Expert advice | The car in question

Our collaborator answers questions from readers

Eric LeFrancois
special cooperation

The last temptation

My Mazda vehicle lease ends in June 2023. I’m tempted to buy a Honda HR-V. However, I only have 20,000 km on the clock. Would I be better off buying my 2019 CX-3? Its residual value is $10,200. I am 84 years old and this will be my last vehicle.

Antoinette H.

I don’t wish this to be your last vehicle, but why not keep the one you currently have? The HR-V is undergoing a complete overhaul this year (reliability to be demonstrated) and there will most certainly be a wait time before you can get it. Your current vehicle has very low mileage, seems to suit your needs (the HR-V is a direct competitor to your CX-3) and the residual value is low. You should buy it and take care of its maintenance.

Answer in itself

I have a 2019 Nissan Qashqai leased for delivery in September 2023. It will have approximately 30,000 km. Should I put it back at the end of my contract, buy it back or resell it myself? The residual value is $12,519.

Jeannot R.

The answer is within you. Does the Qashqai still meet your needs? Have you scrupulously taken care of its maintenance? If you answer yes to both of these questions, yes, you should buy it. If not, you should start your research and place an order with a dealer a few months before your lease expires. The current shortage is likely, according to several analysts consulted, to last until the fourth quarter of 2023.

Changing of the Guard

I need to change my vehicle that I love, a 2012 Mazda 5. I have always kept my vehicles for 9 or 10 years (about 140,000 km) by taking an extended warranty up to 6 or 7 years. I have a penchant for Japanese products, which have always brought me satisfaction. Now retired for three years, I do about the same mileage, since I go out often and go back and forth between Quebec and Florida, where I spend my winters. My needs are a hatchback body for cargo space, comfort for long trips, driving aids, low gas mileage, low purchase cost, visibility from all angles and , most importantly, reliability. I also need to have a rear hitch installed for my bike rack. I eliminated several large vehicles that I liked (CX-5, CR-V) because they are too expensive and have high consumption. I consider the Mazda3 Sport hatchback, the Honda Civic LX hatchback and the Subaru Impreza. Can you guide me? I eliminated the hybrids, which I love, because the lead times are too long and I want it by October before I leave for Florida.

Daniel O.

In the current context, delivery for October is not necessarily guaranteed. You will need to inquire about the situation with your dealer. That said, all of your picks hold up very well. The Mazda is more fuel efficient, the Civic hatchback is fun to drive (like a Mazda), but expensive. As for the Impreza, it’s reliable, but do you need full-time all-wheel drive if you’re wintering in Florida? All of these vehicles are good choices, but you’re probably missing the vehicle that best meets your expectations: the Corolla hatchback. This is definitely a better choice.

Between two sons

I have a paid 2016 Lincoln MKX and would like an EV. I tested the Mustang Mach-E and then reserved one. So no evaluation for my exchange yet. In the meantime, I discovered Audi’s e-tron. I like it too. What do you suggest me between the two?

Jean-Francois L.

Of the two, the Mustang Mach-E is the better choice due to its price, features and range. If you are interested in a more prestigious model, we recommend that you take a close look at the BMW iX, which is more modern than the e-tron and offers significantly better range and comfort.