First time car buyer - Toronto. HELP?

I’m based in the Toronto area and looking for a midsize SUV.

I got so many questions... any help offered is much appreciated.

I’m open to both new or used, but—at least from what I’m seeing—used car prices are so high that it almost doesn’t make sense not to spend a bit more for a brand new vehicle (you get full warranty, new tires, etc.). Am I wrong? Am I just looking in the wrong places? Where do you look?

Other things I’d love input on:

• Which brands or dealerships in the Toronto area offer solid value or current incentives? Any standout experiences?
• What hidden costs should I watch for when budgeting for the OTD price? (E.g. admin fees, tire taxes, rust protection upsells, etc.)
• Insurance tips for a first-time buyer? I’m getting quotes around $450/month—does that sound about right for someone in Toronto with a clean record?
• Would you go for a demo model or showroom vehicle if it meant saving a few thousand? Any downsides I should know?
• What tools/websites do you recommend to compare vehicles or track price trends?
• BONUS: If you recently bought your first car in Ontario, what did you end up with—and what did you learn?

Appreciate any advice or experience you can share!