The automobile in question | The Press

Our collaborator answers questions from readers

Eric LeFrancois
special cooperation

Opt for a younger

I would like to replace my two-door 2010 Honda Civic, which has 180,000 km on the clock and which I liked to drive. Retired, I drive 15,000 km on average per year. I’m puzzled by the idea of ​​waiting a year or two to change it. I look at the small SUVs, the Toyota Corolla Cross, the Honda HR-V (2023), the Subaru Crosstreck and Forester. I liked my Honda’s acceleration, reliability, steering accuracy, acceleration and soundproofing. For my needs, are four-wheel drive SUVs necessary or can I compensate with studded tires? Living in the Laurentians, I avoid driving when the conditions are dangerous. I keep my car more or less 10 years and my budget is $30,000 to $40,000. What do you suggest me? I am open to other models.

Danielle M.

Good news ! According to you, an SUV is absolutely not necessary. If you love your Civic (and your dealer’s service), why not treat yourself to a new one? This model underwent a complete overhaul last year and incorporates, with even more refinements, all the qualities you appreciate from your current vehicle. Although you avoid hitting the road on stormy days, you should never skimp on the quality of winter tires. Studded tires? Not essential in your situation.

Wireless Option

I will soon have to return my rented Volvo with combustion engine. I’m looking for a hybrid sedan, slightly elevated (no SUV). I live in Montreal and it is impossible for me to install a charging station. Can you suggest me some choices?

Gilles G.

If you were satisfied with the product, why not take a look at the Volvo S60 Recharge? The only problem in your case is that it requires refills. If you can’t install a station at your home, you can always count on the growing network of charging stations (electric circuit, Flo, Electrify Canada, Petro-Canada, etc.). If that bothers you, then you might consider the Lexus ES 300h, a limited-capacity hybrid that charges itself.

To prepare for the next winter

I own a BMW X5. This is my sixth BMW vehicle. I was generally happy with the build quality and performance. My contract expires in October 2022. I wanted my next vehicle to be fully electric. I opted for the iX which I reserved in October 2021 – it was the last available from my dealership. I got a call from my salesperson last month. He strongly recommended that I reserve my winter tires now, because he feared a shortage for next winter. I had to pay $5300 for the tires and rims, nine months in advance. I was surprised and shocked that a manufacturer like BMW couldn’t guarantee that buyers of an iX – a $100,000 vehicle – weren’t guaranteed winter tires. Does this mean that potential buyers who have not taken the “precaution” of buying their winter tires in advance may not be able to use their iX next winter? It seems absurd to me. I had never experienced this situation with any of my previous BMW vehicles.

Luke F.

Aberrant perhaps, but not in the current context. On the one hand, some tire manufacturers are currently having difficulty ensuring a constant supply to their resellers (dealers and retailers). On the other hand, not all tire manufacturers are in the frantic race of car manufacturers. These keep increasing in size. As Pierre Zupancic, Sales Director at Nokian, pointed out in an interview to be published soon, “In the past, 10 tire sizes were enough to cover 80% of the market. Today, it takes 50”.

Do we buy or do we sell?

I have two vehicles, a 2018 Rogue SV AWD, whose lease ends in April, and a 2013 Toyota Corolla LE, which I own, which is in very good condition, except for the air conditioning. I am very happy with my Rogue and would like to buy it while waiting for a greener vehicle. His cash value is $16,000. First, is it a good idea to buy it back? Second, the dealer is offering me certification for $1750 with an extended warranty and a good finance rate. Is it good ? My vehicle has 82,000 km, my lease includes 96,000 km. I also have non-refundable lease return insurance, so if I return my vehicle, there is no cost. In summary, should I buy it back or settle for my Toyota and do the repairs while waiting for a green vehicle?

James

To read you, you seem to have one vehicle too many. If so, why not buy your current vehicle ($16,000 + $2,396 tax) and resell it? You could make a profit of a few thousand dollars. This sum would allow you to finance the repairs of your Toyota. As for the certification program, extended warranty, do you need it? You declare that you are “very satisfied” with your vehicle and, what is more, you do not intend to keep it for very long.