Topic: Moving to Vancouver

[hondosan]

Hi,

I'm looking for some advice from locals. I'm, a bit of a car geek, but since you have a lot of models we don't get in Europe and those that we do get have other engines, i thought some of you might be able to help me.

I'm from Austria and i'm going to move to Vancouver in September for 6 month. I won't need a car to commute, but I thought I wanted to do some weekend trips around the country (and a big trip down to Texas to catch up with some friends).

I love going hiking, snowboarding and skiing, so i thought a four wheel drive would be a good idea. Also it's going to be winter.

So what are my requirements?

I don't want to loose more than 2-3k on the car (buying/selling). Basically i don't care if it's 20 or 30k upfront, i just don't want to loose the money, so i'm rooting for something cheaper.
Something that has a boot big enough to carry a snowboard or skis.
Something that can be fixed almost everywhere.
I'm not sure how much i'm going to need a 4x4 ever. if i travel around...particularly to the north... do i?.
Something that isn't hard to sell before i leave.

Preferably something with a big engine, because i love them, but you don't really get them in Europe (also it's almost unaffordable to pay gas over here), but it's not a must.

I was checking out craigslist and kijiji to get a grip on car prices and whats available. I was looking at some 2000s Jeep Grand Cherokees, but from what i've heard, they are pretty unreliable when they get old. So maybe a pathfinder? I was also looking at some old mercedes, because i love them, but i'm not sure if they are fit for the job (especially when they are cheap).

I love the new mustangs, but i think they are out of question. i don't know (i know they can't carry lot of lugagge but it would be worth it). do you know if dealers buy back cars if you agree with them?

Any help would be appreciated. i'm kind of stuck and a push in the right direction would be cool!

thanks!

hondosan

[davidy]

A RWD Ford Mustang is not an ideal car for winter driving....especially if you are planning to go skiing and other winter sports. Winter tires are a must for any vehicle (especially if you have to drive in winter conditions) IMO.

How about a 2 year old Subaru? I suggest a late model Impreza, Forester or Legacy. A Ford Escape or Mazda Tribute V6 would probably be my second choice. Jeep Liberty if you are planning to off road....3.7 litre count as a big engine? It's thirsty however.

Dave

[Vanstar]

I live in Vancouver and I am also a ski nut and my advice would be to find a Toyota RAV 4 and fit it with good snow tires. If you want power, go for the V-6 model, it has plenty of that.

You are not going to get anything with a big  V-8 engine for that money unless it is a Jeep Grand Cherokee and at your price range, it will be a reliability nightmare and hard to sell.

The RAV is easy to sell as it is a well respected vehicle and there are plenty of buyers here.

Have a look at this, it is V-6:

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/cto/2513563927.html

You could drive this for six months at a very small loss.

I am always happy to help a fellow traveler, so fee free to private message

[sailor723]

The only flaw that I see in this plan is tax. What's the HST in BC? 12%? Based on the OP's idea of spending 20-30K the tax alone would be 2400-3600.That leaves nothing for depreciation if he sticks to his budget of the vehicle costing him 2-3 thousand over 6 months. Also, what about insurance. Not sure how it works in BC with a Public insurance provider but wouldn't he be rated as a "new" driver and get hosed on rates?

[Vanstar]

The only flaw that I see in this plan is tax. What's the HST in BC? 12%? Based on the OP's idea of spending 20-30K the tax alone would be 2400-3600.That leaves nothing for depreciation if he sticks to his budget of the vehicle costing him 2-3 thousand over 6 months. Also, what about insurance. Not sure how it works in BC with a Public insurance provider but wouldn't he be rated as a "new" driver and get hosed on rates?

To have vehicle cost 2-3k in six months, you are looking at a shi*-heap beater. No other alternative.

[johngenx]

Seriously, if you need to minimize loss, then you do have to go cheap, really cheap.  Go for a 2000-ish Toyota RAV-4.  Even older ones are reliable, they handle pretty well in the winter, and you'll be able to sell it for what you paid in six months.  Also, the Toyota brand is an easy sell when it's time to go.

[Vanstar]

Seriously, if you need to minimize loss, then you do have to go cheap, really cheap.  Go for a 2000-ish Toyota RAV-4.  Even older ones are reliable, they handle pretty well in the winter, and you'll be able to sell it for what you paid in six months.  Also, the Toyota brand is an easy sell when it's time to go.

Very true and there are tons of them available in these parts.

[my2cents]

I have to inject a warning - just in case.

Do not send money from a distance for craigslist or kijiji. In fact if you are dealing in person - make sure it isn't out front of an apartment complex. (they don't live there - but they may be renting it out to a dozen different people and taking cash deposits to hold it.)

In Vancouver there are many many old cars as daily drivers. There are two '77 Chevettes I see regularly - one is flat blue with no shine at all - the other is flat blue with a white hood.

These (not just the Chevettes) are rust-free cheap to buy - cheap to fix.

So a relatively low mileage "beater" can be good even if it's old.

It may be a good idea to get here and look around first.

The transit system is good and you can take a bus to the ski hills where there's probably no parking anyway.

Then rent a vehicle for some weekends. There are also Zip cars for the city.

And flying out of Bellingham Washington to Texas is probably the best way to go.

or this -

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/cto/2524508836.html