Guys

I have been looking at loads of cars, SUVs and light trucks.

For Calgary is a standard 2WD car ok or should i be looking at SUVs and
4x4s.

Got 6 months before i move out but there is no harm in looking.

I would recommend a 4x4 with a V8 engine - well you might as well go the whole hog

with a gun rack.

Minimum 300bhp, or you'll not have enough power to break through snow banks.

Lifted. No less than 6".

Cheers guys, you lot are well helpfull!!!

Calgarys no different to most of the rest of canada. This thread is going at present, there are many similar ones if you search back
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=590506

What you want and what you need are two different things. The Honda Civic has been the best selling car in Canada for ten + years, its perfectly suited as basic transportation here, along with a whole bunch of other FWD econoboxes.

Tire choice makes far more difference than transmission technicalities. I've had 4x4, AWD, FWD in my time here...but I wont be without snow tires now that I have experienced the difference they make in the worst of the winter.

In truth anything will do. The biggest selling vehicles in Canada are minivans, the Honda Civic and the F150 pick up truck. It just depends how many seats you need and what sort of vehicle you like.

It depends on what type of use you have in mind. Are you skiers? If so, ski country would be better with 4WD. If it's basically in-town driving then a 2WD with snow tyres in winter should suffice. Westerners are particularly into pick-up trucks and large SUV's. It's basically just the culture, I think.

We have a 4WD Ford Expedition (as much because I - Eamonn - do a lot miles in my job and both want to be comfortable and need space to carry clients and luggage). Jan drives and AWD Ford Taurus which seems to be coping with its first winter very well.

Eamonn & Janet.
Ps...the Expedition does, of course, have all the other things the previous respondents mentioned!

I have never owned anything other than a car when living in both Edmonton and Calgary.

Never had any difficulties getting around anywhere.

Currently we have a Toyota Corolla and a Toyota Camry.

There is no need for an SUV or four wheel drive/all wheel drive in Calgary. If you want one fine, but you don't "need" one.

When we first moved to Canada in 1997 we lived in Calgary. We purchase 2 FWD cars, an Escort Estate and old VW Fox. Both cars were fine in winter with snow tyres.

hudd

I agree with Hudd, FWD vehicles are fine in Calgary and if you fit winter tyres you will have no problems. I would just buy the best vehicle that fits your budget.

We have a Mazda 3. And an old Saturn with bald tires. Both have block heaters .