Hello again!

I've settled in quite nicely in Toronto, I am putting down the payments on an apartment tomorrow and should have a job sorted out - however, as I thought might be the case I have been told that I will need to get a car to be able do all the necessary travelling for work.

I am a 24 year old male with little transferable driving history from the UK (I have had my license for 6 years but have been named on my parents insurance for the majority) and I expect to get astronomical quotes for insurance (but it's only for 4 months and the work experience is worth more to me at this point).

Can anyone recommend me a budget used car with a reputation for being reliable and that might result in lower insurance rates? Lower fuel consumption would also be a big plus. All other factors are unimportant, it's all about minimum intitial (and continued) expenditure - as long as it goes for the time I'm here then thats all I need!

Thanks,

Matt

Hi Matt

I don't know if you have looked at this site www.canadatrader.com its like auto trader.

Hope it helps.

Thanks, I'll take a look!

I saw a news report yesterday where they're predicting gas prices will rise to $2.25/litre by 2012. If you do buy or lease a car for 3-5 years, you might want to factor this cost in.

If you're looking to lease or buy a new GM, take a look at Chevrolet Aveo and Cobalt and the Pontiac Wave and G5, they all have decent mpg, are getting a decent reputation for relibility and (according to the local dealers here) have the 0% interest rates.

Size of car seems to make little impact on insurance cost (here at least). Domestic might be cheaper to insure than import. Something fuel efficient is a definate bonus.

Thanks for the info, but I actually only need a car for 4 months! I'm looking for something with a reputation for reliability so that it shouldn't need any repairs in that time, absolute minimum cost overall is the aim!

Ok cool, I'll look for something with a small engine - it only needs to get my from A to B for a few months.

Rent one. It should run a bit less than four grand total. Rent-A-Wreck might be an option.

Could be an option, though that might be more expensive than buying. Insurance looks to be in the range of $350 a month for me (crazy!) but that works out at $1400ish for 4 months + cost of car (less anything I could get for selling it at the end)...assuming I could get something reliable enough to not break down!

You'll need a plate sticker. You'll have to pay sales tax on the car. $4,000 will soon look cheap.

Oh, only 4 months and then you're off?

Like dbd is suggesting, you probably want to get something you can get out of quickly/cheaply/easily at the end of your time here. What about scheduling a chauffeur/taxi service or just paying someone to run you around for the times you can't use public transport/taxis?

There's often talk on here of the companies that handle lease take-overs. Could be an option there too.

If you have rent on a gold/platinum credit card you should get the CDW side of the insurance thrown in for free. Although check the maximum term of the rental as you might need to stop it after a month and rent a different vehicle.

Why not just join a car share co-op? There must be one in Toronto.

Edit - yep, looks like it: http://www.autoshare.com/

you may be stretched to find one in your price range, but for reliability, fuel, and the size you seem to want, honda civic or toyota corolla. i'd avoid anything made by pontiac like the plague, they don't call it a shitfire for nothing you know. they being everyone.