Car Suggestions - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

OILFAN #81 · 09-19-2007, 02:38 PM

Hey guys and gals. As some of you know I moved to Calgary just a few weeks ago and am looking for a new car. Just wondering if any of you had any suggestions/ideas on what to get. I was thinking of getting a Jetta but wanted suggestions. I'm looking in the $25 K or so price range (give or take a few grand). Thanks.

habernac · 09-19-2007, 02:42 PM

look in the US if you can. With the dollar exchange, the prices are ridiculous right now.

OILFAN #81 · 09-19-2007, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by habernac

look in the US if you can. With the dollar exchange, the prices are ridiculous right now.

Yeah that would be great (with the dollar being at 99 cents especially!) but I don't have the time at the moment. Just looking to get something locally from a dealership here in Calgary.

Sample00 · 09-19-2007, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by habernac

look in the US if you can. With the dollar exchange, the prices are ridiculous right now.

I have been looking on ebay for a new set of wheels for my wife and I can save about 10K for the one I am looking at.
I am still somewhat confused by the process in bringing it here. its an 05.
can someone put this into a nutshell as to what the process is?

Claeren · 09-19-2007, 03:52 PM

I will be selling my mint condition 2003 Honda Accord EX-L soon for less than that??

Leather seats, never any kids or smokers in my car, etc, etc...

Only problem is that it has 130k kms, but it runs perfectly (never ANY problems) and is incrediably good on gas....

hmmm... i really should sell before winter... such a pain to sell a car though...

Claeren.

Fozzie_DeBear · 09-19-2007, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sample00

I have been looking on ebay for a new set of wheels for my wife and I can save about 10K for the one I am looking at.
I am still somewhat confused by the process in bringing it here. its an 05.
can someone put this into a nutshell as to what the process is?

Go to riv.ca the checklist is all there...it is a modest pain in the ass but for $10k it is worth it. Basically, I think this is it in nutshell

-Research it is importable
-Get a prepurchase inspection (Optional)
-Buy it
-Drive it/Ship across border (notify border 3 days ahead of time, paperwork, $)
-Get recall clearence letter (paperwork)
-Inspect it (paperwork, $)
-Register it

Regulator75 · 09-19-2007, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fozzie_DeBear

Go to riv.ca the checklist is all there...it is a modest pain in the ass but for $10k it is worth it. Basically, I think this is it in nutshell

-Research it is importable
-Get a prepurchase inspection (Optional)
-Buy it
-Drive it/Ship across border (notify border 3 days ahead of time, paperwork, $)
-Get recall clearence letter (paperwork)
-Inspect it (paperwork, $)
-Register it

Don't mean to continue the hi-jacking but...

What if it was a brand new car from the US, same process?

Burninator · 09-19-2007, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Regulator75

Don't mean to continue the hi-jacking but...

What if it was a brand new car from the US, same process?

More or less, but you would have to pay GST and potentially 6.1% duty if it was assembled outside of North America.

metallicat · 09-19-2007, 04:56 PM

As for a car recommendation, I bought a Nissan Sentra for under that price. No design this year. Great car so far.

Burninator · 09-19-2007, 05:00 PM

Check out the Mazda 3. A bunch of people on this forum, including myself, have one.

trew · 09-19-2007, 05:39 PM

Look at the Honda Civic and the Mazda 3, they seem to be the most popular two cars in that segment.

Jettas are nice, but the new Civic offers lower price, better fuel economy, better reliability track record, better dealer finance rate, and comparible HP, handling, cargo, and interior room compared to the 5 cyl Jetta. I do like the styling and interior of the Jetta more, and but not that much more...

I've heard lots of good things about the 3's as well, but the fit was bad for me (shoulder/elbow room is tight), so I never test drove one, or researched them that much.

kermitology · 09-19-2007, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burninator

Check out the Mazda 3. A bunch of people on this forum, including myself, have one.

Yup.. I really like my 3.

FlamesKickAss · 09-19-2007, 06:03 PM

I have a ford fusion and its been great so far and it's right in that price range.

Hemi-Cuda · 09-19-2007, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kermitology

Yup.. I really like my 3.

thirded. i got my Mazda 3 GT in '05, fully loaded for just under 25k. i honestly believe that for that money you can't get a better car (and with all the awards it's won, and how many are in the city now, seems like a lot of other people agree)

GreenTeaFrapp · 09-19-2007, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OILFAN #81

Yeah that would be great (with the dollar being at 99 cents especially!) but I don't have the time at the moment. Just looking to get something locally from a dealership here in Calgary.

You can't take a day, fly down to the US, pick up a car, drive back and save $10,000+?

Go to the US, get an Outback, Sante Fe or Sonata depending upon your needs.

Dion · 09-19-2007, 08:37 PM

Buy a lease back. This way you let the original owner pay a bulk of the depreciation. In the end you get a slightly used vehicle at a good price and the balance of the warranty.

It's the way I buy my vehicles.

corporatejay · 09-19-2007, 09:27 PM

I also own a Mazda 3, I got the GT full loaded etc... and it was about 25k. when we were looking you can't really get a better car for your dollar.

We love it.

OilersBaby · 09-19-2007, 11:42 PM

Yeah come back and visit me and get your wheels, than road trip it back upto your side of the border.

However, if that's not possible......I'd say get the Honda Civic (it has the BEST gas mileage and the '07 models onwards look nice..you saw ours when you were here, right?)..not the silver one that used to be Mona's but the other one?

It has the best combo of gas mileage and price.......

Otherwise, the MAZDA 3 is good too..but for some reason, I look for reliable HONDA's.

That's my 2 cents!

Winsor_Pilates · 09-19-2007, 11:55 PM

Any of you mazda 3 owners had problems with breakins?

Out here in Van, Mazda 3s are broken into a lot because of their well known security flaw, and even if people don't get in, it's not uncommon to see dents on your door from atempts.

Svartsengi · 09-20-2007, 12:10 AM

I own a 2002 Hyundai Elantra. Bought it brand new from Precision Hyundai here in Calgary January 2002 for just over $20,000.

Excellent car!. No defects. No problems. All I have had to do is change the oil and put gas in it. Great car in the city and good on the highway. Cheap on gas too.

I certainly recommend checking out Precision Hyundai in the Calgary Auto Mall.

I have heard mixed reviews on the Hyundai Accent. It is cheaper than the Elantra. The Hyundai Sonata is pretty close to your $25,000 limit at least for a new car. I have heard good things about this car to if you are looking for something a little bigger.

Good luck.