buying a car

[bottomless_appetite]

Hello everyone.

It has been a while since the last time I posted here. Yes, Indeed I have arrived in Canada last June and it has been very good so far. Most of the discussions here about landing is very true. But my advise, enjoy the ride,it may not be what you have expected, for all we know, it may be MORE than what you have expected.

I am happy with where I am right now in B.C although, Although Tax(es) are quiet high, i could not complain. Canada is a Beautiful country. Leaving the Philippines on Independence Day and landed here in B.C has been an amazing ride for me. I have prepared myself for whatever that is in stored for me.

I found a job 2 weeks after I landed and was busy doing interviews to other companies venthough i already had that job. A few weeks after, I accepted the job offer the company i am working with right now and decided to leave my previous job. i spent my first weeks and until now during days off enjoying the new place, and I am totally in love with it. I went to different places and met new friends and it is exciting.  As a health care professional in my country, It was challenging for me to find a job in in the health care industry here since everything/everyone requires a Certificate. (But yeah, I am going to get one soon). So I have opened my options and explored other fields, in which i must say, was pretty exciting. Surprisingly, I am in love with the job I have right now, that I want to grow with this company. (Although, i know i will not forget nursing)

By the way, for those RN's out there, do not expect too much coming here, because We have to start from Step 1. Applying to CRNBC is just the first of the many steps we have to take, but it is good because it challenges us.

So right now, I am asking new immigrants out there. How and where did you get your car. Did anyone of you applied through Scotiabank's auto loan program? I would like to get my car soon and I am opening up my options right now. So any advice from you guys will be greatly appreciated.

For those new immigrants here in Greater Vancouver Area, I hope we can get together sometime. That would be exciting, because I must admit, Coming here alone can get lonely sometimes. hehe

[explorer101]

Loan process is of about 6-7 days but you need to first decide on which car you wish to buy. New car - which company, which model? or used car. Must check the vehicle history before buying a used car, any accidents, theft report ?  Rate of interest is around 6-7%. Need invoice ( new car) or agreement to sell ( used car) for sanction of loan.    If you are not interested in speeding then buy car with 2.3 Lit engine. It saves gas.

You did not tell as to whether you have G 2 or G licence. Can buy a car without driving licence but cant have number plate or insurance.    

[bottomless_appetite]

Thank you very much for the reply explorer. I am deciding between honda civic or mazda 3, used or brand new. I am wondering between Scotiabank's auto loan program if i really need to get brand new or a used car will do. So i have to make an appointment with the bank soon. I am looking for a used car because obviously, it is less expensive.  Oh yeah, Class 5 license. 

[explorer101]

Honda civic and Mazda 3 both are good options. Both dont guzzle gas. In used car see for rust, car should be rust free.

[haral]

if climate is gets very cold where u live than make sure ur car is equipped to handle that kind of envoironment...chasis and what ever is below the car need to be winterized..... check with ur car dealer...

[eemmoo1]

This is a new discussion and a good one. Keep it alive if possible.

[bottomless_appetite]

i am in B.C so the weather here is fine. thank you. Do you have any experience with loaning a car as a new immigrant?

[Honolulu]

I heard Suburu is a very popular choice in Canada due to its resistance to snow.
What are the facts?

[canpuneet]

Explorer/Qorax/Rocky,Friends,

Need help. Am planning to buy a new car and obviously I have no credit history. Landed here on 1st Oct. Got my G2.
What are my options of getting a car loan for a new car- Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus or Mazda3...

Please help guys.

Thanks,
Puneet

[rocky272727]

Explorer/Qorax/Rocky,Friends,

Need help. Am planning to buy a new car and obviously I have no credit history. Landed here on 1st Oct. Got my G2.
What are my options of getting a car loan for a new car- Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus or Mazda3...

Please help guys.

Thanks,
Puneet

Good to see you and you progressing as well. Go for Japanese car or Volkswagen TDI (But in good condition as you would save a lot on fuel almost half). I wouldn't suggest taking a loan. I would say buy a Jap car for 4-5K and make it run for 1-2 years. 

[srid_a]

Good to see you and you progressing as well. Go for Japanese car or Volkswagen TDI (But in good condition as you would save a lot on fuel almost half). I wouldn't suggest taking a loan. I would say buy a Jap car for 4-5K and make it run for 1-2 years. 

I agree. If you can afford it is good idea to buy an old car without any loan. New car means insurance is also high..
I thought ford focus had same engine as Mazda 6.

[maharlika]

hello bottomless,

i do still remember you on the other thread for filiinos applying fsw...can u share what kind of job u hav now? you see, we hve the same noc, and i want to venture also other fields while waiting for my registration...

your experience inspires me a lot coz i now can say that, opportunities are really existing, it only depends on how we handle, right?

hope to hear more from you...

[explorer101]

Few tips while buying auto insurance :
1.    Tell that you are not going to drive much, vehicle will be used for pleasure, weekend shopping. Mostly travel by bus or studying at home.
2.    Buy house insurance policy with auto insurance, combination makes auto insurance cheap.
3.    Buying Car fully from ones own pocket makes insurance cheap.
4.    Tell that you have no requirement of leased car on accident of insured car.
5.    Call every insurance company to get quotes.
6.    If someone is 40+ tell them as then the insurance premium is lower.
7.    Dont add another person to your insurance for the next 6-12 months. It can increase the premium.
8.    Make the deductible to $500.
9.    Buy 1 million $ compensation policy and not not 1-200000 $ compensation. Cause it is too low and in case of any incident one may have to pay remaining amount from ones own pocket.
10.   Go for 3 days drivers education ( cost $150 ), that can reduce the premium by $20-30 per month. Take actual class to learn and not just buy certificate.
11.   After driving for 6 months safely find another insurance company with lower quotes.
12.   Drive safely.   

[satish_lkb]

Explorer,

Excellent info!! Thanks a lot. If am getting a 2 year driving license experience letter + IDL, I will get G2 straight away? Also, the experience letter should be from the country where am working (Middle East)is enough? or I should get the letter from India as well?

Satish

[explorer101]

Explorer,
Excellent info!! Thanks a lot. If am getting a 2 year driving license experience letter + IDL, I will get G2 straight away? Also, the experience letter should be from the country where am working (Middle East)is enough? or I should get the letter from India as well?
Satish

You will be required to  pass knowledge test - G1 first, since you have more than 2 years of driving experience you can appear in G2 at any time, no waiting time. I suggest you to take couple of driving lessons before taking test of G2. Experince letter should be from the country which has issued you driving licence. They are going to see both experience letter and driving licence.   You will not get G2 straight, would have to do full graduation.