Temp stay in Toronto during landing?

Hello, We are planning on going to Toronto (drive via Buffalo, USA) for the landing. I have some questions (I know Quorax posted some super helpful tips on this!!):

1. How long should we plan to be in Toronto? We would prefer to get the PR cards in mail with us before we leave to return to the US?
2. What was your experience? What are the options for staying somewhere (cheap, but safe and comfortable for a couple) to live for the 4-6 weeks? Something with kitchens and laundry would be what I am looking for. Does anyone have recommendations based on their personal experiences?
3. How is the public transit system? We are planning on renting a car to get from Buffalo to Toronto, and then using public transit to get by in Toronto for the 4-6 weeks... is that a viable option?
4. What sort of expenses did you incur during your landing trip to Toronto if you stayed there until you got your PR card and then returned back to the US? I know its variable, but a rough estimate?
5. What did you do for cell phones (from US), did you get prepaid phones in Canada? How about calling US and India on those phones?

Any other thoughts or tips that I haven't thought of are welcome... please help!!

Thanks!