u/browncanadiangay

Hi! First-time car buyer based in Canada, looking for a new car for work. I'll be driving about 360 km/week for work on the highway and occasionally on rural roads (incl. during winter) as my job is located in a sort of remote area and I'll be living in the nearest major city. Posting here because the buying process has felt quite overwhelming with the amount of information out there.

Criteria:

• Looking at makes like Honda, Toyota, and potentially Subaru as well for their reliability and their price points for any maintenance issues or costs related to accidents, as well as fuel economy
• AWD for driving in winter weather/roads and on gravel roads and potentially in rural areas as well.
• 2020 and newer, relatively affordable, under $35k as I will be financing and doing bi-weekly payments so nothing more than $500/month

A few shortlisted options thus far:

Compact SUVs

• Honda CRV (strongest option that I'm leaning towards)
• Toyota RAV4 (test-drove and feels a bit large in size for my liking)
• Subaru Crosstrek
• Mazda CX-30 or CX-5

Sedans (I talked with a salesperson at a dealership and he advised against a sedan for the conditions that I'd be driving under, but still listing them here for any other input/advice)

• Honda Civic LX
• Hyundai Elantra
• Toyota Camry
• Mazda 3

Any input, advice, etc. is greatly appreciated! TIA!