CarRookie

Planning to purchase an electric or hybrid vehicle in early 2026? The Canadian automotive incentive landscape has undergone dramatic transformations. While the federal iZEV program remains suspended and provincial rebates face substantial cuts, strategic buyers can still unlock significant savings through smart planning and leveraging available programs. This comprehensive guide reveals everything you need to know about Canada car rebates and vehicle incentives Canada offers in the first quarter of 2026. Major Changes to Car Incentives Canada in 2026 The electric vehicle incentive ecosystem has shifted dramatically heading into 2026. Understanding these changes is critical for maximizing your purchasing power. Federal iZEV Program: What Happened? Important Update: The federal Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) Program, which previously provided up to $5,000 in rebates, continues to remain paused throughout Q1 2026. The program exhausted its allocated funding in early 2...

 If you still owe money on your current car but want to buy a new one, trading in your financed car is an option—but it doesn’t automatically erase your loan. Here’s what you need to know to make a smart trade-in decision. Step 1: Determine Your Car’s Value and Loan Balance Before trading in your car: Check your car’s market value: Use online tools like Car and Driver’s Car Value Estimator to get an estimate. Know your payoff amount: Contact your lender to find out exactly how much you still owe. Equity matters: Positive equity: Your car is worth more than your loan. You can use the extra money toward a new car, lowering your monthly payment. Negative equity: You owe more than your car is worth. You can either pay the difference upfront or roll it into a new loan. Read More: Used Car CPO Step 2: Set a Budget for Your Next Car Consider how much you can comfortably spend on your next car. Your budget will influence how much negative or positive equity affect...

  Is your Toyota Yaris feeling off—maybe the clutch pedal is soft, or the engine revs climb without the car accelerating? These symptoms usually mean only one thing: your clutch is wearing out. And your next question is probably, “How much will this cost me?” For a Toyota Yaris clutch replacement in Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area , expect to pay $1,500 to $2,600 CAD in 2025–2026 for a full clutch job at a professional shop. This price includes both the clutch kit (parts) and the significant amount of labor required to install it. Let’s break down exactly what you're paying for, what affects the total cost, and the questions you should ask your mechanic. Toronto Clutch Replacement Cost Breakdown A clutch replacement cost is fairly straightforward: Total Cost = Parts + Labor In a high-cost city like Toronto, labor quickly becomes the largest portion of the bill. Parts Cost (Clutch Kit): $300–$700 CAD The clutch kit includes: Clutch disc Pressure plate Release...

Understanding Today’s New-Car Prices Buying a brand-new vehicle can be exciting — but in Canada, many shoppers are surprised by how expensive the market has become. Whether you’re purchasing your first car, upgrading, or simply researching, this guide provides clear, up-to-date information to help you make a smart and confident decision. Why New Cars Are So Expensive in Canada Rising Average Prices In early 2025, the average price of a new vehicle in Canada reached $65,317 CAD (Canadian Auto Dealer). Another source reported an average of $66,422 CAD for 2024 (finder.com). There are signs of easing: one Q3 2025 index showed new-vehicle prices dipping 4.9% , with an average of $63,264 CAD (Empty Tank). What’s Driving High & Fluctuating Prices Manufacturing costs, global supply limitations, and rising demand for advanced features continue to push MSRP Canada upward (Motor Illustrated). Larger vehicles — SUVs and trucks — carry significantly higher base prices t...

  What Does Financing a Car Mean? When you’re considering buying a car, you might come across the term financing a car . But what does it really mean? Simply put, financing a car involves borrowing money to purchase a vehicle, and then repaying that loan over time, usually in monthly installments. This method is popular in Canada, where many buyers prefer it as a more affordable way to own a car without paying the full price upfront. In this article, we’ll explain how car financing works in Canada and answer your most common questions, including how does auto financing work and the specifics of financing a car in Ontario . What Does Financing a Car Mean? Financing a car means taking out a loan to buy a car and then paying it back in regular installments over an agreed period. Instead of paying the full price of the car upfront (which can be a significant financial burden), you pay a set amount each month, usually for 3 to 7 years. When you finance a car, you work with a le...