Canadian vs U.S. vehicle prices: are we paying too much? The strength of the Canadian dollar means that many U.S. vehicles are now less expensive than comparable models in Canada. Are Canadian buyers being ripped off? Contributing Editor Chris Chase examines the issue in detail.
How to import a car from the U.S. Contributing Editor Chris Chase looks at the ins and outs of importing a vehicle from the United States to help answer the question: is doing so worth the potential savings?
What you need to know about warranty coverage A warranty is more than just "free repairs". Beyond basic coverage, there's a sometimes-confusing array of extended plans, recalls and service bulletins. Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh looks at what you need, what you might not, and where you should be careful.
How to test-drive It's estimated that the average test-drive lasts about twelve minutes: not very much time spend on a vehicle that may cost more than a year's salary. Often it's because people are intimidated or not sure what they should be looking for when they test. Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh suggests the best way to "take it for a spin."
Light Truck vs Passenger car tires: what you should know While Passenger car tires (P-metric) are typically designed for a quiet, smooth ride, Light Truck tires (LT-metric) have more rigid sidewalls and stronger construction, reports Paul Williams. "Swapping an OE LT-metric tire for a P-metric tire can have dangerous consequences," he warns.
50 ways to love your beater They say that we don't know when love starts, but we sure know when it ends. If your current ride just isn't doing it for you anymore, Michael Clark has some suggestions to rekindle the flame.
How to lower the cost of your next new vehicle purchase The average consumer pays 5% to 15% or more than necessary when purchasing a new vehicle, says American author Jim Thomas. In his new book, Negotiate to Win, Thomas describes the negotiating tactics needed to get the lowest price on your next new vehicle. Here is a summary.
Tips on buying a used car for under $3,000 All you want is cheap, reliable transportation. But how can you be sure you're not buying somebody else's problems? Michael Clark offers a few tips on finding the right car, and avoiding the wrong ones.
How to choose a tow vehicle Thinking of heading south with your trailer this winter? Jeremy Cato provides a checklist of questions to ask, and get answers to, before making a decision on a tow vehicle.
Hybrids: the pros and cons With the typical price premiums that are charged for Hybrid gas-electric vehicles vs their regular gasoline counterparts, it takes a long time to pay off the price difference in gas savings, reports Jeremy Cato. However, "there is a 'feel-good' factor for many hybrid buyers who are willing to pay a stiff premium to be early adopters of green technology..," he says.
Tips on reducing fuel consumption A few simple driving and maintenance tips can help you save up to 20% in fuel costs, says Tony Whitney. "There's always room to improve driving techniques and habits," he says.
Establishing a good relationship with your Service Department After you've bought a new car, you'll be seeing your Service Department regularly for tune-ups and warranty work, says Michael Clark. It's important to establish a good relationship with them to make sure you get the best service, he says.
Finding a good body shop A body shop should be neat, clean, and well lighted with up-to-date equipment and skilled workers, says Jim Kerr. Jim tells you what to look for and what to avoid. "Any good body shop will be proud to give you a tour of their facilities," he says.
Owning a car isn't cheap Car ownership represents a substantial and ongoing financial commitment, and it is critically important to understand how hard car ownership will hit your wallet, says Jeremy Cato. "The actual sticker price... is only one piece of a much larger picture," he says.
