Student looking for a car for back-to-school: here are some good suggestions
It's back-to-school time, and while some students are saving their money for tuition, housing and food (and a few outings, of course), they may be thinking about a small car to help them get around, both during the week and on weekends.
Once again, we'd like to take this opportunity to offer a few good suggestions and advice for those who find themselves in just such a situation... and who have to deal with a used vehicle market where prices remain high.
Subcompact cars (or compact cars if you've got a bit more money) are always the type of vehicle to go for, ideally a model with no big frills, no turbo engine and no all-wheel drive. You can also save money by opting for a model with a manual gearbox.
The Honda Fit and Civic are solid, frugal cars that are easy to maintain, although you have to be wary of the electrical systems and paintwork. The former offers a particularly roomy interior, with a vertically folding bench called the Magic Seat. A good model that hasn't yet reached the decade mark can be found for under $8,000.
Toyota Yaris, Corolla and Matrix are other must-haves. With minimal maintenance, these cars can last an extremely long time, so mileage needn't scare you too much. The Corolla is quieter and more pleasant on the highway, while the Matrix has a practical hatchback and spacious cargo area.
Watch out for the Yaris, which has a very good reputation, but is expensive on the used market. As our Car Guide colleague Antoine Joubert has already pointed out, you have to go back almost 10 years to get a Yaris selling for under $10,000.
As for Korean cars, the Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio are also worth considering, of course. They stand the test of time with ease and generally cost less. Since 2011-2012, they've been surprisingly reliable.
Two other interesting, affordable and fun choices are the Mazda2 and the Nissan Micra. The latter is one of the most reliable products in the Nissan family, and is technically very simple, which means that ownership costs are minimal.
For a 2015 Micra with around 100,000 km with automatic transmission, air conditioning and electric unit, you'll have to spend between $9,000 and $10,000 - certainly a more acceptable price than a Yaris, notes Antoine.
In conclusion, it's important to understand one thing: it's better to opt for an older model that has been well maintained and whose history you know (CARFAX, SAAQ, RDPRM, maintenance invoices, rustproofing treatments, etc.) than a newer one that comes with various question marks. In all cases, it's very important to have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic/technician you can trust, to avoid unpleasant surprises and to plan future repairs.
Enjoy your shopping!
