My son, age 22, is starting his new career. He lives in the west end of Toronto and his job is in the east end, about 30 kilometres away. What entry-level vehicle would you suggest for a budget-conscious young driver that still has some spark and is fun to drive. He’s open to a new lease or gently used vehicle. – Dave
2019 Honda CivicCourtesy of manufacturer
Miranda Lightstone: I’m suddenly feeling anxious thinking about my own son who is approaching driver-licence age.
Mark Richardson: Just make sure you give us all fair warning before that happens, Miranda. Now, let’s calm the mom-xiety and focus on Dave’s question.
Lightstone: My mind goes immediately to something that is safe, reliable, easy to drive and park and affordable to buy and maintain. That’s a used Honda Civic.
Richardson: Fair enough. It’s tough to go wrong with a Civic. There’s plenty of choice for power and features, it can be a sedan, coupe or hatch, it’s simple to maintain, it holds its value well and it’s been around so long there’s one for every budget. The current generation – the 11th – was introduced for 2022, so maybe the best deal is from the previous year. I just gave our trusty 2006 Civic sedan to my 25-year-old son as his first car.
Lightstone: Wait, does that mean you agree I’ve come up with the best option for Dave’s son?
Richardson: I agree you’ve come up with a good option, but the Civic is an obvious choice. It’s been Canada’s top-selling car for years for a reason. And while we’re at it, the Toyota competition from the Corolla is also obvious: lots of choices and lots of affordability depending on the car’s age.
Lightstone: I actually got to drive a Toyota Corolla hatchback with a manual transmission and it was loads of fun, despite the less-than-powerful engine; it’s a two-litre, four-cylinder, good for 169 horsepower. It’s a shame they now only offer the new hatch with a continuously variable transmission, but Dave could always search for a used manual version. It was last sold as a stick-shift in the 2022 model year.
2022 Toyota Corolla HatchbackPetrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
Richardson: That manual includes a rev-matching option that smooths out the shifting, which will make Dave’s son feel like a pro with the clutch. The hatchback is practical with its use of space, too.
Lightstone: A manual might be tiring in Toronto traffic, but it’s definitely a great driving skill under his belt. And if his son is just learning, the rev-match is great.
Richardson: Shifting manually is a nice thing to be able to do, but it’s increasingly redundant. Few new cars are now sold in Canada with manual transmissions and they’re no fun when you’re sitting in traffic. These days, the greatest advantage of a stick shift is that nobody wants to steal them, because so few people know how to drive them.
Lightstone: But, how boring are we suggesting the uber-obvious with a Civic and Corolla? I think Dave’s son would really enjoy the drive and practicality of a Mazda CX-30. It’s one of my preferred compact crossover models currently on the market.
2024 Mazda CX-30Courtesy of manufacturer
Richardson: Sure – that’s a nice car. The CX-30 GT is a lot more fun to drive with its 250 horsepower, turbocharged engine, but whether it’s still in the budget for the extra $11,000 it’ll cost over the basic $33,000, 191-horsepower model is doubtful. And its 10.25-inch centre control screen is definitely dated. I’d suggest a gently used model would be better value.
Lightstone: This might seem like a left-field suggestion, but hear me out – a used Nissan Micra. It was a Canada-specific model and a blast to drive with a manual or automatic transmission as well as super city-friendly when it came to parking and getting around. I personally think Micras have lots of spark.
Richardson: A Micra? It’s been years since I’ve heard that name, surely. Are you feeling okay?
Lightstone: More than okay – especially because a quick search shows there are some decent used models for sale on AutoTrader in the Toronto area; they’re in the $12,000-$15,000 range for six- and seven-year-old versions. The Micra is the ideal entry-level city car.
2015 Nissan Micra.
Richardson: You know, you might be onto something here. The Micra was zippy enough that Nissan Canada established the Micra Cup racing series, though after it ceased Canadian sales at the end of 2019, that became the Sentra Cup series. It’s a really small hatchback, and it was only $10,000 when it was new, but a used model in decent shape would be a solid find. That’s if there are any left still in decent shape.
Lightstone: If Dave and his son are willing to put in the time to research and check out various Micras for sale – ensuring all service papers are in order and having a mechanic do a trunk-to-hood check-up – I think they may stumble on a real gem that could be an ideal match.
Richardson: There’s no way I’d consider buying a used Micra without a mechanic giving it a thorough checking-over first. Actually, any used car being sold by a stranger. This is a service offered by the Canadian Automobile Association to its members for about $200, though any mechanic you trust can do the job.
Lightstone: We’ve given Dave and his son a good range of vehicles to think about here – all shapes, sizes and price points. And when I say “we” I mean I have, and hopefully he’ll give the Micra an honest look, despite it possibly being tough to track down.
Richardson: And maybe when he’s done with the Micra, or whatever he chooses, he can sell it on to your son in a few years’ time and then God help us all.
What car should you buy? Write to Mark and Miranda at [email protected] and use ‘What car’ as as part of your subject line. Emails with different subject lines may not be answered.
Shopping for a new car? Check out the new Globe Drive Build and Price Tool to see the latest discounts, rebates and rates on new cars, trucks and SUVs. Click here to get your price.