Posted at 11:45 a.m.
It is necessary to provide at the signature
Q: When I leased my car four years ago, I purchased “excess wear and tear waiver” insurance for $1,000. This covered, up to $10,000, tires, windshield, scratches, etc. She brought me a certain peace of mind. My lease coming to an end, I chose to buy my rental vehicle. To my surprise, the $1000 will not be refunded to me. Am I being fooled by my dealership? — Martin B.
A: Logically, you should be entitled to reimbursement of your coverage. But there is one condition. The refund request must be included in the rental agreement that you signed four years ago. If this provision is not included in the contract, your dealer is not required to reimburse you. According to the Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC), “the consumer who plans to buy the car at the end of the lease should not […] such insurance.
To pollute less
PHOTO PROVIDED BY FORD CANADA
Ford Escape PHEV
Q: I’m thinking about buying a new vehicle. The Ford Escape PHEV and Subaru’s Crosstrek are part of my thinking, although in the case of the Crosstrek the range is much less appealing for the price. So what about the PZEV technology offered on Subaru models? There doesn’t seem to be any benefit from a fuel mileage perspective, but is it as emission efficient as Subaru claims? In this case, which vehicle is the most advantageous from an environmental point of view? — Pierre-Marc F.
A: The electric range of the Crosstrek hybrid is indeed disappointing compared to that of the Escape PHEV. The latter appears to be a better choice from an environmental point of view. You might also consider the RAV4 Prime. As for the PZEV technology, note that it is widely advertised by Subaru, but that it is not exclusive to it. Other manufacturers use this technology which has no real influence on consumption nor does it actually reduce polluting emissions. At best, it helps reduce or delay the formation of urban smog.
Evaluate your options
PHOTO PROVIDED BY TOYOTA
Toyota RAV4 Premium
Q: We live in the Laurentians and will both be retiring in the spring of 2023. We want to buy a plug-in hybrid four-wheel drive SUV that will offer us good handling on winding roads (and especially in winter), good comfort , with several standard accessories. Our budget is between $40,000 and $50,000, taxes included. We want to keep this vehicle for a minimum of 10 years. Our favorite models so far are: Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, Hyundai Tucson and Ford Escape. What is your opinion on the best quality/price choice, durability, performance, comfort and warranty? — The Vaillancourt family
A: All your choices are valid, with the possible exception of the Forester, which is not offered in a plug-in hybrid configuration. Only the Crosstrek is from Subaru. The RAV4 is interesting because of its reliability, robustness and residual value, but many readers criticize it for poor soundproofing and limited availability (delivery times are long). Ditto for the Ford Escape. The Tucson plug-in hybrid, for its part, will enter the market a little later. Its performance is promising despite an electric range that promises to be less than that of the Escape or the RAV4 Prime. On the other hand, the Hyundai warranty is reassuring and the level of equipment, raised for the amount requested. Now, let’s recap. Depending on your criteria, the RAV4 Prime appears the most homogeneous.
The urge to be unfaithful
PHOTO PROVIDED BY VOLVO
Volvo V60 Cross Country
Q: Should I be unfaithful? I have been a satisfied Volvo customer for nearly 30 years. I keep my cars for a long time. I am thinking of changing my 2012 Volvo XC 70 which has covered 230,000 km to date. I need space, but I’m not a big SUV fan. I am interested in a recent occasion (2019 or 2020). I hesitate between a Volvo V60 Cross Country and an Audi A4 Allroad. Do you have a suggestion for me? — Vincent B.
A: Two good choices, but why would you be unfaithful? You say you are satisfied, you know the product very well and no doubt you have a relationship of trust with the brand owner and its representatives. Since you are looking for a recent occasion, you have at Volvo the possibility of choosing between an “ordinary” V60 (financially more advantageous) and a Cross Country. Audi does not offer such a choice.