Originally Posted by Aviator

Depends where in Canada you are going to.

$3000 for a car won't get you much once you add the sales tax to it, maybe a 15-20 year old Jetta. Car insurance is higher, especially if you cannot prove no claims history. Buy privately, get it inspected by CAA, do a lien check and ownership check. Careful of cheap cars off used lots. Avoid cheap domestics.

Originally Posted by Tony_Tiger

I had a golf gti. I found it reliable but maintenance and parts were expensive. It was to the point that I started doing the maintenance myself!

Parts for domestic (Ford/GMC/Dodge) will be a lot cheaper but don't expect the same built quality..

Originally Posted by Danny B

Used cars in Canada are notoriously expensive and overpriced in my opinion.

I don;t know where you will be living but have a look at http://bc.kijiji.ca/ and then change the location in the top right hand corner. It has a search for cars under $5k

Originally Posted by Animal

I bought a '98 Saturn Wagon with 300k on the clock when I got here in November last year for $1500 with e-test & cert. It was originaly just for a run around until I got settled. And yes, I'm still driving it

I've had no problems with except changing the belt on it recently which cost me $50. There is no rust on the body as it's all plastic - apart from the bonnet (sorry hood) and roof. I even topped up the Air con 3 weeks ago for $14 and that works now.

My wife and kids are joining me in 2 weeks and I've already been 'informed' by the wife I wont be driving it anymore and I need something better

My 16yr old has said he'll have it though so he can run it into the ground.

I got it from autotrader.ca

Originally Posted by Novocastrian

I bought a 5 year old Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme when I first crossed the pond and paid $1000 for it. I drove it for another 5 years with only minor problems. An excellent buy I think.

I suppose I should mention though that this was in 1977. Prices may have gone up, who knows?

Originally Posted by willrr

Thanks Tony_Tiger. Yes was hoping to stick to something VW as have at least some basic experience with maintenance etc. The thought of adding to my budget and going for a Golf GTI is very appealing, did it handle snow and ice well?

Originally Posted by willrr

Thanks Tony_Tiger. Yes was hoping to stick to something VW as have at least some basic experience with maintenance etc. The thought of adding to my budget and going for a Golf GTI is very appealing, did it handle snow and ice well?