Owning Cars In Canada

[Mattj]

Hi people, one of my friends is moving to Canada for two years soon, she wants a car over there, however hasn't owned a car before. Although I am clearly trying to influence her into getting a Lexus, neither of us know much about the car market over there.

So I was wondering if anyone knows how it compares to over here, for example the costs of buying new vs a second hand, or since she should only be there for a couple of years what is leasing car like over there. Suggestions and comparisons to the UK market would be much appreciated.

Cheers

Matt

[twotone]

Sorry I don't have answers but perhaps for more Canada car info you should also post your query on the US forum in their General Discussions section.

Might help.

[amolkarnik]

I have lived in Canada for a bit and will try and throw some light on this.

The Canadian market works just like the American one. Just like here, buying almost new saves you money over buying new. Japanese luxury cars (Lexus, Acura, Infiniti) are in high demand and have fairly high resale values.

Leasing cars is a very good option and you can exit a lease or transfer it with little penalty. Lease terms tend to be simpler than here. However, Jap luxury cars are in demand, lease rates arent as lucrative for Jap luxury cars as they are for jap or american cars. European cars are the cream of the pile and very expensive to lease with little chance of finding a bargain. For the best leasing deals, look at American cars.

However my experince is from 98-99 and things may have changed since.