Buying a vehicle in BC? Start here.
Drive Smart is a free resource hub for anyone shopping for a new or used vehicle in BC. Get simple answers about financing, approvals, payments, trade-ins, warranties, and owning a vehicle, before you buy.
If you would rather talk it through, you can start with your approval or get in touch with our team.
Why Where You Buy Matters More Than the Lowest Price: A BC Buyer's Guide
Everyone wants the best deal. But the lowest price on paper isn't always the best deal in practice, and chasing it can cost you more than it saves. A vehicle is one of the biggest inves...
Read the guide →Is Buying an EV Worth It in BC in 2026?
Rebates come and go. Before you factor in a single dollar of government incentive, it's worth asking a simpler question: does an EV actually make sense for how you live in BC? Here's wh...
Read the guide →Tight Budget, Smart Choice: Why Pre-Owned Makes Sense for BC Drivers
Money is tighter for most households this year. When it's time to replace a vehicle, the choice between new and pre-owned isn't about preference anymore. It's about what actually fits, ...
Read the guide →Vehicle Warranties Explained: What BC Drivers Need to Know
A warranty isn't an add-on you buy to feel better. It's protection against a real and growing cost. Vehicle repair costs have climbed sharply in recent years, and the reason isn't just ...
Read the guide →Buying a New Car With No Downpayment
Owning a car is basically a necessity these days. If you don't have the funds for a downpayment on your next set of wheels, fear not.
Read the guide →How to Get Approved for Vehicle Financing Without Hurting Your Credit Score
For most Canadians, having a car is a necessity. We need vehicles to get to our workplaces, pick up our kids from school, head into the mountains for some weekend hiking, and get our gr...
Read the guide →Buying a Car With Bad Credit
When bad credit happens to good people.
Read the guide →What Credit Score Do You Need to Finance a Vehicle?
One of the most common questions our customers ask is what credit score they need to finance a vehicle. We’re here to tell you that whether you have good, bad, or no credit, vehicle o...
Read the guide →Buying a Vehicle Online on the Sunshine Coast
Trust us - nothing makes us happier than seeing you in person! But we understand that being able to shop for a vehicle from the comfort of your own home comes with plenty of benefits fo...
Read the guide →7 Tips for an enjoyable Holiday-season road trip
How to prepare for a holiday-season road trip so you can enjoy the drive and arrive at your destination in good spirits.
Read the guide →Why Having a Dedicated Finance Agent Matters
When it comes to looking after you and your finances, we take our job seriously. Your budget isn’t a “starting point” to be driven higher by eager salespeople; your budget deserve...
Read the guide →A Guide to Vehicle Financing
Financing a new vehicle is a good idea for a multitude of reasons. Not only does it allow for lower upfront costs and help build your credit, but it also significantly increases your ch...
Read the guide →We’re Not Canada Drives: Why We’re Proud of That
We’ve been made aware of the fact that BC Drive and Canada Drives sound an awful lot alike, but we’re here to set the record straight - we’re not Canada Drives! Now don’t get us...
Read the guide →Choosing your next vehicle
Just because you’re spending more time at home these days doesn’t mean that your need for a reliable set of wheels has disappeared - if anything, folks are more dependent on their v...
Read the guide →Is Financing a Car a Good Idea?
Deciding whether financing a car is the right move for you? The debate over financing versus purchasing a vehicle outright is an ongoing one among consumers. When it comes to financing ...
Read the guide →How Do I Find a Car Online?
It's no secret that with the global pandemic came a rise in e-commerce sales and development. We bet you're thinking, "Sure, I can buy a new pair of shoes online or maybe some furniture...
Read the guide →6 Suggestions on How You Could Spend Your Tax Refund Wisely in 2021
Another tax season is about to hit the books – it’s time to gather those receipts, fill out the forms, and talk to your accountant as you’re likely in store for a payout; the ave...
Read the guide →How to Get Right Side Up With Upside Down Car Loans
Upside Down car loan got you feeling upside down? Aside from wrapping yourself up tightly in a blanket to smother the panic, here's what you can do.
Read the guide →5 Christmas Gifts Under $25 for the Car Fan in Your Life
Purchasing a holiday gift for a car fan is never easy. What they really want is the "big red bow" around their dream car, but the gift you can afford is significantly less impressive. ...
Read the guide →Winter tires: is it time to get them on your vehicle?
Read the guide →5 of the Best Sunday Drives in BC
If you’re in need of a getaway to relax from the week’s hectic schedule, then it’s time to bring back the Sunday drive.
Read the guide →Vehicle Trading 101
If you haven’t paid off your vehicle but want to trade it in for a newer model, don’t feel like you’re locked in forever. The age old like elementary school rules of no-takesies-b...
Read the guide →Common questions about buying and financing in BC.
What is Drive Smart?
Drive Smart is BC Drive's free resource hub for BC drivers. It covers the reality of being a vehicle owner in British Columbia.
Is it cheaper to buy a new or used car in BC?
In most cases a used car costs less overall in BC once you account for depreciation, PST, and insurance. A new car loses the most value in its first few years, while a used car has already taken that hit. The right choice depends on your budget, how long you plan to keep the vehicle, and the warranty coverage you want.
Do I need a warranty on a used car?
A warranty is not required, but it can protect you from large repair bills on an older vehicle. Whether it is worth it depends on the vehicle's age, mileage, and reliability, and on how much a major repair would strain your budget. Our warranties guide explains the options so you can decide.
Can I get financing with bad credit or no credit in BC?
Yes. BC Drive works with all credit situations across British Columbia, including rebuilding credit, no credit history, newcomers to Canada, and self-employed buyers. We look at your full situation, not just your credit score. See our vehicle financing options, or our Special Financing Program if you earn through gig, rideshare or delivery work.
Start with your approval. Shop with clarity.
The first step takes two minutes and will not affect your credit. We respond the same day.