The automobile in question | The Press

Our collaborator answers questions from readers.

Eric LeFrancois
special cooperation

A name on the list

Q: I placed a deposit for a Kia EV6 GT Line [la semaine dernière] and I hope to get it by December 2024. Would it be a good idea to also place an order (without risk of losing the deposit) for a VinFast which is pretty much unknown to date in Canada ? —Patrick F.

A: You have every right as long as this product meets your needs and expectations. So far, VinFast’s campaign with the media (and influencers) lacks substance. It allows you to meet certain leaders, to visit the facilities and to very briefly drive its products. An overview that does not allow to judge performance (in the broad sense of the term), even less to confirm the assertions of its manufacturer. The latter promises the first deliveries of its products in Canadian territory starting in October.

5000 books to pull

Q: I will have to change vehicles soon. I am looking for a vehicle with a minimum towing capacity of 5000 lbs. I know the Audi Q7 has the capability, but is it a reliable vehicle? Do you have another suggestion? Reliability is my second criterion after towing capacity. —Richard N.

A: The reliability of the Q7 is in the good average compared to its direct competitors. Like the latter, this vehicle requires rigorous follow-up maintenance to obtain the best performance. In addition, these vehicles incorporate an impressive amount of technology. These are not always reliable and often prove to be very expensive to repair. Considering how important reliability is to you, we suggest you consider the Lexus LX600.

Electric rental

Q: With electric car technology constantly evolving (better batteries, longer range, etc.), do you think it would be wiser to lease an electric vehicle than to buy it and have to resell it if we want to benefit future model improvements? —Peter F.

A: Prudence now dictates renting rather than buying due to accelerated technological development.

Questions more than answers

Q: I have a 2017 Nissan Leaf with 70,000 km that is fully paid for. I would like to sell it on the used market and use that money for a deposit on a new electric car. The Leaf works very well, and I’m looking for a similar model, but with a higher range (the Leaf’s is around 160 km in the summer). With car availability issues right now, what do you suggest as a solution? Note that I would like to obtain a car eligible for subsidies from both levels of government. — Francois M.

A: Ok, but how do you plan to move between selling your current vehicle and buying your new one? The waiting period for an electric vehicle can easily reach two years at the time of this writing. It is difficult to predict what the subsidies will be at that time. So why does the autonomy of your Nissan seem insufficient to you today after five years of use? Since your Leaf is fully paid for and has only driven a very low mileage, why not keep it until the end of its life? This will give you the possibility, in the coming months, to place an order for a new electric vehicle.