100 Keywords for Used Car Dealerships to Target

Generate high-intent, qualified customers who are interested in buying or selling with Google Ads managed by Inculeader.

1. Keyword Targeting Overview for Used Car Dealerships


When running Google Ads for a used car dealership, your goal is to capture high-intent search traffic — users actively looking to buy a vehicle. Keywords should reflect vehicle types, brand preferences, local targeting, and transaction intent.


Types of Keywords to Target


Brand/Make & Model Keywords

  • Example: “used Toyota Corolla for sale”
  • Why: Buyers often know what car they want and include the make/model in searches.

Vehicle Type Keywords

  • Example: “used SUVs near me”, “pre-owned trucks”
  • Why: Captures users who know the type of vehicle they want but not a specific make.

Price & Financing Keywords

  • Example: “used cars under $10,000”, “used cars financing available”
  • Why: Attracts budget-conscious buyers and those looking for payment options.

Location-Based Keywords

  • Example: “used cars Regina”, “pre-owned vehicles near me”
  • Why: Local targeting ensures people see your dealership instead of competitors farther away.

Condition & Certification Keywords

  • Example: “certified pre-owned vehicles”, “used cars with warranty”
  • Why: Builds trust by highlighting quality and assurances.

Long-Tail & Transactional Keywords

  • Example: “best deals on used Honda CR-V 2020”, “buy used cars online Canada”
  • Why: High-intent searches that often convert better because they signal readiness to buy.


2. Keyword Match Types for Google Ads


To optimize budget and reach, use the right match types:

Match Type Example Keyword Use Case
Broad Match used cars To capture a wide audience; can bring irrelevant clicks, so use carefully.
Broad Match Modifier +used +cars Ensures both terms appear in search but in any order.
Phrase Match “used cars Regina” Ads show for searches that include the phrase in order.
Exact Match [used Toyota Corolla 2018] Ads show only for exact search; high-intent and more expensive clicks.
Negative Match -lease, -rental, -free Prevents irrelevant clicks from searches unrelated to buying.

3. Keyword Research Tips


  • Use Google Keyword Planner: Identify search volumes, competition, and CPC for car-related keywords.
  • Focus on Local Search Terms: Include your city, neighborhood, or province in your keywords.
  • Monitor Seasonal Trends: Certain cars (convertibles, trucks, SUVs) perform differently by season.
  • Consider Vehicle Age & Price: “Used 2018 Honda Civic under $15,000” attracts buyers ready to purchase.


4. Suggested Keyword Lists


A. Brand & Model Focused

  • used Toyota Corolla
  • used Honda Civic
  • pre-owned Ford F-150
  • certified pre-owned BMW X5

B. Vehicle Type Keywords

  • used SUVs for sale near me
  • used trucks Regina
  • pre-owned minivans
  • affordable used sedans

C. Local Keywords

  • used cars in [City Name]
  • buy used cars [Province Name]
  • dealership near me
  • pre-owned vehicles [Postal Code or Neighborhood]

D. Financing & Budget Keywords

  • used cars under $10,000
  • used cars with financing
  • car loans for used vehicles
  • buy now pay later cars

E. Long-Tail / Transactional

  • best deals on used Honda CR-V 2020
  • cheap pre-owned SUVs Regina
  • buy used cars online Canada
  • certified pre-owned Toyota Corolla 2019


5. Negative Keyword Examples


  • free
  • lease
  • rental
  • parts
  • junk
  • repair


These help prevent irrelevant clicks that can waste budget.


6. Structuring Google Ads Campaigns


Campaign Level: Break campaigns by vehicle type or brand.
Ad Group Level: Focus on a specific make/model, vehicle type, or financing type.
Ads: Include clear call-to-actions: “Shop Certified Pre-Owned Cars Today”, “Financing Available”, “View Inventory Near You”.
Landing Pages: Direct each ad to a relevant landing page (e.g., specific model inventory) to improve Quality Score.


7. Bid & Budget Recommendations


  • High-Intent Keywords: Exact match terms like “[used Toyota Corolla 2018]” → higher CPC, but better conversions.
  • Broad Terms: “used cars” → lower CPC, monitor click-throughs to avoid wasted spend.
  • Location Bidding: Increase bids in areas closer to the dealership for higher ROI.


8. Tracking & Optimization


  • Conversion Tracking: Track form submissions, phone calls, and directions requests.
  • Search Term Reports: Identify new keywords to add and negative keywords to exclude.
  • A/B Testing: Test ad copy with different CTAs and value propositions.
  • Seasonal Adjustments: Increase bids or budgets for peak car-buying seasons (spring, summer, end-of-year).

About Dealerhop

Dealerhop is Canada’s online marketplace for car loans, car buying, car selling, and mortgage referrals—all in one simple platform. We help Canadians get approved, get matched, and get moving by connecting them with our nationwide network of trusted Fulfillment Partners, including dealerships, brokers, lenders, and automotive wholesalers. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, refinance, or get a mortgage, Dealerhop makes the process fast, transparent, and completely online.



Terms & Disclaimer:


Dealerhop is not a lender, dealership, or physical auction. Dealerhop.com is an online third-party marketplace that connects Canadians with vehicle financing and purchasing solutions through a nationwide network of trusted dealers, brokers, and wholesalers known as Fulfillment Partners. By submitting an application, you authorize Dealerhop to match you with a Fulfillment Partner and/or lender best suited to assist based on your location and information provided.


Dealerhop aims to match applicants within 15 minutes, though match times may vary. Approval is not guaranteed. Financing is subject to lender terms and O.A.C. (on approved credit). Refinancing applications are exclusively processed and fulfilled by SafeLend Canada, with funding provided by CIBC or AutoCapital, based on lender approval and customer eligibility.


Payment terms and interest rates vary based on credit history, income, and the selected lender. Interest rates range from as low as 6.99% to a maximum of 35%, depending on approval. All terms—including payment amounts, interest rates, and finance structures—are finalized during contract signing with the chosen Fulfillment Partner or lender.


No obligation to proceed:
You are under no obligation to use Dealerhop.com. By using this site, you acknowledge and accept these terms, as well as our privacy policy and any applicable provincial laws.


Delivery options:
Free Door-to-Door Delivery is not guaranteed. Some Fulfillment Partners may not be equipped or staffed to offer this service, and availability may be limited to specific geographic areas. Dealerhop is not responsible for fulfillment limitations or delivery restrictions. Please confirm availability directly with the dealer or fulfillment provider.


Auction and vehicle matching:
If you’ve submitted a vehicle to be listed in the Dealerhop Auction, registered Fulfillment Partners may place bids for up to 48 hours. You are under no obligation to accept any offer.


Service availability:
Dealerhop services are available in most provinces across Canada. Service areas and partner availability are subject to change without notice.


Dealerhop Finance Ltd. refers its mortgage applications to Homewise Solutions Inc.


Mortgage Brokerage Licensed in:
Ontario (FSRA 12984) · Alberta (RECA LIC-00516872) · British Columbia (BCFSA X301004) · Manitoba (Securities Commission Licensed) · Nova Scotia (#2022-3000058) · Newfoundland & Labrador (23-07-HO061-1) · New Brunswick (FCNB 210057266) · Saskatchewan (FCAA 512263).
Real Estate licensed in Ontario as a registered OREA Brokerage, Homewise Real Estate. Proudly Canadian.


Dealerhop Finance Ltd. may receive a commission for referring clients.



Icons and graphics made by Icon54