Hi all

Well we finally made it to Calgary after a long flight and a stopover in hong kong we landed in Vancouver for a 5 day visit, we wthen got the train through to Jasper and stayed with friends for 5 days. Then we got re-introduced to mountain weather as the road conditions between Jasper and Banff took a turn for the worse with some storms, freezing rain and snow. Decided not to risk the poor conditions and drive via Edmonton, but we finally made it!

So far we have been looking at schools, houses and cars to kick off. If anyone has any opinions/advice on my shortlist? :

• Dodge Durango
• Dodge Caravan
• Dodge Journey
• GMC Terrain
• GMC Acadia
• Chevrolet Traverse
• Toyota Highlander

Safety and winter weather handling is my highest priority, we don't particularly need a minivan or similar but it was recommended to us. We need 2 seats to handle kids booster seats and leave a bit of legroom

We managed to organise our SIN easily, bank accounts and more importantly our Costco membership!!

Looking forward to more exploring tomorrow, been in Calgary almost 1 week now

Speak soon
Wayne

Welcome, it sounds like quite an adventure- all be it pleasant to get to your destination and safely

We have a Dodge Durango and it seems to work well for us- lots of room when our kids came to visit and it seemed okay in the winter. Can't comment on a comparison with the others you mentioned.

Best wishes in your new adventures

Just my opinion i wouldnt chose any of the above..if i had to i would probably go for the Toyota

Welcome to Calgary - whereabouts are you going to be living?

Can't comment on your choices but we have a Mazda CX5 - it handles like a dream in the bad weather and it has top safety ratings (NCAP) across the board. I had to swerve really fast and wide last week at a pretty fast speed and I was impressed - it handled it beautifully - it didn't lurch at all.

None of those cars are particularly nice to drive, and Alberta roads don't warrant expenditure on a nice car. Any of them will do you fine in winter as long as you put on winter tyres. Some will argue not necessary, but ignore them. They DO make a difference.

We had a Dodge Grand Caravan when we lived in Calgary (family of 4). Not the most exciting drive in the world, but without doubt, it is The Most Practical Car Ever. Sliding doors mean no dings in the garage or in supermarket car parks. But the best thing is being able to 'walk through' from the front seats to the back .

What would be your top choice?

Didn't even see the Mazda dealer, totally overlooked. Is it fairly spacious inside?
I have spent the week in Tuscany and have got a rental for 3 months in aspen woods.
Thanks for he recommendation, will add it to my list to go look at :-)

I have full intention of getting winter tyres, the dodge dealer today tried to tell me to stick to all season all year, but being inexperienced in snow and ice I will def get the winters!
Agree with the caravan, it's not AWD which was my only concern, but practical is the perfect description for it!

Great thanks, seemed like a good choice being an AWD too

Don't buy an American vehicle. They're crap and you don't wan't to chav the place (Calgary) up anymore than it is already.

The Traverse is terrifying to drive and, now that I've been in one, frightening to be near on the road. The driver's view is blind except for a small "sighted spot" directly ahead.

The Caravan is the sensible choice, the seat mechanism is amazing.

Is the Chevy Traverse the same vehicle as the Chrysler Pacifica? If so, I agree with you 100%. I was given a Pacifica from a hire company once, and it seemed to have a life of its own. Frightening handling.

Nope. Never been in a Pacifica. Generally I don't like Chrysler products, sloppy steering, spongy ride, but, given the list above, the OP isn't much interested in the driving experience so the van might suit. It'll certainly hold more stuff than the Durango, offer more comfort to the passengers and use much less petrol.

if you mostly toodling around Calgary then you dont need AWD

Got a Traverse, and i have to say it is the worst rear view car i have ever driven. Also the reverse gear doesnt lock in too well, it can roll several feet before it stops!!