Hi all

This is along a similar line to another thread, but didnt want to hijack.

Our funds on arrival are extremely limited, however we will need to buy a car fairly quick, to save on hire costs.

We are looking at $5000 mark for something to get around in and hopefully be half reliable

We are arriving as PR's but still need to sort jobs,

We have heard that we may be able to buy something on finance over a short period as we can show funds, decent downpayment, but rather than fork it all out in one go we could spread the payments, which if possible, would really help to preserve our small pot

What would your recommendations be? Are we likely to be able to get any type of finance/credit for a vehicle or is it more likely we will have to just get on with buying a second hand car out right??

Not after anything flash, just decent size family car, prefer mini van/jeep style that will be reliable

Your views on this would be really appreciated

If anyone in NS, can you recommend any garages?

http://www.steeleclearance.com/en/home/default.aspx

Hi Nikki
If my experience is anything to go by, you'll find obtaining credit extremely difficult. Although, you should have the benefit of having a permanent SIN number, which will help.
We've been here since August, and despite having obtained a car loan and eventually a credit card, I still cant get approved by anyone when trying to trade my car in.
Bringing over a copy of your UK credit rating will definitely help also.

Thanks for the link and info,

Nikki
we used O'Regan's when we got our first cars in NS, and they were really helpful
www.oregans.com
they have something called a credit builder programme (details on website) that you might find useful

Thanks Val, these guys were recommended by another expat I am in touch with, will definitely take a look, thanks

Nikki,

I also used O'Regans in Dartmouth & managed to secure finance for our first car, this was before both of us had jobs so it can be done.

I arrived armed with credit checks form Experian & another (cant remember name now) letter from bank in UK stating banked in line with terms & conds etc.. not a problem.

If you need any contacts etc.. drop me an email

Michelle

Thanks Michelle

We got a car loan from RBC (who we bank with) 2 weeks after arriving on TWP. We showed them the cash we had (which was not a great deal!!) (as well as some still back in the UK) and they ok'd the loan for us. Ours was for around $7k.

Thanks Amy, We are with RBC too, so might look at this option aswell.

Be very careful with this program, we were introduced to it and they wanted 32% APR over 5 years. Their idea is that you take high interest and after 1 year, once you have built up a good credit score, they buy the car back from you. Then you refinance on another vehicle at a low rate. Unfortunately they would not commit to buying the vehicle back at a decent price, which would leave us in massive negative equity and owing a huge loan albeit at a low rate. We calculated, and the saleman agreed, that with this program we would end up paying $32,000 for a $5000 crappy 2nd hand Kia.

Although they did say "at least you will have a car and some credit".

Saturn of Dartmouth gave us 5 years no interest credit with only $1000 deposit, on a brand new vehicle.

Hi nikki dreaming,
I bought our car out right from Steele after looking on Autotrader, they tried everything to get me to take out the warranty with them, we ended up using Crappy tire's gold cover.
The next time i will look at the private listings on Autotrader as they seem cheaper than the dealers with less km's on them.


Stuart

Most Mini Vans here are Pot luck reliability. Dodge Caravans blow gear boxes. Montana can be very trouble some. Forget the Windstars too.

I would love to push you towards Toyota Sienna or Mazda MPV or a Honda CRV. But you will be very hard pressed to find one in your price bracket. with out a million miles on the clock, That would be my first choice.

If you are looking for a cheap SUV. You could get a GMC Jimmy or Chev Blazer for that.

I had good luck with Chevy Astro/GMC Safari Vans. Avoid the AWD. I have Astro van right now. You can get a really nice one in your price range. They can be little juicy if driven with a lead foot. But they big and roomy. Great if need to pick up stuff for your first home.

For Full size cars. Buicks are ok too. Just stick only with the Century,Regal. le sabre. Most are driven by the elderly and can be well serviced. Avoid too low millage cars tho. Stick with Average millage.

The Chevy Impalas are OK too as long it has not been used a cab.

You best deals will be private. I would make sure you get the Vehicle inspected. You can make appointment with a main dealer or even just drive there, if it is like a Monday or something. Like I said most domestics are pot luck reliability. With a bit of searching you can find some that is decent in your price range. just don't panic and buy the first thing you see.

Hopefully this will give you some food for thought.

[QUOTE=Essex_Man;7546471]Most Mini Vans here are Pot luck reliability. Forget the Windstars too.


We have a 1999 Windstar - it did us 6 months in BC, drove us across the Country, done 1 and half years here and has just passed it's MOT thingy here with only a light bulb needing to be changed...so not all bad...:0)

Thanks for the info

Thanks Essex man some useful info, dont really know much about cars but will keep hold of this thread for when we arrive!!