We're moving to Calgary in the next few weeks and I would appreciate some advice regarding buying a new car.

I've no idea about makes and models and what's considered a decent vehicle for use in Calgary (particularly the winters).

I drive a Golf in the UK so something similar to that in size, price etc. Id be looking to buy a used car as opposed to brand new. Any guesstimates as to what i'd expect to pay for a motor which is a couple of years old??

Any info will be gratefully received

Thanks in advance

Have a look at www.autotrader.ca

Hello,

We went to Tower Chrystler on Mcleod trail, and a lovely chap there called John Appelby helped us a great deal!!!

He wasnt pushy at all, and is used to helping newly landed immigrants, we evn got a small loan to cover part of the car cost and help with our credit rating.

If we ever need another car, we wouldn't hesitate to go back to John.

Hope this helps.

Nicky

Hi!

If you or other half is anyway vehicle savvy and know what else a car should have apart from 4 wheels Then try the Michener Allen auctions. They quite often have tons of ex lease or ex rental cars which still have warranty on them as well as the odd rustbucket and lifted monstrosity. Make sure you have an idea of what costs what - you do get bid happy people paying too much for stuff.

From what we have experienced on our wintertime visits to Calgary the roads don't get too bad there - a Calgarian will confirm or not whatever the case maybe.

I will be driving a 2 wheel drive car this winter in town We do have a 4x4 which we will use on longer journeys though.

I know very little about cars (except the colour) but I do know that the roads in calgary in winter do not warrant a 4 wheel drive. I am told you get great financing on Dodge and Ford because they are not as good as other makes ( they are really **ap) as Mazda and Japanese makes are more expensive because they actually work.

I have spent the last 5 years with only 2 wheel drives and never had a problem. My OH wants a 4 wheel drive when we change cars so it is better for the longer journeys to BC.

Get yourself a reliable car(aka Subaru, VW, Mazda) no mather where you live in Canada. God forbid if you have to take a car to a mechanic. They charge arm and a leg. www.autotrader.ca is a good place to start. I am moving to the US shortly and I just sold my car over the autotrader website in less than a week(I had a Jetta TDI 2003 model). You can get some pretty good deals there. Just make sure if you buy it from a private individual that the car has emission test done and safety certification.

My hubby would recommend that people buy Japanese, 'Cause they don't go wrong'.

Why is it we have 5 Fords, 1 Chevy and 1 Chrysler?- Oh the motorhomes a Ford too!

Ford owns a controlling stake in Mazda (amongst many other marques), and interchanges platforms (chassis) engines and other parts between both model ranges, so that theory's not necessarily true. Both Ford and Mazda regularly offer 0% finance.

Other examples are Renault (not always an exemplar of engineering reliability) owning close to 50% of Nissan (who in turn own 15% of Renault), General Motors owns 20% of Subaru, and has stakes in Isuzu and Suzuki, Daimler Chrysler own stakes in Mercedes Hyundai and Mitsubishi. Buying Japanese doesn't necessarily mean a 100% Japanese product.

wow ... if i get out for a reccy trip next year to Calgary not only i'm sure i could meet up with some of you to see how things are going and get the lay of the land not to mention where not to live (note to self: so many questions leave for another time!) but i could pick those with a decent car!

just kidding!

Here's a car kinda question... how is the prices for services / tax etc.. if they have road tax ? I know that gas is cheaper and cars are pricy to buy if you are earning half as much money but wondered what the costs surrounding cars is like. Do they / you have any congestion charges type areas ... cost of parking that kinda deal.

The roads in Calgary during winter are usually not too bad but if you don't go with a SUV or truck you are probably best to go with a front wheel drive as they typically have better traction. If you have your heart is set on going with a rear wheel drive you are advised to get snow tires.

I've PM'd you

I don't mind driving on snow and can do it in a 2-wheel drive, but have found in Calgary where they don't plow the residential side roads in winter that the snow is churned into icy slush, freezes, refreezes etc. and generally you end up with a solid sheet of ice under whatever snow is the latest on top. That plus a slight incline outside my SIL's house defeated me - so I would definitely recommend a 4x4 even if you don't go off road that much.

OH (usually a "pick-up truck" aficionado) has done extensive research on my behalf and confidently asserts that the best all rounder for my needs (ferrying kids, tons of groceries, etc.) will be a Toyota Sierra. We know quite a few families with one in both Canada and the USA and have never heard a bad thing said.... however in my dreams I have a little Mercedes SLR.

We know the said establishment and the said man very well. Loads of unsusptecting Brits are recommended to go there by realtors/relocators that get huge kickbacks from said establishment. It was suggested to us that we went there as well and we did. However, we found them to be overpriced by a huge amount and we managed to get a virtually identical vehicle to one that we were offered there but for $5,000 less (we paid $14,000 when they wanted $19,000).

We we wanted a second vehicle we went to see them again. When they noticed the car we arrived in and they realised it wasn't one of theirs they asked why we didn't use them previously. We explained that it was because their prices were too high and that, if they tried the same again, we would not buy from them. Surprise, surprise they ended up giving us a very good deal.

Of course, these were not new cars and I would imagine that, in an area such as Calgary, there will not be a huge difference between the various dealers but, in the second hand market I would be very careful about taking them at face value.

If you are interested in a minivan type vehicle then I can provide you with my recommendation if you PM me

I don't think a 4x4 is necessary in Calgary. Especially if you will be driving mostly in the city or even the highway. A front wheel drive would probably be a better choice (or maybe an all wheel drive).

A 4x4 is more expensive and as far as I know, the insurance is more too.

If a 4x4 is what you want thats completely different. But if its the winter driving that is a concern, then I don't think a 4x4 will buy you any safety or performance.

When we drive to BC in the winter, it seems that more often than not, its the 4x4 you see in the ditch. I doubt that its the fault of the 4x4 but more the false sense of security that the driver has.

You may be right... is that a new avatar rwin? A marmite free zone? Are you okay now for "squashed fly" cookies?