A transport of delight?

It's not often you buy two cars within a few months of each other. It's even more unusual to buy two cars in different continents. But that's what I've just done. Compare the experience:

England, November 2008

Target - a cheap, reliable set of wheels to transport 4+ people in comfort on long journeys or to swallow bulky loads
Outcome - 2005 Citroen Picasso 2.0 litre automatic; 45,000 miles (72,000 kms), aircon, cruise control etc.
Reputation - Gas guzzler - often suffers electrical problems
How did I find it? - On the web. Not precisely what I had in mind, but worth a look.
The deal - Just under £5,000 ($9,000 Canadian) - including 3 year warranty. Had to buy 2 new tyres soon after.
Performance - Top speed 119mph (190 kph); 0-60mph (0-97kph) in 11 seconds;
Average fuel consumption 33 mpg (8.6 litres/100km)
Fuel cost - £0.93 ($1.68 CAD) per litre
Fuel cost per mile - £0.13 ($0.24 CAD)

Tax and Insurance - £475 ($855 CAD) per annum (2 named drivers only) with 7 years NCD.

Insurance Cover - Purchased on web - took 15 minutes. 7 years NCD transferred from previous policy

Running Costs @ 10,000 miles per annum - £1,800 ($3,250 CAD) plus maintenance

Canada, March 2009

Target - a cheap, reliable set of wheels to transport 4+ people in comfort on long journeys or to swallow bulky loads

Outcome - 2003 Ford Windstar 3.8 litre automatic; 57,000 miles (92,000 kms), aircon, cruise control etc

Reputation - Gas guzzler - often suffers electrical problems

How did I find it? - On the web. Not precisely what I had in mind, but worth a look.

The deal - Just under $5,000 CAD (£2,750) - including 6 month warranty and 4 new tyres.

Performance - Top speed 112 mph (180 kph); 0-100kph (0-62mph) in 9.6 seconds

Average fuel consumption 25mpg (11.5 litres/100km)

Fuel cost - £0.51 ($0.93 CAD) per litre

Fuel cost per mile - £0.09 ($0.17 CAD)

Tax and Insurance - £553 ($1,000 CAD) per annum (any driver) with 7 years NCD

Insurance Cover - Had to be purchased through ICBC Agent; took 2 visits and more than 1 hour. 2 proofs of identity required; evidence of NCD has to be obtained from EACH insurance company used over the past 7 years. Until such proof is received, full price of insurance has to be paid - £885 ($1,600 CAD). Ouch!

Running costs @ 10,000 miles per annum - £1,500 ($2,700 CAD) plus maintenance with 7 years NCD proved. Initial cost £1,825 ($3,300) plus maintenance with insurance at full price.

Verdict

Buying a used car in Canada costs a lot less than in the UK; you get more car for your money - and, with fuel at just over half the price charged in the UK, the fact that it drinks a lot more won't worry you too much.... until you start looking at your carbon footprint. Buying insurance - like many other things in Canada - involves levels of bureaucracy long gone in the UK since the explosion of websales. It will come, no doubt, but until it does, at least you get a personal service with a smile from your Canadian insurance broker while she relieves you of your money!

Footnote

So far, I've only taken delivery of the number plates for my Canadian car. I get the rest of the car tomorrow!