Window Shopping for a New Car

I went to visit the local GM Dealer to talk turkey about the prospects of purchasing the low-end Chev Aveo which was advertised at approx. $12,000. The ad I saw online led me to believe that air conditioning was now standard. (Or was it the salesman I spoke with on the phone yesterday who led me to believe that? I am not sure.) Today I discovered that air conditioning is an option and it costs $1,500. Also I learned that the advertised car for $12,000 (Canadian) was standard gearshift and if I wanted automatic gearshift that would add $950 to the cost of the car. I was happy to learn that radio/CD players are now standard equipment, however.

So, the total of the car with the specs I want, is bumped up to $16,000 not including GST, and PST taxes. There is one additional tax that I don't understand. I think it was called the HST. Also, there is a QST and I am hoping that is a Quebec tax only applicable to buyers from Quebec.

Time will tell if I decide I can afford this car or not. The three-year warranty and roadside assistance is very attractive and the fact that other than oil changes, I can expect no maintenance costs. My current car is costing me close to $800/yr for repairs and maintenance. Also gas mileage will be better.

It's fun to look.