To visit
I own a 2018 Toyota Corolla LE with 60,000 km. I like it a lot, but a little less when winter comes, because I have family members who live in the mountains. I would like to change it for a Subaru Impreza. Is it a good idea ? I know my car would have a good resale value. A cousin suggested that I get studded tires, would that be a cheaper solution?
Lisa B.
Regarding the winter performance of your vehicle, you write “a little less” when you have to visit certain members of your family. But you still manage to get to your destination, don’t you? Also, how many times a year do you visit them? Your idea of giving yourself an Impreza is good, but by far the most expensive. Considering your mileage and overall satisfaction with your current vehicle, your cousin’s suggestion isn’t bad. Studded tires are a more economical solution and will prove very effective on icy roads. They allow better traction when you have to go up or down a steep slope. On the other hand, you should know that these tires are generally noisier and more expensive. In addition, some public parking lots and many condominiums prohibit these tires. The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) only authorizes driving with studded tires between October 15 and the 1er May inclusive. Outside this period, driving with such tires is therefore prohibited, which is not the case for traditional winter tyres.
No truck, only its functionality
PHOTO PROVIDED BY TOYOTA
Toyota Corolla Cross
Our household has two vehicles: a Tesla Model 3 (about 40,000 km/year) and a 2008 GMC Colorado pickup truck (less than 5,000 km/year). She is in her final years and the purpose of this email is to replace her. We no longer need a new truck for the dozen 2x4s and 4x8s we haul each year. What are our solutions? Our research is not very fruitful at the moment. With our annual mileage, a second mid-size sedan capable of towing a small trailer would allow us to balance the mileage of the two vehicles.
Regis G.
As you have no doubt already noticed, sedans have not flourished on the automobile market for some time. So why not consider a vehicle like the Corolla Cross (a family more than a pure SUV) with its hybrid engine? It can tow a load of 680 kg (1,400 lb) and consumes less than 6 L/100 km on average.
For the city and some getaways
PHOTO PROVIDED BY SUBARU USA
Subaru Crosstrek 2021
I would like to get a hybrid SUV. I mostly do the city, but I also go to the United States several times a year. I drive a 2021 Crosstrek Outdoor that I like, but I want to spoil myself. I don’t really like American products or big brands that have too high maintenance costs. And I wish I didn’t wait two years… Are my criteria unrealistic in today’s market?
Sylvia H.
Apart from its 100% gasoline engine, what is the problem with your 2021 Crosstrek? Your criteria are not unrealistic, but it’s a safe bet that you will have to take a number before being served a brand new vehicle. If you like the features of your current Crosstrek, you might be tempted by the hybrid version that will be released within the next year. Subaru has not yet unveiled it in its North American configuration.
Outsmart burglars
PHOTO JENS SCHLUTER, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE ARCHIVES
Physical keys are increasingly disappearing in favor of electronic systems.
I plan to buy a car using physical keyless access technology soon. With the growing theft crisis in Montreal, what effective measures can I take to thwart the activities of these criminals?
Roger B.
The good news is that there are several ways. The first is probably to install a tracking system and an ignition interlock that cuts off the fuel supply. Then, to chisel the windows and the key parts of the vehicle, including the catalyst. For the latter, you can even consider installing a metal plate to make its extraction more difficult. You can also consider a steering wheel bar that could deter some burglars (difficult to find a buyer for a sawn steering wheel in some networks). You should also, before leaving your vehicle, apply the emergency brake to make it more difficult to tow the vehicle. You should especially consider an anti-theft key box (about thirty dollars). This blocks the signal transmitted by your electronic keys. It should also be added to conceal the identification number of the vehicle which is very often at the base of the windshield to make the task more complicated for burglars.