An American Perspective on Driving in Canada
 

OK -- I just got back from Calgary/Banff for a nice vacation with the wife and get some Winter activities in (and I love to visit Canada). So, Canadians, feel free to chime-in if my observations are off or if you'd like to add comments. (For Americans unfamiliar with Calgary and Banff, it's in the Candian Rocky Mountains and is similar to Denver and the surrounding mountain towns. Really breathtaking scenery and friendly people. The province (state) of Alberta is known for oil production, and is a vital link in the rail transport of wheat grown in the Central Provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba to the ports on the West Coast and back East). There are many National Parks, and abundant wildlife. Anyways, back to the cars...

This is what I noticed:

* The number one thing I noticed was the Acura 1.7 EL. For Americans, this is the previous generation Honda Civic with Acura goodies. This would be the perfect car that my wife and I have been looking for. Since they got rid of the Integra 4-door when the RSX came-in, we we're stuck with the expensive TSX. Something else I noticed -- didn't see a single Acura TSX up there. Do they even sell it, or is the EL its replacement?

* The following cars also unavailable in the US: The CR-V sized Nissan X-Trail, a number of Kia-clones (like the Chevy Aveo 5-door's twin the Suzuki Swift+).

* A random sampling of non-rental local cars parked along the street had the plug dangling for the engine block heater in 80% of the cars noticed (for the record the rental Chrysler 300 had a plug).

* Speed and red-light cameras are legal. In the 'States, this is of course an infraction against our civil liberties, but there you have to watch it. Out in the country the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police -- their noble steeds these days are Impalas and Crown Vics) weren't around all that often until the weekend. This is the National Police force, and could be the equivalent of a "State Trooper". Even still, I didn't feel comfortable driving over 5 km/h, so I played it safe. Most of the time it was snowing anyway.

* I don't know if this was a Canadian thing or a Chrysler thing, but the cruise control was on this ill-placed stalk next to the turn signal/wiper stalk on the left-hand side of the wheel. I had the toughest time getting used to how to work the darned thing, and it would get in the way of signalling. Speaking of which, Daimler Chrysler stole the tap-blinker system from BMW where you tap the blinker and it blinks 3 times (frankly I would've preferred 5, which is what I use to change lanes).

* Ah the metric system. I was getting used to the temperature numbers, but 60 km/h seemed pretty slow (which is like 35 mph). 110 was the limit out on the open road, which is close to 70 mph. The biggest hit was gas prices. We paid an average of 90-cents per liter which is the equivalent of $3.41/Gallon (in Canadian Dollars, and roughly $3.07/Gallon in U.S. dollars). That's pretty expensive -- I can see why fuel efficiency could be a big deal. Public transit is available in a wide variety of locations, which can take the stress off of that part of one's budget. Lots of folks walked or hitched rides.

* Daytime Running Lamps have been required for quite a while. On our car, if you signalled, the DRL on that side of the car would shut off while you signal. Also, I'm a big advocate of the side-marker turn signal indicator -- you know that little yellow oval light on the fender -- also very common there. That way you can see people merging if they are a lane away, but next to you.

* Hondas and Acuras were super common. If I wanted a used 2005 1.7EL, would it be possible to import it to the U.S.?

* (off topic) Again, the people were great and very helpful. Individual culture seemed to co-exist with other cultures instead of the U.S.' "Melting-Pot" mentality where you must assimilate. Now I can't speak for Quebec, though, that's a different story. They don't like me there too much. For the citizenry, the enviroment seemed to be on their minds - recycling, clean water and air, and preservation of natural habitat was evident, which I applaud.

That's all I have for now. I really don't know what I'm going to do to report the rental car in my Fleet Analysis Thread, as lots of Mountain driving, snowy road conditions, and slow-speed wildlife spotting took place. In closing, I think that Canadians displayed a genine pride for their Country and made us feel welcome. Thanks to all (especially the snowmobile instructor that got me out of a snowbank when I took a turn too fast and ditched it) for making the trip enjoyable.

RH77

Here is what I noticed, the
 

Here is what I noticed, the countries with the biggest gas prices have the most effiecient cars.

I wouldn't mind having gas prices here in US $3,4, or even $5. If it does come to that I'll just quit my job and find a job I can walk to. Before I didn't have any working experience, now I do. So that makes finding a job a little easier.

The only car I really want is the European Honda Accord. I'd love to import that car.

Re: Here is what I noticed, the
 

You make an excellent point. Remember last year when gas prices were $3/gallon? Suddenly everyone wanted to get a hybrid, ride a bike, or take the bus. I say that raising gas prices would be a good idea. The government has no place subsidizing oil companies. It makes it difficult for better technologies to be taken seriously.

Re: Here is what I noticed, the
 

I see that the government is coming out with new fuel rules, that is good for future cars. Also it's easy to increase a car's fuel economy by a couple of mpg with you add gears. We can't do that but manufacturers can. By adding more gears you'll have better accelaration and fuel economy. Remember I mentioned the 06 civic. The car drives 80mph at 2500rpm. I also pissed myself when I saw it when my cousin was driving it. My gearing is low but at 2500rpm I'm at 73mph. Plus the fact that I don't have any accelaration in 3rd and 4th. The civic has plenty of accelaration in 1,2,3.

The way everybody is driving the final should be in the 4.xx zone and the last gear should be below .50
Gearing could make a huge impact on fuel economy, so can airdonamics.

Excellent Point
 

Excellent point Compaq888. Higher gas prices tend to force efficiency, and as MetroMPG has noted, the top 5 cars sold in Canada are pretty fuel efficient.

The Euro Accord is kinda available here as the Acura TSX. It's nearly identical to the one over there, but inside it has the Acura goodies and pricetag. The TSX is at the top of our list for the next car to buy, but it's too darn expensive. Buying a used one isn't feasible either, since they hold their value. My Brother- and Sister-in-Law bought an 05, then traded the dealer practically even for an '06. Then the neighbor bought one. It all started in '04 when I showed my wife a picture of it on the Internet and she saw it at the auto show and fell in love with it, and mentioned it to her sister, so then they went and bought the same exact model that we wanted, color and everything (spite maybe) -- but at any rate $30K, that's a chunk of change. But then the neighbor saw the brother-in-laws TSX and went and bought one. Personally I hope my wife goes toward the Civic -- more practical. For me, the Integra will be my car until it blows up from all of my experiments on it.

RH77

Importing Canadian Autos
 

We really want an Acura 1.7EL (Civic Clone with luxo features and good mileage). It's not sold here, so does anyone know if it's easy to import a used one from Canada? I know the speedo would need to be changed, but otherwise, it probably conforms to all U.S. regs.

RH77

Re: Importing Canadian Autos
 

the new gen EL (Acura CSX) ... for the same price you can get a 06 honda hybrid ;)

TSX is described as the best FF drive sedan on the market. IF you get the 6spd OH MANNN!!!!!!! you lucky son of a #@!)(#*!)@

as for the EL 1.7 its pretty much my car with four doors, nicer seats, acura logo and maybe suspension is tuned a bit. Other than that its still a honda with 3000 more msrp than the top of the line honda civic.

Comes with more airbags too.

Re: Importing Canadian Autos
 

Good info. I've driven the 6-speed TSX and yes, what a complete package of awesome handling, smooth shift action, keeping the revs up -- but don't remind me. That car is for my wife who can't/won't drive a standard shift. So the automatic with the tap shift is what we'd get. It's still fun to drive but I need a clutch to be happy. It's her turn for the new car.

The thing is, we've been looking for something in the Honda/Acura lineup between the RSX and TSX like the old Integra 4-door, and the EL hits it right on the mark. I'll have to research this CSX 1.8L or even a used 1.7.

The question still remains, how do you get a Canadian car registered in the U.S.? Maybe I'll have to dig into the Code of Federal Regulations (again). Been doing that all day with the FDA's regs.

RH77

Re: Excellent Point
 

I'm making a different point. Yes the Honda accord is here as the TSX, but I'm talking about the one with the diesel engine!!!

You get a honda that weighs 3000+lbs and that gets 50+mpg. The only other diesels there are WV or VW or whatever it is. Their electrical systems are so unreliable. I'd feel safer in a honda anyday.

The TSX here in the US is nice, you get a 2.4 liter that has a good topend(very rare) and it comes with a 6 speed manual.

Here is another car option... Since you don't want to spend 30k on a car why don't you get your wife the 2007 camry V6???

It gets 22city/31freeway, runs on regular, 268hp and runs low 14's in the 1/4 mile STOCK! Not to mention it's a 6 speed auto that has a manual mode. Did I mention it only costs $23k??

Quote:It gets
 

My argument against this car is why would I want to buy a car for a lot of money that gets terrible gas mileage, and is also worthless in any kind of fun racing.

Thanks for this stuff too, I talked about it a lot today at a sudan peace march, :p

Re: Quote:It gets
 

I'm saying for someone who has a need for a bigger car or to haul people around it is a good choice. Plus look at fuel economy performance ratio. It looks good for this car.

Quote:I'm saying for someone
 

I think the prius and civic are disgustingly large. Also, I would think of the 20 or so people I know that driver > 2 seaters and think of the times when I've seen 1 of them carry three and the fact that I have no need for more seats. A five seater HCH is crazy roomy to me.

I'm more about the extravagence to necesity ratio.

I'm all about power and fuel
 

I'm all about power and fuel economy. This car gets better gas mileage than my car and is a whole lot faster. Those who are looking for the same combo as me would probably buy it.

If I had 25k to blow right now I wouldn't get the HCH or the prius, they are seriously underdeveloped. It's a sad truth. Don't get me wrong, they are reliable and get some awesome mileage but seriously underdeveloped.

Seriously think about this the HCH is $22k, the regular civic is 14k. I can buy the regular civic, do a complete underbody of the car, get some lightweight rims, inflate the tires to the max sidewall pressure and get the same mpg as a STOCK HCH. And I will still have a couple of grand in my pocket.

Just to show you how sad it is Dan is getting Prius/HCH mileage on his del sol which sucks at airdonamics(sorry dan).

The idea of buying a Prius or a HCH just digusts me. What a rip off for something we can have cheaper without installing a hybrid system.

Quote:I wouldn't get the HCH
 

How so?

We had this arguement before, if I recall. You will spend a lot on lightweight rims for that car, by the way.

Is it just me or did his Prius get 109 mpg?

With the technology we got
 

With the technology we got now those cars should be getting 75mpg stock without any tire inflations, or grill blocks. The oil companies are involved in this.

Lighweight rims are cheap compared to the 22k prius or HCH.

It got 109mpg going at certain speeds, besides that car was modified a bit. I can get 50+mpg at certain speeds too. For daily driving purposes it won't even get close 100mpg.

Quote:With the technology we
 

Care to explain?

Wayne, I think, one of Dan's friends owned an Insight that got 109 mpg for an entire tank (1400-1500 miles) while daily driving. Besides, I believe the prius was stock at the time, right?

https://www.jaydm.com/battle.htm

Lightweight rims for that ish, 600 shipped for the cheapest, ugliest ones, not to mention new tires, since you won't have the LRRs that come stock on the HCH.

All I'm saying is with the
 

All I'm saying is with the technology we got now those cars should be getting some really good mpg.

Quote:All I'm saying is with
 

Unfortunately the technology we have is going to make cars most people won't get 20mpg with. I got 23 mpg on my gramma's 5.8 liter crown vic, and ****, I was beating it's *** too.

Re: Quote:It gets
 

LOL -- I don't know where to start. First, the slavery in Sudan is definitely a problem. Secondly, buying your wife a Camry is like buying her a washing machine for Christmas. Besides, it has to be a Honda or Acura - no substitutes. We're willing to flex on the age up to 2-3 years used. I'm researching the import rules on Canadian vehicles into the U.S. and it looks promising thus far. I'm digging into the the Code of Federal Regulations (excellent reading if you can't get to sleep some night).

RH77

I'd wait for the next gen
 

I'd wait for the next gen accord then. I think it will jump on the 3.5 liter bandwagon. I love the current accord due to it's 6800rpm and an available 6 speed. I think the next accord will be 250+hp and 6500+redline. I just hope they come out with a 6 speed auto too that you can shift manually.

BUT the new camry is cheaper, faster, and reliable, if not more than reliable than the current accord.

Re: I'd wait for the next gen
 

D00D, the 3.5-Litre Bandwagon XE is gonna take a helluva lot of fuel to propel down the Oregon Trail. And what's with the redline? 4-cylinders traditionally have a higher redline than 6- or 8- cylinders, especially the DOHC ones. But, I thought we were saving gas here. This isn't a gravy train with biscuit wheels. Honda is smarter than that. They can make more power with less fuel and displacement.

Secondly, I awarded the '06 Camry LE 4-cylinder Automatic with the "Editor's Choice Award" in the full-size vehicle category for efficiency, reliability, and performance in my Rental Car Fleet Analysis thread. I would recommend this car to just about anyone. BUT, the V-6 is overkill. Granted, the Camry might be a percentage point more reliable, but for me, I am straight-up Honda/Acura, end of story.

RH77

Re: I'd wait for the next gen
 

i highly recommend you check out canadiandriver.ca on their EL reviews and the CSX reviews. The CSX gets a 2.0 litre (same one found in RSX but detuned for FE) and 5 speed automatic sport shifter paddles! (which i heard were more robust than the TSX) Nice car but I'd still get the 06 honda hybrid because I"m a FE nut hehe.

read up!

Re: Quote:With the technology we
 

The Prius was bone stock during the 109 MPG run. Some have argued that the SuperMID was a modification, but since the Prius already has a MPG display, I don't buy the arguement. It is nothing more than adding gauges.

As far as the "can't come close to 100 MPG in daily driving", I guess it depends on how close is close. The tank prior to the 109 MPG tank was 1007 miles, 86.6 MPG. I had an 85.7 MPG tank driving from Pittsburgh to Huntsville, AL. I have had many 70+ MPG tanks with my 50 mile daily commute.

Yes, Wayne Gerdes who has a 90 mile daily commute did have a 1523 mile, 109.0 MPG tank in his Insight. His lifetime FE for the Insight was 92MPG.

I noticed a few comments about the Prius and HCH being too large. Well that is true if you have no passengers which is the case with my commute. That's why I bought a used 2 seater instead of another hybrid. My wife hauls around the kids so it makes more sense for her to have the Prius. And one more good thing about the obsenely large prius is that it can carry the whole family, the dog and all of our gear to the beach several times a year, 1400 mile RT for about the cost of a nice meal at our favorite restaurant. I can't think of one other car that would let us do that.

Re: I'd wait for the next gen
 

Honda is not going to keep their small dispacement for the V6. Otherwise it will lose business to the new camry and altima. People don't just look at fuel economy when buying a car, they look at hp too. I know honda can make more power with less fuel and dispacement but if they keep upping the power in the 3.0 Liter they will start loosing torque which is one of the best features of a V6. It already got 212 ft of torque, they can't lose anymore. I will say that the future accord will have at least a 3.2 liter motor unless they go with Direct Injection which gives a big boost in power, then they can keep the 3.0 liter motor.

Redlines make me excited. I just love burying the needle. The deeper it goes the more excited I get.

Quote:Redlines make me
 

Why I wonder?

I dunno, because the engine
 

I dunno, because the engine screams. Some cars have a very nice sound when the engine is WOT. Few examples are BMW M5, Nissan maxima 95-99, Nissan 350z, Infiniti G35, FX35. And most top end cars like Ferrari, Lambo and etc.

3.2 in the parts bin, but...
 

Ok, so the 3.2L SOHC/VTEC is in the Acura parts bin -- I should know, I have one ;-) But let's run the numbers, shall we?

What configuration of Accord sells the most in the U.S.? The 4-cylinder automatic.

What Camry sells the most units? Yes, the 4-cylinder auto.

I can keep going if you want. Basically, the V-6 Honda isn't a hugely popular seller, nor the Camry V-6.

Nissan has completely stunk when it comes to FE. I agree, their 3.5L is one of the best engines ever produced. But it sucks the fuel. I know this from experience, and the EPA estimates are WAY off. Look at the low 20's.

Your Altima -- how many V-6s and SE-Rs will they sell vs. the 4-banger? For every one V-6, there will be ten 4-cylinder models.

And what do all of these cars you mention have in common. BAD FUEL ECONOMY. Even some of them are taxed as "Gas Guzzlers". You're talking Brie when it's definitely Limberger time.

RH77

haha i drove the g35 auto
 

haha i drove the g35 auto for a bit... and if you keep it under 1500 rpms i bet you'll get some good FE. But I WOT not even half... my neck snapped to the edge of the seat... after that I decided not to punch it all the way lol...

no thanks but ill own you on the track anyday.

Re: haha i drove the g35 auto
 

Same here -- drove a Maxima many times and an FX-35 -- the power was way over the top. To the point of being too much fun -- one's own responsibilities goes out the automatic power window. But I agree, with that kind of weight our cars could outhandle them any day of the week on or off the track.

RH77