Buying A Smaller Car In Ontario

If you need a car mainly for commuting, doing errands and tooling around town, your best bet is likely a small car (a.k.a. compact or sub-compact). Because of their size, they’re easier to drive, maneuver and park compared to larger cars, trucks or SUVs.

Compact cars also provide better fuel efficiency and can be more affordable than bigger vehicles. In fact, when gasoline prices rise to $1.30 a litre, that is a “tipping point” for Canadian motorists to quit their gas guzzlers in favour of smaller cars.

And while a van or SUV is roomier, in recent years the design of smaller cars has focused more attention on maximizing interior spaciousness. Many small cars have tall roofs, offering plenty of head room. Hatchbacks are especially practical. By folding down the rear seatbacks and lifting the hatch, you can have interior space that approximates that of a small SUV.
Here’s what you should know and do when shopping for a smaller car.

● Identify dealerships near you that sell smaller cars. Online resources like http://carbyemail.com/canadian_car_dealer_directory.aspx can help you locate dealers in your area. The major brands for small cars include Chevrolet, Ford, BMW, Nissan, Scion, Toyota, Honda and Volkswagen. Look for dealers who sell them.fr

● Draw up a budget. Even though compacts may be easier on the wallet (than larger cars), they are still a costly acquisition. Prices vary widely, from $14,000 for a basic subcompact to $35,000 for a high-performance model. If you need to finance the purchase, figure how much you can manage for a down payment and monthly installments to help you create a budget before you begin shopping.

● Decide what features matter the most to you when considering small cars. Fuel efficiency, for example, will vary from 7.4 L/100 km in the city (Honda Civic) to 9.8 L/100 km (Volkswagen Golf). The number of passengers accommodated, access, the comfort of the ride and luggage space will also vary in different models.

These aspects are usually interconnected. For example, fuel efficiency is linked to low weight, small size, and modest power. You get a smoother ride in cars with a longer wheelbase and higher weight.

The strategy that is most economical is to choose a car that gives you adequate space but without buying more vehicle than you actually require. You can consult the lists of recommended small cars at ConsumerReports.org, starting with the smallest and least costly, and moving up to the more expensive.

● Be sure to consider the Consumer Reports’ safety ratings for the small cars you have in mind. Smaller cars won’t stand up as well as larger cars if they’re in an accident. So make sure the smaller car you buy has front airbags, lap and shoulder seat belts and electronic stability control (a computer-controlled device which automatically and selectively applies brakes to prevent a sideways slide.)

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