Looking to buy my first car (Canada)

[Big Nic]

Originally Posted by X The Dude X

I just googled it, and that Forester gets about 20/city and 27/highway. If it's a manual, probably a mile or two more a gallon. So with this asinine gas prices going on, might not be the best choice, but it'd handle your weather conditions very well. Still better numbers than my Audi, but you guys are paying more for gas than we are, so those fill-ups will hurt your wallet after a while. But for driving safety, you can't beat AWD in my opinion.

The new '08 Civics get around 26/city and 35/highway depending on the package you get. The new Civic hybrids run about $22K, but get 40/city and 45/highway, that's pretty damn awesome! The new Matrix is 25/city, 31/highway and has a slightly bigger and more HP engine than the Civic and Prius.

If I could get that Civic Hybrid for 22K I would probably do it.

[6StingHero]

Get A Hummer. 8 wheel rotations to the gallon, it drives like a man should drive and when you hit a pedestrian you don't even feel it.



There she is, in all her glory.

[saamus]

Look at the subaru impreza. Its a great small car with decent mileage and the all wheel drive will be great. Im from medicine hat.

[enginekid]

Originally Posted by Big Nic

Price range is approximately up to $20 000/ year. I live in Edmonton, Alberta, so keep that in mind. Winters here are brutal and long, so how it handles in that sort of weather is very important. Also important is Miles Per Gallon and all the usual stuff. It will be mostly for city driving, although occasionally I'll take it to Calgary and elsewhere.

Anyways, any recommendations that you could make would be appreciated. Based on research in the Consumer Report and talking to people, I've been looking at Hyundai Elantra's, Honda Civic's and Fit's, Mazda 3's and Toyota Carolla and Matrix (all 2008 models).

I'd like to buy new as well, although I might look at used cars.

Honestly you should base your decision on gas consumption. buy the car that has the best kilometers/litre. if it means paying a couple thousand more (not that it will, just sayin) than that's ok becuase the cost of gas is projected to hit $2+ per litre by next year. You'll save thousands of dollars a year by purchasing the most fuel efficient vehicle made.

[Triple-s]

Get something with TSC or 4WD. I've got a Mazda Tribute and Honda Odysey both are good in montreal winters. Anything elevated is good.

[Big Nic]

Originally Posted by enginekid

Honestly you should base your decision on gas consumption. buy the car that has the best kilometers/litre. if it means paying a couple thousand more (not that it will, just sayin) than that's ok becuase the cost of gas is projected to hit $2+ per litre by next year. You'll save thousands of dollars a year by purchasing the most fuel efficient vehicle made.

That's kind of what I figured. There's some great small cars like the Honda Fit that have very impressive MPG. That being said, They might just be a bit too small for my needs. I'll give them a test drive though and see how it goes.

[Big Nic]

Originally Posted by saamus

Look at the subaru impreza. Its a great small car with decent mileage and the all wheel drive will be great. Im from medicine hat.

I'll check it out.