We’ve often wondered how certain high-end brands manage to maintain their global exclusivity especially as the number of millionaires and billionaires continues to skyrocket. Drive down prominent streets in Beverly Hills, Dubai, London and you’re certain to pass more than a handful designer Italian and German sportscars. Chances are the valet at your […]

Reliable models to look for–and troublesome ones to avoid

Toyota Prius
$20,000-$24,000
Is it time to replace your car? Owners of 27 percent of the vehicles in our latest Annual Car Reliability Survey acquired them used last year, and they’re definitely on to something. Data from our exclusive survey, conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, […]

 
It seems every day, gas pump prices hit another record high. The latest record for Greater Toronto Area - GTA - average for regular unleaded, as of April 9, was $1.21 per litre.
Prices are expected to top the $1.40 mark this summer. But don’t let $80.00 fill-ups pump the fun out of your warm, sunny […]

 
The cost of owning a vehicle goes beyond the purchase price. Expenses like insurance and maintenance can add up. These cars have low ownership costs because they’re small, fuel efficient, and low on amenities and all available in  Toronto.
To attain absolute rock bottom ownership costs — which still tally more than $30,000 over five years, […]

Like off season travel and Ontario wines, there are cars that prove you don’t have to hand over big bucks to live the good life. We picked 10 models that are surprisingly luxurious for their humble badges, all of which can be equipped to impress for less than $30,000.
They won’t get you the valet treatment […]

Ideally, a dealership should help you find the right vehicle at a fair price. But some dealers place more emphasis on their profit margins than on satisfying their customers. When buying a car, keep your interests front and center–and avoid common pitfalls that can cost you extra money–by following these tips:
1. Do your homework.

Many dealerships […]

Overall, the best cars sold in the North America are made by Honda. That’s the conclusion of a recent analysis conducted by Consumer Reports that looks at the reliability, performance, fuel economy, comfort, interior fit and finish, and ergonomics of 262 vehicles we’ve recently tested.
Honda, with an overall score of 78, is followed closely by […]

More than 700,0000 General Motors and Toyota vehicles have been recalled across North America due to defective bolts in the power-window system.
The recall also included a large number of Toyotas built in Cambridge, Ont.
About 50,000 Canadian and 539,500 U.S. owners of Corolla compact cars and Matrix crossovers, from the 2003-2004 model years, were notified by […]

People are often surprised to hear that a dealership’s financing and insurance (F&I) department, or “business office,” is a profit center. Reality check No. 2: Everything dealerships sell you represents a profit opportunity. With few exceptions, the dealer is a middleman.
In the case of the new car itself, you can’t eliminate the middleman. […]

If you’ve made it through this whole guide and you intend to follow the recommendations, there’s no doubt you’re going to kick butt when you enter the minefield that is new-car buying. In case it hasn’t been evident so far, here are a few parting thoughts on what helps and hurts your cause.
You’ll Get a […]