Car Advice
 

I was involved in rather a serious 4 car pile up on the QEW last Thursday, and as a result, my shiny new car is probably going to be written off. :eek:

So eventually, I'll be able to trade in my rental SUV for something more practical.

Does anyone have any ideas about what I should buy next. I should have about $27k to spend. Belair Direct are the best I have to say. They've made the whole process completely hassle free...

Options I'm considering are:

Orange PT Cruiser
Jetta

Anything else


My car will mainly be used for driving around Toronto, although I do do a fair number of forays into the back woods, and I need a decent boot space for scuba diving or camping equipment.

I'd also like something that's pretty nice to look at, and as a new driver, I don't want to be screwed for insurance...

Any suggestions?

Re: Car Advice
 

New Mazda looks OK ? Might work for ya.

Rich.

Re: Car Advice
 

I know absolutely nothing about cars... what's the model name of the new Mazda? :)

Re: Car Advice
 

Consider a Toyota Camry LE around $25,000 before taxes and has a reasonably large trunk (boot) 15 cubic feet.

It will most likely last a lot ,lot longer than the PT Cruiser and possibly the VW too. If you want to keep for a long time that is.

I have a 1992 Camry purchased new, it's fourteen years old, I've never done anything to it other than regular maintenance and the recommended services, and I have three friends who are fighting amongst themselves as to who's going to get it next year when I buy a new one. :)

Re: Car Advice
 

Hi Sarah,

We purchased a new Jetta a few months ago and have been very pleased. It offers excellent build quality and returns 30+ mpg from a 2.0 turbo engine. Its certainly not the best value for money though. If I were to purchase today I would look at the range of Subaru's, especially the Legacy that should be in your price range. If your into SUV's have a look at the Hyundai's and Kia's. Good luck

SAW 04

Re: Car Advice
 

Hi everyone,

Just a quick question.......whats the car market like in Canada in terms of playing one dealer off against another for cheaper deals, extras etc,......or have they got the market sewn up and all have the same prices.

Thanks

Re: Car Advice
 

What about a Subaru? Outback or Forester. Plenty of rrom in the back. Think one of them's 4WD too.

Re: Car Advice
 

All Subarus are 4WD, even the saloons

Re: Car Advice
 

Hi Sarah

So sorry to hear about your accident. I hope you are OK and it is just the car that took a battering.

Think Rich_007 is referring to the Mazda CX7 (correct me if I am wrong there Rich) which looks really cool.

I drive a Hyundai Tuscon which may be a bit big for city driving, but is a fab car, well SUV. It is a compact one though around the same size as a Rav4 or Honda CR-V

Hope everything works out for you.

Re: Car Advice
 

I can't imagine that a PT Cruiser will last anywhere near as well as a Toyota. My son has a Hyundai Tiberon, which he likes, but he said the nicest car he has been in lately has been a Toyota Corolla. He said it just felt like a quality vehicle. Don't know how big the trunk is though. I have a Hyundai. I would recommend any of the Hyundai line. I have been well pleased with mine and would buy another one. I would like a Santa Fe. I do not need a Santa Fe - I just want one.

If you can afford it, I say go with a Toyota.

Re: Car Advice
 

Hi Woofwoof,

I used to work as a business manager for a Honda dealer in Ontario and found it almost the same as the Uk shopping for a car. The salesman are very different from the ones in the UK. first i found them no where near as professional as the ones in the UK. Second in Canada they will be happy to say "stop wasting my time if your not buying from me today" I found this so weird having never heard anyone say this in 8 years of the motor trade in the UK.

GMC, FORD and Chrysler are all struggling so if you want a bargain go there. Honda and Toyota would be a good bet if you want a reliable car but expect to pay more.

The best deals as in the Uk are in the new market with very low if not 0% for 4-5 yeras. Thats fine if you expect to keep your car for a long time as residual isn't as much as a factor. If you buy a used car don't forget there's still tax to be paid even if it's through a dealer or private.

The market is much the same as in the Uk so go on lots of testdrives and haggle with everyone. Then have a :beer:

Re: Car Advice
 

I love my Honda - my BIL was a car designer and he reckons Honda engineer the best, with Toyota and Madza after them - I would only look at Japanese cars because of reliability as I can't be asked with a car breaking down. But it's up to you, drive them and see which you find most comfortable.

Glad you weren't hurt. :)

Re: Car Advice
 

I used to have a PT Cruiser, I'd recommend it to anyone, great little car.
The Mazda starts at $31,995.00 so by the time you add taxes on etc, could well blow your budget.
Sounds like Dodge/Chrysler are offering some good deals on brand new cars, also Ford are promoting this Employee price thing, not sure if it's just a gimick, but could be worth checking out.

Re: Car Advice
 

Sorry, no suggestions but I hope that everyone is safe and unhurt after the accident!

Re: Car Advice
 

Also hope that you are OK Sarah. Toyota Corolla or Nissan Versa wuould get my vote. Buy Japanese, they last and last. I have a Sienna; crap visibility but a good solid vehicle.