Also, think about the US pre-owned market.
www.autotrader.com and
www.cars.com is a start..as is ebay motors to get a quick glance at prices in general.
Something 2 or 3 years old would still be under warranty/sold at a dealer and less of a question mark.
$30K US = $33K CDN. I've been looking recently..a multitude of preowned vehicles that can be had for sub $30K USD in the US, are typically close to or over $40K here.
If its an import (ie not physicaly built in the uS/CAN/Mex, no matter the brand) tack on 6% more. GST would apply here through a dealer, or at the border. Shipping..$1K if you're not able to drive it up.
Just takes a bit more leg work and patience, but you come out getting more car for your $$ in the end.