The automobile in question | The Press

Our collaborator answers questions from readers

Prices on the rise

I am a loyal reader of The Press and I’m always interested in your test beds. It seems to me that there are a lot of vehicles at a very, very high price in recent months (including the one on the April 3 test bench). Does the proportion of these expensive vehicles reflect the proportion of your readers who can afford them?

Andree D.

First, thank you for reading the automotive section. It is important to specify that the objective of the test bench is to introduce you to the latest innovations in the automotive industry. That said, in recent weeks there has been talk, admittedly, of Rolls-Royce and Hummer, but also of Nissan Versa, Dodge Hornet and Subaru Solterra. It is obvious that the price of new vehicles (not just electric ones) is constantly increasing. For example, the Civic’s entry-level model in 2018, the DX, was listed at $16,790. Today, you have to pay $26,685 to acquire it. And to answer the second part of your question, it’s hard to say if this reflects readers’ budgets, but isn’t the car becoming a luxury product again?

For family and friends

Every two months we travel 300 to 700 km from home for four to six days with six other people. Two vehicles are needed to bring all these beautiful people. That said, we only travel 8000 km per year and I regularly tow 3000 lbs. So I’m considering buying a big SUV, which we think won’t have a bigger ecological footprint, but will allow us all to travel together. I’m eyeing a Lincoln Navigator (2018-2019) considering it costs about 50% of the price of a new one. What do you think of my strategy and choice of vehicle? My heart swings between protecting the environment and the pleasure of discovering our country.

Roger B.

Your path is good, but let me suggest two other avenues. You make an average of six trips per year and you already seem to have a vehicle capable of towing a load of 3000 lbs on a regular basis. First suggestion, why not consider a short-term rental for your getaways? Get a quote from a rental company. This solution could not only be more ecological than yours, but also financially more attractive. The second is to offer you a hybrid Toyota Sienna. This vehicle is more versatile, much more economical at the pump and practically every bit as comfortable as the coveted Navigator. And cheaper too.

Savings at the pump

My vehicle, a 2014 4Runner, maintains a fuel consumption of 12.6 L/100 km according to the trip computer. Most of the time, we are two people who travel, on average, 30,000 km per year. On a weekly basis, that means 350 km of expressways, 30 in Montreal’s potholes and 30 more on gravel roads. I’m looking for fuel economy and comfort on the highway, flexibility for getting around Montreal (where batteries can make a difference) and room for luggage and height for the campaign ! I would like a reliable electric car for eight to ten years without having to worry too much about recharging (say at least 250 km, summer and winter). I’m ready to go hybrid or plug-in hybrid.

Daniel L.

It is still a bit early to address the issue of exemplary reliability over such a long period in the case of an electric vehicle. Several models bear the seal of novelty and the sampling is still far too low. Unless you offer yourself a Hummer SUV, for example, you will not find an electric vehicle on the market offering crossing capabilities equivalent to your 4Runner. Nor such high ground clearance. On the other hand, for autonomy, it is possible. Right now, the Nissan Ariya probably represents the most interesting choice according to your criteria. Its ground clearance is among the highest in the category (185 mm), it is comfortable and its autonomy allows you to reach the targets you have set for yourself. Tesla’s Model Y also deserves your attention for the same reasons. The Subaru Solterra offers a higher ground clearance (210 mm) and a more greedy trunk (seat in place), but its reduced autonomy could represent a brake.

Better access

I would like to change my BMW 230i xDrive convertible. I’m looking for a less noisy vehicle, where I can sit without too much effort (osteoarthritis), with all-wheel drive, soft suspension, sporty look, with a certain comfort and low maintenance costs. I do an average of 12,000 km per year. What do you suggest me? A small or medium SUV, perhaps? I’m not interested in an electric vehicle and would rather not have to wait for it to become available, if that’s possible of course.

Chantal L.

For availability, that remains to be seen in the current context, but here are some food for thought. Why not invite you to take a look at small urban SUVs (what are you going to do with a bigger one)? In this category, you could consider the Subaru Crosstrek (it’s getting a facelift this year), the Toyota Corolla Cross (a hybrid version that doesn’t need to be plugged in is now available) or the Honda HR-V.

sell yourself

I would like to dispose of my vehicle. I live in Montreal and I have no intention of buying another one because of the costs associated with its use. Should I offer it to a merchant or sell it myself?

Youssef F.

Selling your current vehicle to a merchant is child’s play. The transaction is immediate. No worries about paperwork. No complaints to be feared afterwards in terms of the quality of the property sold. On the other hand, this “peace of mind” is paid for. You have to accept a lower price than what you would get if you sold it yourself. Instead, try to resell your vehicle directly to an individual, and you will get a better price, but also some worries: uncertain resale time, obligation to advertise and time to devote to each more or less interested buyer. If you accept the rules of the game, you must, as a seller, make sure to build a solid file and without surprises to earn the trust of potential buyers. So before you even get the classic red and white “For Sale” sign or post an ad. You must gather all the documents useful to a buyer: purchase contract (several examples exist on the internet), warranty and maintenance manual, repair invoices, reminder sheets (if applicable) and so on. right now. Once the documents are in hand, check if the manufacturer’s warranty still covers the vehicle. If this is the case, find out about the conditions for transferring the said guarantee to the future buyer (obtaining the necessary documents or the cost of such a transfer). The buyer will be sensitive to this delicate attention, or at the very least will be able to assess the measures taken to ensure the maintenance of the vehicle. If the car has been in an accident, it is in your interest to inform the buyer.

A dream that can be expensive

I don’t know much about automobiles and would like your advice for my next vehicle. I’ve been thinking about getting a BMW 3 Series sedan for several years. I’m alone, retired, and I drive my car very little. I drive between 8,000 and 10,000 km per year. I’m thinking of a used car, certified by the BMW garage in my area. I wonder about the reliability of this vehicle. Also, would it be better to lease a new vehicle than to buy a used model?

Judith V.

The 3 Series is without a shadow of a doubt one of the brand’s most successful vehicles and one of the most reliable too. It is therefore a good choice. Although more expensive, a certified used car is also a good option, but that does not exempt you from the obligation to have it inspected and to make sure that the maintenance has been carried out correctly. These vehicles marketed by prestigious brands require ongoing maintenance and this is expensive.