Need help choosing a car... mine just got written off :-(

[Caty1113]

Hi there!! New to the forums..!

This past Tuesday I was involved in a fairly minor car accident (completely not my fault, the other driver has taken responsibility for it.. she backed out of her driveway into the street without looking, which thankfully was a playground zone so I was going pretty slow). SO I should expect an insurance cheque for my car. I was driving a 2001 Buick Regal GS. It was okay- I loved that it was fast, but it was kind of big and heavy and not great on gas. I also don't like the "old person car" image they seem to have.

The car was basically given to me as my uncle had passed away late last year, so any cheque I get is a profit. I doubt it's worth a whole lot. I have no idea on the KMs on it, because the thingy that shows the kms, trip, and what gear you're in is broken on the dash. Body in good condition except a crack in the back bumper. It's going to be written off, as there is around $5000 in damage.

SO now comes the task of buying a new car... don't laugh, but I REALLY want a Smart car. It's just me and my boyfriend, no kids, and we have a larger vehicle in case we need the room ever, a Ford Explorer Sport Trak. We have three small dogs (Italian greyhounds) that will fit in the tiny storage space above the engine. I DO have to drive on the highway to go to work, but it's not too far. I want something better on gas than my old Buick.

Question is though, are they reliable? I am looking for a gently used one (35,000 kms) and don't know a WHOLE lot about cars. I do my own oil and brakes, that's about it! I don't want to buy a walking mechanic's bill. My Buicks I never had to do anything with (had them total of three years) other than oil changes. I don't drive a lot (12,000 km a yr).

I would LOVE some other suggestions, too! I have a budget of roughly $11,000, and live in western Canada.

[FireBal989]

Smart cars are reliable but they are very small (obviously), you could go with one and of course get great gas mileage, there are other cars that offer great gas mileage and a little more room and a little more power, your choice :-)