help you find the right company for your car financing, we did the work for you! Here’s the result of our month-long search for Calgary’s best car financing firms.
Table of Contents
How We Chose the Best Car Financing Firms in Calgary
Here are the criteria we used in evaluating our entries:
1. Calgary Car Centre
| Reputation | 4/5 |
| Financing options | 5/5 |
| Application and approval | 5/5 |
| Customer service | 4/5 |
If you’re really on a tight budget and can’t afford to buy a car outright, you may want to take a look at Calgary Car Centre. They provide quick and easy auto financing for used cars that average shoppers can afford.
Of course, there’s a significant difference between financing a new car and financing a pre-owned car (used cars are more difficult to qualify for). And knowing that they specialize in the latter makes them a go-to place for Calgarians on a shoestring.
The company has a team dedicated to guiding its clients through the various financing options available to them. On top of that, they also assist customers with credit and credit rebuilding programs that are tailored to their specific needs and budget.
Talking about the financing options they have, most clients say that they enjoy their relatively low monthly payments. Still, it depends on a lot of other factors regarding your financial profile – they’d have to assess your qualifications first, anyway.
The problem is that the company has received complaints about over-quotation, which is the polar opposite of their claim to affordable car purchases. However, because this occurred only a few times, we’ll consider this a relatively weak complaint.
All things considered, Calgary Car Centre still passed our standards, especially with its simple and fast financing process. Basically, it’s because they support every client in getting the vehicle they want, regardless of their credit level.
Pros
- Assists in credit rebuilding
- Provides loan regardless of credit level
- Mostly affordable monthly payments
- Approves right away
- Online application available
- Sells wide array of quality pre-owned cars
Cons
- Minor complaints regarding over-quotation
Fix issues urgently
Very satisfied and I had great experience working with Carmelo and Maaz. They helped me get the car I wanted with a low rate of interest . And if you have any issue regarding the car, they fixed it urgently without hesitation and their response to your inquiries is very quick and very professional! I recommended 100%. – PrincePapyTv
Reasonable interest rate
Carmelo and Maaz are awesome! They were able to get me financing with a reasonable interest rate. Quick to answer questions and ensured I got everything I wanted in the vehicle that fits my family. Thanks again guys! – Bobbi-Jo Eagle Plume
2. Automaxx on 16th
| Reputation | 5/5 |
| Financing options | 5/5 |
| Application and approval | 4/5 |
| Customer service | 4/5 |
Automaxx’s high approval rates definitely give it an edge. It’s difficult to qualify for financing (even with a high credit score), so it’s reassuring to find companies that still entertain bad-credit borrowers.
But that’s not all – they actually have a credit rebuilding program they’re known for. Their collaboration with Bad Credit Car Loans is a sure hit with car buyers with a weak credit history.
Another thing that sets them apart is that they provide their clients with the option of receiving cash-back incentives of up to $10,000. It’s a helpful reward, although it’s not something you can easily qualify for.
Still, that’s particularly helpful in paying down/consolidating existing debt quickly by adding it onto the cost of the car loan (unless they’d rather keep the extra cash in their pocket!). In either case, it’s a win-win situation and that’s what we valued the most.
On top of that, Automaxx offers zero payments for six months, which is an excellent deal. This option, in our opinion, is best for those who need a car right away but need time before starting to pay for it.
However, as a heads up, interest in such a deal (and other deals) begins on the date of the contract. But as long as you can afford the monthly payments with ease, we see no hassle in enjoying the financing they offer.
Pros
- Flexible terms
- Accommodates customers with bad credit
- Optional cash-back incentives of up to $10,000
- No money down (on approved credit)
- Zero payments for 6 months
- One-stop automotive dealer
- Has a wide range of used vehicles made of different models
Cons
- Minor complaints regarding interest-related issues
Above and beyond expectation
I had an AMAZING experience here! Every single person in that building helped me find the right car, but Brittany went above and beyond every expectation! Highly recommend if you are looking at getting a new/used vehicle, check out automaxx! – Sydney Remillard
Fast, excellent service
Had a great experience here. Great salesmanship. Very professional. Jordyn which was my salesman found me the truck i wanted and it was fun, fast and an overall excellent experience. Thanks for everything will be referring you to as many as i can looking for a great reliable vehicle – Justin Colp
3. House of Cars
| Reputation | 4/5 |
| Financing options | 5/5 |
| Application and approval | 4/5 |
| Customer service | 4/5 |
House of Cars collaborates with over 20 different lenders to provide automotive financing. To us, this ensures that clients get the most favorable loan for them at the most competitive rate possible.
Other than that, the place also offers a good start for bad-credit buyers – mostly so they can restore their credit to get a new car at a reasonable price. Because of their exclusive credit rebuilding program, they can even create a finance package that fits within their clients’ budgets.
Being able to deliver same-day auto loans is another check for us. They do this through their 10-second application form (on their website), making the entire process easy and convenient for most loan shoppers.
If you find that you can’t still afford their monthly payments, House of Cars is surprisingly open to various solutions. You’d have to speak to their staff to discuss your refinancing options, including potential ways to reduce your monthly payments.
However, we were disappointed to discover that their customer service isn’t as good as we’d hoped. There have been some complaints about how some of their employees can be big-time hustlers at times, which we see as a red flag, especially in this industry.
Minus the poor customer service, we still find them a solid choice, particularly for car buyers with bad credit. So, for the time being, everything auto loan-related in the House of Cars is fine.
Pros
- Able to adjust payment plans based on budget
- Offers a wide range of interest rates and finance terms
- Credit consolidation programs
- Has an exclusive credit rebuilding program
- Low bi-weekly payments
- Specializes in private sale financing
Cons
- Minor complaints regarding poor customer service
Got the vehicle for the budget I had in mind
I had a very good buying experience at this location. Jack was a very professional sales person and he made sure that I was able to get the vehicle I wanted for the budget I had in mind . I will probably be back in the not so distant future to get a yellow Camaro convertible from them . – J G
Excellent job, within the budget
Edson did an excellent job showing me the SUVs that fit what I was looking for, and within the budget I was looking at! I’m so SO happy with my new (to me) Terrain! Thank you Edson and HoC! – Tamara Donaldson
4. Progressive Leasing & Auto Sales
| Reputation | 4/5 |
| Financing options | 5/5 |
| Application and approval | 4/5 |
| Customer service | 4/5 |
Whether you’re looking to rebuild your credit or find a suitable auto loan for your situation, Progressive Leasing & Auto Sales is a good option. They’ve been around since 2015 and have become popular in the area since.
Customers mentioned how the company assisted them in finding a vehicle within their budget, which is a great factor to consider. Of course, this is one way to avoid burdening their clients with payments they can’t afford.
We looked at the variety of auto loans they offer and they met our standards. Progressive Leasing & Auto Sales currently has 15 lenders on staff, an in-house auto financing program, and other customized programs to meet each client’s needs.
Moreover, we’ve heard they have a reputation for accepting all types of credit. So, whether you have a short credit history and relatively weak credit, you’ll still likely find a financing plan here that meets your needs.
The quality of their vehicles is also excellent, making the financing process worthwhile in our opinion. In fact, the company is well-known for producing quality trucks and SUVs in the industry, so they’re a good best fit if that’s what you’re looking for.
Lastly, we appreciate Progressive’s additional services that make them a nice go-to place for all things auto-related. They can actually handle minor repairs and maintenance, which isn’t exactly what we’re looking for, but is a plus in our book.
Pros
- Has in-house auto financing program
- Customizes program
- Has a credit rebuilding program
- Accepts all kinds of credit
- Offers a good range of trucks and SUVs
- Other auto service available
Cons
- Can be difficult to reach at times
Good deal and price
I bought used car. My first experience in here Canada. Good price and good deal with Glen. He was kind and friendly. Recommend this place to people who are looking for good qualified nice car in Calgary. Need to buy second car soon. – 서서아연
Helpful in financing, highly recommended
Gordan and Jason were super helpful. Especially when it comes to financing Jason really understand your situation and really try his best to help you out. Highly recommend if you find the vehicle that you like from Progressive Leasing don’t be afraid to give Gordan and Jason a call. – Jerry Pham
5. Auto Loan Express
| Reputation | 4/5 |
| Financing options | 4/5 |
| Application and approval | 3/5 |
| Customer service | 3/5 |
With over 1,000 vehicles to offer and over 40 years of service, Auto Loan Express has a solid reputation. With such a large inventory, it’s no surprise that they can be very generous too in providing financing to interested customers.
They offer to finance various brands of new and used vehicles, giving customers a plethora of options. This is something we like because car buyers can see what types of cars they can afford based on the financing plans offered.
Auto Loan Express checked the box for having convenient financing options. It’s easy for us to be confident in their abilities seeing as they work with around 30 financial companies that offer various payment plans.
Now, the company may be difficult to persuade to approve an application as they subject clients to a series of exhausting interviews (on top of paperwork) The only good news is that they can provide pre-approvals quickly, which is still reassuring.
If you’re unsure about your creditworthiness level, Auto Loan Express has a tool that can help. They have a free credit check available on their website, which also tells you if you can get financing from them, saving you time in the process.
Despite its flaws, we still consider Auto Loan Express to be a viable option for car financing. Getting approved may be tough, but we’ll take good experience and vast options over anything.
Pros
- 40 years of experience
- Offer financing for a variety of brands of new and used vehicles
- Works with around 30 financial companies
- Quick pre-approvals
- Free credit check
- Rebuild credit with car loan
- Offers bad credit car loans
- Over 1,000 vehicles offered
Cons
- Series of interviews before approvals
Really know their job, respectful
we had an awesome experienced with Finance Manager Amandeep Singh, he really know his job well. He treated us with respect and sincerity, always encouraged us and help us find a car that we love and we can afford. I highly recommend Amandeep. got approved and going home today with my car. – cristopher de vera
Approved immediately, manageable interest rate
Recently completed a bankruptcy and Aman was able to get me approved immediately at manageable interest rate. He listened to what I wanted in a car and got it done very fast. Highly recommend for anyone who is reestablishing credit or already has good credit. – Kassandra Lee
6. Edge Automotive Sales & Financing
| Reputation | 3/5 |
| Financing options | 3/5 |
| Application and approval | 3/5 |
| Customer service | 4/5 |
Edge Automotive Sales & Financing offers vehicle sales, financing options, tires & rims, and extended warranties to their customers. The used vehicles they offer are actually fairly priced, so in our opinion, they’re quite generous to still offer financing options.
Because they weren’t exactly forthcoming about their service, we took advantage of the opportunity to speak with some of their previous customers. And we were delighted with what we learned so far.
Most of them praised the company for making it easy, simple, and worry-free for them to obtain car financing. However, as expected, there were a few who were dissatisfied with how they were treated.
There were some mentions of how the options weren’t always as friendly as they might sound, but their willingness to customize plans quickly made up for it.
It’s also a plus that they make it a point not to put anyone under any kind of pressure since car financing can be truly intimidating.
On the plus side, Edge provides the standard car financing options: monthly payment plans, auto loans, and low-interest rates – all of which are available for both good and bad credit.
Overall, the company seems to have met all of our expectations in terms of being a robust car financing firm – they even excel in client accommodations, which most companies on our list lack.
It’s just that we’d like to see Edge Automotive have a stronger digital presence. After all, online solutions aren’t new to financing providers these days.
Pros
- Quality used vehicles at a fair price
- Monthly payment plans
- Low interest rates
- Offers warranty
- Authorized tire and rim Retailer
- Offers airport pick-up for out-of-town buyers
- Good customer service
Cons
- Lack of digital presence and online features
- Can be hard to reach
Customer Reviews
Pleasure to deal with
Edge Automotive was a pleasure to deal with when I was buying a used car for my teenage sons. They were very responsive, knowledgeable and considerate. Dean, the owner, took the time to explain all aspects of the car that I purchased and made the buying experience easy, simple and worry-free. I would recommend buying your next vehicle from Edge Automotive. – Torran Jolly
Honest and genuine
Amazing experience!! It is so refreshing to meet someone in the automotive business that you can TRULY trust! Dean really cares and goes the extra mile to do everything that needs to be done to sell your car at it’s value. He is honest and genuine on both ends of the deal. I highly recommend Dean and Edge Automotive! Thank you Dean! Gina. – Gina Chevalier
