Students’ guide to finding a safe, reliable used car
I was thinking about getting a car during this Christmas holiday. Now here it is. An article for me to get started. 
The article suggests Honda Civic and Suzuki Swift. What do you people think?
Also, where can I check the accident/repair/liability history of a used car? I don’t want to buy a car previously involved in a car accident, a car carrying a loan/mortgage, or a car with fraudulent mileage. Anyone knows which provincial organization in BC or Alberta provides such info?? (Is it free? 
)
No matter how much you might love public transit or getting rides from your parents to get to school, nothing gives you the freedom, convenience and satisfaction of owning your own car.
But, of course, being a university or college student, your pockets are probably as deep as a puddle in the middle of a drought. This means you’ll probably have to get a used car.
What you want to look for is a reliable and safe car that has reasonable insurance costs, good gas mileage and might even have a cool factor, but let’s not get too carried away with that one.
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1994-2001 Honda Civic
The ever-popular Civic is a good choice for students. With a little more coolness and easier resale, 2001 and older models with more than 125,000 kilometres will usually cost you less than $9,500 (not including SiR models).
Four-door Civics are easier on insurance than coupes, but they are both known for their gas mileage. Newer Civics come standard with driver and passenger air bags, power sunroof/locks/mirrors, keyless entry, AM/FM stereo with CD player and air conditioning.
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1995-2001 Suzuki Swift
Swifts made in 2001 and earlier with more than 115,000 klicks will run you a bill of less than $4,000.
Of course, older cars with higher odometer readings will cost you less. Most models made in 1995 and on come standard with air conditioning, driver and passenger air bags, AM/FM stereo and even a CD player.
The 2001 Swift was also one of the most fuel-efficient subcompact cars, according to the Office of Energy Efficiency (Natural Resources Canada) in its 2001 report on fuel efficiency.
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Read more on: canada.com
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Jennifer said,
January 4, 2007
I’ve had two Civics in my life and I absolutely loved them. Would definitely buy another one!
chen2 said,
January 7, 2007
konnichiwa!! Honda civic is better than suzuki swift, Mitsu said. Swift is a bit too small to drive in Canada. But he also said that Toyota and Nissan motors are better than Honda and Suzuki.
why don’t you buy BMW??
from your lovely sis
samtsai said,
January 7, 2007
BMW…buy it later. First, I want to buy a cheap and reliable car after graduation, because I’ll probably drive very frequently in search for a job. When you drive too much, car value depreciates very quickly. I’ll buy a luxurious car when everything is stabilized.