Newcomer Car Loan in Saint-Jérôme

Just arrived in Canada and need a car to get to work? At Mazda Saint-Jérôme, a newcomer car loan is possible, even with no Canadian credit history. Your advisor builds the file with you and sends it to lenders that accept new residents. Apply for financing online and we’ll call you back.

How a newcomer car loan works

In Canada, lenders look at your credit file first. When you arrive, that file is empty. That is not bad credit: it is credit that does not exist yet. That is why some lenders have programs for newcomers. Instead, they look at your status in Canada, your job and your income.

Terms vary from one lender to another. Your advisor compares the options and shows you the payment before you sign anything.

Documents to prepare

Depending on the lender, you will usually be asked for:

• proof of status: permanent resident card, work permit or study permit;
• photo ID;
• a valid driver’s licence, from Québec or your home country;
• proof of employment and income: a letter from your employer or pay stubs;
• proof of address in Québec;
• a Canadian bank account.

A down payment or a trade-in can help get the file approved. You can value your trade-in for free.

Your foreign driver’s licence in Québec

According to the SAAQ, a new resident can drive a car with a valid foreign licence for 6 consecutive months after settling in Québec. After that, you need a Québec licence.

• Licences from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Isle of Man, Japan, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland, South Korea, Switzerland or Taiwan: exchanged without a test for a car.
• Licences from another Canadian province or the United States: exchanged without a test for a car.
• Other countries: knowledge and road tests, with at least one year of driving experience before settling in Québec.

Students and interns can drive with their foreign licence for the length of their studies or internship. Details are on the SAAQ page for new residents.

Insurance and registration

In Québec, you need at least $50,000 in civil liability insurance from a private insurer. Talk to your insurer before you buy: with no insurance history in Canada, the premium may be higher in the first year. When you buy from us, registration is done at delivery.

New or used with a newcomer car loan?

A recent used vehicle keeps the payment lower while you build your credit. On a new vehicle, Mazda also has a program for newcomers, depending on your file. Browse our pre-owned vehicles of all makes and our new Mazda models, then book a test drive.

Every on-time payment helps build your Canadian credit file, so your next purchase will be easier. If your credit has already been hurt here (late payments, bankruptcy, consumer proposal), see our 2nd chance credit page instead.

Newcomer car loan FAQ

Apply at Mazda Saint-Jérôme

Mazda Saint-Jérôme is at 155 Lachapelle Blvd. in Saint-Jérôme, minutes from Prévost, Saint-Colomban, Sainte-Sophie and Saint-Hippolyte. Our advisors speak English, French, Portuguese and Spanish. Fill out the form below: there is no obligation, and we explain every step.