is it a good idea to buy and use a car in montreal? I know canadian insurance rates r very high as well as indoor parking is expensive....considering all this i feel affording a car in montreal is not so easy..please share ur thoughts
car in montreal
- Thread starter mead
- Start date
Hi,mead said:
It depends. If you can AFFORD a car, then no doubt, it 'll be very convenient for you...
Having done some extensive research on the city of Montreal and after talking to few people living there, I can tell you certain things. For starters, the transit (metro and Public Bus) in the city of Montreal is extensive (especially the main Montreal city) and even connects the surrounding areas of Greater Montreal such as West Island, Laval etc. by Bus. The cost of monthly transit in Montreal is 1 of the cheapest in whole of Canada, with 43.75$/month for unlimited monthly transit for students aged 6-25 and 75.50$/month for anyone above the age of 25 (2012 rates). Even, if you compare the adult fare, it is still much cheaper than other bigger cities like Toronto where it is 106$/month for students and 128.50$/ month for others.
On the contrary, cost wise.. a car, even if you buy a GOOD condition 2nd hand car (which can vary anywhere between 2.500$- 7000$ or 8000$ or more), you 've many other costs such as the annual insurance, which I believe will be higher, since you will be a recently arrived international student and a person holding foreign driver's licence. Then, there's parking costs, fuel costs and other hidden costs such as maintenance, servicing and putting aside a good amount of cash in case of some immediate emergency. The overall cost to run the car, (apart from the initial purchase cost) can be anywhere between 350$- 600$/month or more depending upon various factors ( this monthly cost to run a car applies roughly to any Canadian city). So, it's not hard to imagine, as to why most international students, prefer transit, which costs only 43.75$/month! Not to forget, that after the student visa expires, you will not be able to drive anymore with your country's driver licence+IDP, and you will have to pass their driving exam and get a Quebec licence.
Also, Montreal has one of best intra-city infrastructure for cyclists and you can cycle to your college, residence, place of work year round (yes, with proper gear you can cycle even in winters... but personally I won't reccomend unless you are a big enthusiast) and not only save money and gain fitness, but also remember that cycling within the city will save you much time, as compared to walking (longest) or using public transit. Cycling is the 2nd fastest way to move around for short distances ( like if your college/work-home routes are... say within a given radius of max 5-8km or so) after buying own vehicle as compared to transit, where often you may have to change metro/buses and coupled with waiting time, it takes a considerable longer time to move around. Also, Montreal transit metros/buses are NOT air conditioned, and can be a bit of problem in summer time. Still, Transit is the most preferred, reliable, safe and cost effective way to move around the main city, and is best for those who cannot afford own vehicle.
But, also keep in mind, that if you live in Greater Montreal Area, and if you may have to commute longer distances daily to main city/downtown, having own car in long run can be the best and fastest option.
Example:
To travel a distance of approx 4.7 kms from Mc Gill University campus (Downtown) to another prominent city area called NDG- Notrre Dam Grace, it will take approx.;
by car - 9 to 12 minutes, depending upon traffic conditions
by transit - 28 to 38 minutes or more depending upon which route you take and waiting period
by cycling - 19 to 25 minutes, depending upon which route you take and how fast you cycle
or you can always walk... if you 've all the time in the world!
So, now that you have a rough idea about various options to move around Montreal, and ultimately, it all comes down to .. if you can afford it...then surely it's a good idea to buy a car...as it will save you a lot of time, especially if you live far away or have to commute longer distances daily. Or else, if you stay nearby to your college/work places... transit and cycling are also pretty good options, and you will and should enjoy every moment coz after-all Montreal is a world class city.
Hope it helps.
***All opinions expressed are purely personal, and pieces of information mentioned are to the best of my knowledge... You should consult other sources too.
thanks tiger as always.......my problem is I already have a car which is in US that I was thinking to import into canada and use it there. If it is not too affordable in canada I would just sell it or store it in US .tiger007 said:
Hi,mead said:
Then as I said..rough estimate, overall monthly cost to maintain a car can be anywhere between 350$-500$ or more. So, if you can afford this, then very well...
Also instead of importing, new registration and all that hassle, why not sell the U.S based car and if then you want, buy a Quebec registered local 2nd hand car. You may find a really good deal! It's my opinion, rest upto u.
Good Luck!