A difference
I’m torn between a Honda HR-V and a Toyota Corolla Cross. My question is: is there a marked difference in reliability between these two cars?
Richard B.
In terms of reliability, the difference is minimal with a slight advantage to the HR-V. Although more expensive to acquire, the Honda is generally the better choice due to its driving pleasure and the quality of its presentation.
The right time
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CHEVROLET
The Equinox EV
I have a 2009 Honda Civic with 150,000 km that needs several repairs: radiator, brakes, rear suspension, exhaust, as well as the air conditioner, which no longer works. After an estimate from my mechanic, the repairs would be around $2000 without the air conditioning. Is it worth putting that amount on the vehicle? We are considering leasing or buying the Equinox EV.
Gabriel M.
Right now, the market value of a 2009 Civic in good condition is around $7,000. Some of the repairs that need to be done are part of regular maintenance (brakes for example) or normal wear and tear (exhaust). If your vehicle is fully paid for, is in good general condition (rust?) and still meets your needs, it’s worth spending that amount. If not, you might want to consider the Equinox EV.
A favorite
PHOTO PROVIDED BY HYUNDAI
The Santa Fe
We have a 2016 Toyota Highlander XLE (and previously a 2011 Highlander Hybrid) and we are very satisfied. At a fundraiser, the sponsor Hyundai had demonstrated the new Santa Fe that we found very beautiful, which seems practical and whose characteristics seem to meet our needs well. Looking more closely, I see that it is only a four-cylinder developing 277 horsepower. It tickles me a little, this four-cylinder, even turbo. A good choice in your opinion?
Stephane R.
A good choice, but this engine is greedy. If you want to adopt a Santa Fe, it is better to opt for the hybrid version, which is much more convincing at the pump. It is certainly less powerful and less robust for pulling a load, but this engine remains the best choice.
Take a risk
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MAZDA
The CX-5
I own a 2012 Lexus RX350 with 150,000 km on the odometer, treated for rust. The car is well maintained, still runs well, but the leather seats are starting to deteriorate and I see expensive repairs coming soon. I would have access to a buyout of a fully loaded 2021 Mercedes GLA250, eight new tires, with only 18,000 km on the odometer, still under warranty for a few months. The price is $32,000 (all in). Is this a good buy? I plan on keeping this Mercedes for 6 years. The GLA seems to be the most reliable Mercedes, according to my reading. There is a review on the M260 engine for a 15 year / 241,000 km extended warranty for the cylinder heads. So should I keep my Lexus and wear it out? Or take the risk of the Mercedes, which could be expensive to operate? I had looked at the same price, $32,000, a 2021 Mazda CX-5, leather seats with the 2.5 turbo engine. I would have a fun vehicle to drive, powerful engine, well equipped and probably more reliable than the Mercedes. In short, I hesitate. Thank you for your advice.
Jean-Pascal M.
You answered your question by writing “take the risk”. Reliability is not this vehicle’s strong point and the costs associated with its maintenance are high. Financially speaking, the CX-5 is a better choice, in addition to being more spacious, just as pleasant to drive and less thirsty than your current RX350.