What would you Canadians recommend for 1500ish

[Vanilla_Rice]

I just moved to Canada (from New Zealand) for a working Holiday and plan on buying a car for the time I'm here. I just sold my GTS4 R32 to get here and now I miss it heaps. I'm looking for something to fill the void but I'm very limited on budget. Only 1500ish and would like a 5speed, leaning more towards Japanese but if there are any decent American cars that dont have enormous gas guzzling engines I'd be keen to hear.

I figure its going to be a very basic car, but what are my options in this very budget range? Thanks in advance.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Civic?

[slinkie]

civic

[Vanilla_Rice]

yeah civic's are a good choice I'll look up some prices.. Keep em coming guys, just want a Canadians opinion, as an outsider to the car scene here I don't know what a petrol head's choice would be.. even if that petrol head is on a tight ass budget lol

[Vagabond142]

Fellow Kiwi here :) Well, Kiwadian, but I digress...

For $1500, you're looking at getting a mid 90's econobox, truth be told. Civic, Corolla, whatever Nissan made at the time, etc. I would stick with Honda or Toyota for older cars, to be honest. You can rag the everliving shit out of them, and they'll still run :D

[msommers]

An old Toyota Corolla, that fucker will not die!

[Vanilla_Rice]

haha, ok I got some leeds to follow up on.. Good active forum.

[KRyn]

Originally posted by msommers
An old Toyota Corolla, that fucker will not die!


Agreed, my buddy picked up an older Rolla from the dealership. They wanted 1700, he talked them down to 1400 and it has given him no trouble thus far.

[n1zm0]

Originally posted by Vanilla_Rice
Only 1500ish and would like a 5speed, leaning more towards Japanese but if there are any decent American cars that dont have enormous gas guzzling engines I'd be keen to hear.

it doesn't entirely matter what you should get for a winter beater, so long as it has a working heating/defrost system, good battery and winter tires, idk what kind of american car you're thinking of getting but the only 4 cyl fuel economical yankee car i've been in was a 95 escort hatch, but then again the gdamned heating didnt even work, but it was a tank.

i'd say early-mid 90s japanese 4 cyl, civic or 2nd gen integra, rollas tercels, stanzas sentras, all are easily attainable for 1500 here. you can beat the living crap out of any of these as said above, i can choose 2 from this list i really did trash during 2 winters way back when :D

[Vanilla_Rice]

yeah I plan to tick off a checklist like gearbox, clutch, headgasket, CV joints, cambelt etc etc dont want to be fixing things like that a week after I buy it

[Vanilla_Rice]

Originally posted by n1zm0


so long as it has a working heating/defrost system,

Oh yeah heating, how'd i forget that one. I will be driving to whistler on a regular basis so that would help

[Vanilla_Rice]

http://vancouver.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-1993-Honda-Civic-Sedan-W0QQAdIdZ172282386

not bad i guess,

no mention of snow tires though

[G-ZUS]

find yourself a 90-93 accord or 92-95 civic

[badatusrnames]

Originally posted by Vanilla_Rice


Oh yeah heating, how'd i forget that one. I will be driving to whistler on a regular basis so that would help

Yikes, I wouldn't want to take a $1,500 beater on the highway, especially not through the mountains in winter.

Best of luck though. Hopefully you don't get eaten by a polar bear when your car breaks down in the Kicking Horse Pass.

[5G_celica]

Originally posted by Vanilla_Rice


Oh yeah heating, how'd i forget that one. I will be driving to whistler on a regular basis so that would help

I'm jelous..

I say find an old subaru. legacy or impreza.

something like this.. but to bad this one isn't AWD

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/pml/cto/1488736790.html

[ercchry]

if you are in bc there is a sick ae86 for really cheap out there... might not be a good choice for trips to the mountain though haha

[Cooked Rice]

older sentra or altima

[mephesto]

Just to let you know, almost everyone on this site will recommend a honda civic. They are BIASED, for reasons beyond explanation.

I suggest a mitsubishi eclipse for you.

[Vanilla_Rice]

Originally posted by badatusrnames


Yikes, I wouldn't want to take a $1,500 beater on the highway, especially not through the mountains in winter.



Well, my job has work in Whistler but wanted me based in Squamish. They have a work van to pick me up and drop me off each day. I'll do the odd trip to Whistler in my own car when I get one (not for work), probably not on a 'regular' basis but maybe once a week tops.

[Vanilla_Rice]

Originally posted by ercchry
if you are in bc there is a sick ae86 for really cheap out there... might not be a good choice for trips to the mountain though haha

I'll try find it just for a look, they work fine in the mountains of Japan haha

[Vanilla_Rice]

Just re-capping what I need to do when I buy a car in BC.

AIRCARE - What is it and do I need it where I am?

INSURANCE - No brainer, it's illegal not to have here (unlike back home) Must I get fully comprehensive insurance? Whats the cheapest plan/insurance company that will fully cover the guy I hit? Not worried about insurace for my ride, except maybe theft.

CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP - Who do I see about this?

Am I missing anything ?

[Vanilla_Rice]

Originally posted by mephesto
Just to let you know, almost everyone on this site will recommend a honda civic. They are BIASED, for reasons beyond explanation.

I suggest a mitsubishi eclipse for you.

Thanks for the tip, but I've been searching Kijiji this morning and there's much more Civics for sale in the Vancouver area than any of the other cars listed by people in this thread. The mid 90's Civics are quite affordable for my budget. The accords, eclipse, subaru's all look dear even for the late 80's models. Sentra's are ok on price, but not that many to choose from that I could see. So at present the Civic's do have my vote, basing that on age of the car and price they're wanting. K's are quite high on them but I was kind of expecting that.

[atgilchrist]

AIRCARE - IIRC, you only need to pass the emissions test if you live in the Lower-Mainland (Greater Vancouver). I think Squamish is outside of this area.

Insurance - In BC, ICBC is your only option for Liability, and then private companies offer additional collison coverage on top of that. I wouldn't worry about collision coverage on a beater.

Change of ownership - you'll just have to take the signed bill of sale (which is on the back of the registration slip in the car) to the registry). You'll need insurance on the car before you can register it, but in BC it can all be done at the same time/place.

[snoop101]

Wow no one mentioned a VW, but i know why so i'll shut up.

[Vanilla_Rice]

Originally posted by atgilchrist


Change of ownership - you'll just have to take the signed bill of sale (which is on the back of the registration slip in the car) to the registry). You'll need insurance on the car before you can register it, but in BC it can all be done at the same time/place.

So when the bill of sale is signed by both of us, I take it to ICBC and get my insurance sorted out and register it under my name all at the one place? if thats what your saying, sounds quite easy.

[syeve]

Not really an issue for this price range but also do a lien check, you don't want to go to register it and find out it has one. That would suck.

[atgilchrist]

Originally posted by Vanilla_Rice


So when the bill of sale is signed by both of us, I take it to ICBC and get my insurance sorted out and register it under my name all at the one place? if thats what your saying, sounds quite easy.

Indeed :thumbsup:

[Vanilla_Rice]

Alright now I'm getting somewhere. Just wanted a car asap and have already emailed a few people down in Vancouver for a viewing.

I suppose it would be dumb not to do a lien check as it's only $10. Thing is I'll need a computer for that and I'm on the greyhound to get down to Vancouver, so I'm aiming to go down there without a car and come back with one. A little rushed I know, but dont want to be making multiple trips looking at cars especially if they're only winter beaters.

Could always just use a motel for the night and look at more than 1 car, those sky trains are pritty good in Vancouver from what I've seen. At least then I can get around town cos these cars aren't exactly next door to each other.

[5G_celica]

check craigslist it's a lot bigger in vancouver than kijiji

[mr2mike]

Ya, print the list of cars you want to see, give them a call and take the list with you. Use google maps with directions on. You can add multiple routes and I believe local bus routes too for Vancouver. Then your navigating is taken care of.

Also make sure they have a block heater. Some cars might. Best to check it out.

Also a friend said winter tires are cheap in Vancouver because no one gets them. Not too sure on this but worth checking. Cheap winter tires for mountain driving will work well.

Also, do you need a local driver's license to buy a vehicle and register it here? Didn't catch if you had one or not. I'm sure there's people on here that can tell you for sure. Just don't wanna see you run into that issue if it even is one.

I would also get some extra oil and coolant for your drive. It's a new car to you, you never know what you'll need. I check fluids frequently when I first get a car, just so I know if it's burning anything off or leaking.

[89s1]

Originally posted by mephesto
Just to let you know, almost everyone on this site will recommend a honda civic. They are BIASED, for reasons beyond explanation.

I suggest a mitsubishi eclipse for you.

What an idiot. I'm glad he's banned.

Did anyone already say civic? :poosie:

[mr2mike]

Bill of sale paperwork.
http://www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/pdf/mv/BillOfSaleReg3126.pdf


It's from Alberta but will work for BC too. Not official, it's just something to document if you run into issues.
Registration signed on the back over to you is what really matters.


British Columbia Documents to buying a used car
http://www.icbc.com/registration-licensing/buy-vehicle/buy-used/steps-used#Variables._frag_

http://www.icbc.com/registration-licensing/buy-vehicle/transfer-ownership#Variables._frag_

http://www.icbc.com/registration-licensing

Those ICBC links should have all the PROPER info you need.

Good luck.

[Vanilla_Rice]

Legend thank you, I'm still on my New Zealand licence (class 5 equivalent). As far as I know its valid to drive on for 90 days then I must get a class 5. I've only been in the country since 19th November but I'll check to see if the 90 day thing is only for rental cars or something.

[Dan0myte]

Originally posted by Vanilla_Rice
but if there are any decent American cars that dont have enormous gas guzzling engines I'd be keen to hear.

American for $1500?

If you put a little work into it and stretch your budget a little...
http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-1993-Chevrolet-Camaro-RS-Coupe-3-4-V6-IN-AMAZING-SHAPE-W0QQAdIdZ172854240

or this...
http://edmonton.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-1990-Dodge-Daytona-ES-Turbo-W0QQAdIdZ173729175

This guy may go down on his price a bit too
http://edmonton.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-1993-Ford-Probe-GT-1950-W0QQAdIdZ173770376

Honestly, for $1500 you're very limited to choices.

[ercchry]

Originally posted by Vanilla_Rice


I'll try find it just for a look, they work fine in the mountains of Japan haha

it is pretty badass, he is asking $1800

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2483/3958291546_65afd1c5d2_b.jpg

http://driftwest.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=6007

[mr2mike]

Problem is, I'd want to compression test that motor.

Buying a modified car for $1500 might be a bad idea. You're after reliability while you're here.

It would be a fun car though.

[89s1]

I bet people are just lining up to buy a $1,500 drift car as a winter beater...

[gqmw]

Originally posted by mr2mike
Problem is, I'd want to compression test that motor.

Buying a modified car for $1500 might be a bad idea. You're after reliability while you're here.

It would be a fun car though.

Yeah for sure, that would not be ideal.

Civic or corolla gets my vote.

[ercchry]

Originally posted by 89s1
I bet people are just lining up to buy a $1,500 drift car as a winter beater...

toss studded tires on it.... shit would be fun

[Vanilla_Rice]

little off topic but thought I would ask (especially you ercchry)

About a month ago before leaving New Zealand to come here I started a thread about skylines and how common they were in Canada.

I got a few replies all saying "they're a dime a dozen" "very common" etc etc.. and since being here and walking around all over the place I've seen 2. In that same time back home I would have seen 329464829 skylines but for an apparently common car they don't seem all that common, no wonder they're quite dear here compared to New Zealand.

Referring to the R32's and 33's btw

[ercchry]

yeah, smaller towns wont have as many, but big cities like van and calgary have tons

[Gibson]

Just wanted to say props on the four-door Skyline. Sad you had to give her up.

[Vanilla_Rice]

yeah would have been nice to import her and put some chubby snow tires on. Would have worked well with the 4wd, dont think the 18's would be winter friendly though lol

[Danny Meehan]

for 1500?
winter tires

[Vanilla_Rice]

yeah I found a manual 95 civic with high k's and a few dents on the front 1/4 panels with brand new snow tires for a tad over 1500

dont quite get your post "Danny Meehan" are you suggesting snow tires is the only thing I could afford for the money?

[Danny Meehan]

http://www.autotrader.ca/result/result.aspx?searchtype=adv&kw=&dp=&age=&kfr=1&kto=2000000&category=4000&mk=&md=&yfr=1900&yto=2009&pfr=0&pto=2000&postal=&distance=&city=&pro=AB&region=40&type=province&dm=7&mph=false&rentalOnly=false&pricedOnly=false&pl=true&dl=true&coao=false&amvoq=false&isparts=false&searchStatus=used&videoonly=false&view=list&subregionlabel=Ontario&srt=7

this is what i'm suggesting

[Vanilla_Rice]

cool site, thankyou

[Danny Meehan]

anytime :)

[forbiddenera]

Originally posted by ercchry


toss studded tires on it.... shit would be fun

amen.

get a toyota! :thumbsup:

[Vanilla_Rice]

called up a local insurance company here in Squamish and was quoted at $130 a month for a Honda Civic.

I'd lilke to know if this is realistic? Sounds dear to me. Also they didn't ask how old I was or my driving history or anything. Seemed odd.

So, what are you civic drivers paying for insurance?

[ercchry]

bc will be way different then alberta for insurance, way different structure here then there

[Vagabond142]

Originally posted by Vanilla_Rice
called up a local insurance company here in Squamish and was quoted at $130 a month for a Honda Civic.

I'd lilke to know if this is realistic? Sounds dear to me. Also they didn't ask how old I was or my driving history or anything. Seemed odd.

So, what are you civic drivers paying for insurance?

One thing that adds a lot to insurance, V_R, is that you are not a Canadian citizen. From what I understand, you're here on a working holiday visa, meaning that you may leave at any point along the line. The higher up front premium sounds realistic to me because you have no intention of staying here beyond the working holiday (if I'm correct in that assumption), so there is no sense in signing you to a longer term insurance contract.

However, if you were here on a 1, 2, or 3 years work visa, then that would be different, as you are around for a full insurance cycle.

[Vanilla_Rice]

yeah there's truth in what your saying, although she did say it will be cheaper if I stay for at least a year but it was only like 5 bucks cheaper a month.

I also asked her.. If I was a 40y/o woman with clean driving history or a 18y/o dude buying his first car she said it would be the same price:confused: :confused:

[Vanilla_Rice]

Just bumping this thread again as I may have lined up a nice Civic to buy through a private owner. I must say I'm a bit skeptical as its a late model and is going relatively cheap.

Now what's the best way to ensure I don't buy a stolen car or something that has money owing on it? I've used the links "Dan0myte" supplied in this thread and looks like my best bet is the "CarProof Verified" Vehicle history report check offered by ICBC. Is this right??

Also, do these checks only need the vehicles VIN number? I suppose I better check the VIN tag hasn't been tampered with.

Sorry to sound so paranoid but like someone said earlier in the thread.. sure it is only a cheap car, but since its cheaper than I'd imagine it to be, I don't want to take any chances. Even if it means spending like $70 on one of these checks.

[ercchry]

the registry should be able to check the car for leans and tittle status... (at least here in alberta)

[Tik-Tok]

Originally posted by Vanilla_Rice


I also asked her.. If I was a 40y/o woman with clean driving history or a 18y/o dude buying his first car she said it would be the same price:confused: :confused:

BC is more socialized that Alberta.

In BC, basic liability insurance starts the same for everyone who hasn't had previous insurance in Canada, regardless of age or gender or car, then it goes down for every year you don't have an accident.

In Alberta, it seems EVERYTHING is a factor, even for just liability. Age, sex, car type, how long you've been licensed in Canada, previous insurance, etc. etc. etc.

$140/month seems normal, I think it was $100 when I lived there (13 years ago)