The Edge

Hello all, wonder whether you can help...

I really need to get a car here in Vancouver. I am considering purchasing one for about $3000 - $4000. Obviously this won't be a great car, so I was looking into taking on a lease car. Does anyone have any info about how to do this, and importantly, whether it is possible to lease without any credit history in Canada? I don't want to take out a 36 month lease, so hence I am considering taking over a lease for approx 12 months. Anyone know any good websites?!
So many questions....

p.s. we landed in Vancouver 2 weeks ago and are having a fabulous time!! No problems. So far....

R I C H

Surely you've got a bit of cash stashed away if you're The Edge? Tap Bono for a few $ if you're really short

To answer your question, I took out a 24mth lease (Mazda were offering a 10% deposit, 0% finance deal) after being in BC for 8mths - it got cleared without any problem, but I did need to show all the usual bank stuff (proof of income - I'm self-employed, so a letter from the bank was accepted, proof of address etc). Not sure how easy it would have been to get the lease from day one of arrival, but we had a mortgage from the date we arrived, so perhaps I'd have arranged a bank loan or credit line instead.

Along the same lines I purchased a tractor for our business through John Deere credit within 4mths of arriving, so it doesn't seem to take too long to build up some credit history.

We're considering changing our car (need something bigger), so if you want to take on the remaining 18mths on a Madza 3 GT (which we've been very impressed and pleased with) 5dr hatchback, drop me a PM.

The Edge

Hey Rich, thanks for the reply.
How do I go about taking over a lease then

R I C H

PM sent Edge - pics attached here for you.

Rich

H143

A good place to look if you want a second hand car is Craig's list. I got mine from here. I'd recommend getting it checked by BCAA or someone though so you don't get screwed over.

I'd also highly recommend ringing around re insurnace BEFORE purchasing a car. This will help avoid a near heart attack when you go into ICBC. You only need to get your basic insurance from ICBC and then can ring around for the best quote on the rest. Expect to pay about 5 times more than you do in the UK.

Good luck!

Atlantic Xpat

Check out www.leasebusters.com

AX

The Edge

Thanks for all the replies guys.

One thing I meant to ask - is there a breakdown service (similar to the AA or RAC) in BC/Canada??

Cheers!

Butch Cassidy

NO

Cars here never breakdown AND on the rare occassion they do. People are alwasy ready to tow you to the nearest garage.





















Seriously the CAA (or AMA as it is here in Alberta) is what you're looking for.

Adbru

I believe that (on holiday at least) members of the AAA (american AA ) are covered in the UK and vice versa........

Cant find anything on it in the CAA website

just a thought

Adbru

iaink

http://www.google.ca/search?sourceid...g+lease+canada


Credit history may well be an issue, but you might have the option to pay the whole sum up front from capital?

AFAIK CAA only covers you in north america, but if you are renting a vehicle in the UK its probably got some sort of coverage through the rental firm anyway?

SpeC

iaink,
it amazes me what a wealth of information you post on this forum. You really should be a Mod .Well you'd get my vote.

iaink

Aw shucks God, no , I dont want to have to keep the children here in check.... talk about a thankless task!

Biiiiink

Depending on what car you buy, it might already have North American-wide breakdown/homestart/tow/emergency accomodation coverage - our Kia came with 5yrs. I've called them once to change a tyre and it was a CAA truck that pulled up.

NessieOggy

I'm not sure if I'm on the right track, but as H143 mentioned, BCAA is a breakdown service offered here in BC.

Just a tip for when you are purchasing your insurance & looking to buy optional coverage (other than basic through ICBC). IMO, it's wise to check out what the policy covers, not just the end $ amount to pay. For instance, be aware that there is a private insurer in BC that covers claims such as "Hit & Run" only as a chargeable claim - if you claim, it will cost you when you renew your policy.

Cheers