first time car buyer in canada
 

hey folks ! yes I know there's a few threads here on car buying but what were your first wheels here in minus temperature land ?

I'm seeing as we're entering the fall in TO then winter it's probably a good idea to go 4x4 or maybe something german (m5/ Merc m class/cayenne).? I've noticed that reliably is a huge a factor here so what is a good vehicle to commute on a first time Canadian buy ? used or new

Re: first time car buyer in canada
 

Lotus Evora 400, or failing that, you can't go wrong with a 1986/9 Porsche 911 Turbo.

If they're out of reach budget wise, i'd recommend a 1990's British racing Green John Cooper Special Mini.

Re: first time car buyer in canada
 

A 1965 used VW Beetle with an air cooled engine that the heater never worked. In the 70's it was a Dodge Dart, rear wheel drive with snow tires

There was an ad on TV back in the 70's that showed how the snow plow guy got to work in a VW Beetle .... go figure:eek:

This is a joke, it has to be ....

Do you really have $100k to spend on a new (on the road tax in) vehicle, or lease for not less than $1000/mth?

You are in Toronto, as such any vehicle with winter tires will do - based on what you can afford. Used not more than $8k max

Re: first time car buyer in canada
 

of course not new. seen a few on autotrader around the 8-10k figure , medium to high millage though. but yes more concerned about the winter pack requirements. was just also wondering what folks personal experience is when first time buying here. as reliability means so much more here when the cold kicks in

Re: first time car buyer in canada
 

Why a joke? Because you can't afford one yourself?

AWD or 4wd can be useful but not essential. Buy what takes your fancy and put decent winter tires on it.

In my experience here, Mercedes are reliable (never had issues with an M Class or GLK), Fords have been constant headaches, Subarus blow up at 10,000kms, and the VW GTi I owned was blemish free.

Re: first time car buyer in canada
 

winter tyres is legal requirement right ? cops can ticket you for not having them ?or is that only that for the sat nav taxi drivers ?

Re: first time car buyer in canada
 

exactly, I cannot afford [would not] be stupid enough to buy a $100k vehicle, even if I won the lottery.

I drive a 13 year old Ford Escape XLT which presently has just over 258,000KM on it with all season tires. It works in the burbs of the GTA. Insurance is 3rd party only, costing me $650/yr. I bought it 2 years ago certified with emissions tax & registration on the road price for $2800. (twenty eight hundred dollars Cdn)

Re: first time car buyer in canada
 

I don't think I could spend 100k on a car either, I'd rather have a choice of cars:rofl: Our 1st car was a older explorer, cost 1200 bucks, we've had lots in between that and what we drive now, currently I drive a PT Cruiser, I love it and it's about my 6th, OH is driving a Lincoln town car, daughter is driving a Chev Malibu, I should think the combined cost of them is under 4k, auction and part exchange deals through OH work, had we paid nearer second hand kijiji prices, 8k ish I suppose. All relatively low mileage too, I think the highest mileage is daughters about 130k kms.

We've also got the fancy stuff, but they don't see snow unless they don't squeeze themselves in the garage.

Re: first time car buyer in canada
 

Decrying someone else's purchasing power seems a little petty.

Re: first time car buyer in canada
 

New Jeep with winter kit, when it gets down to -20 odd heated steering wheel and seats come in handy,didn't bother with winter tires though.

Re: first time car buyer in canada
 

I suggest something with heated seats and a convertible top due to the weather being cold in winter and hot in summer. I wouldn't bother with winter tyres nor a specific drive train arrangement in and around Toronto. If you drive in the country a lot then, yes, winter tyres and FWD are prudent. I found a 2007 VW Beetle convertible to be ideal for rural Ontario.

Re: first time car buyer in canada
 

I'd not be too bothered about needing a 4x4 in a city or the 'burbs.

For rural winter driving, I haven't found anything (yet) that beats used, already beat-up, Subarus. With good winter tyres, & depending on just *how* rural, studded tyres.

(Although the winter where I had a Dodge Ram & Toyota Tundra provided by my job made for fun driving).

YMMV.

Re: first time car buyer in canada
 

A chap I worked with who lives in Uxbridge Ontario has a 2006 Diesel Smartcar that he has had for year & half.

He commutes, uses it every single day & drives back & forth to work 32km away in Newmarket, which is a cross country run. Through the winter with zero issues.

Says the thing gets 400km on $15 gas

.

Re: first time car buyer in canada
 

dont buy a diesel lol
I just traded my VW off for a new Jeep Sahara, pick it up tomorrow.
Be ready for higher insurance, service, warranty costs if you go german or any "Imported" vehicle ! Thats why this time around i've gone with a north american vehicle.

Re: first time car buyer in canada
 

Smart cars are great and all but look like they offer almost no protection in a crash.