Expert advice | The automobile in questions

Our contributor answers readers’ questions

Durability and good price

I’m thinking about replacing my very old Chevrolet Cobalt, which will be 13 years old next fall. I already had a Toyota Tercel for 11 years, then a Mazda Protegé 5 for 12 years. As you see, I keep my cars as long as possible. I’m looking at a Toyota Corolla (five doors) or a Mazda 3 Sport (five doors). I mainly want reliability, extras are not important to me. My budget is $30,000 maximum with taxes.

Cécile H.

Two excellent choices. According to several consumer associations, the Toyota has a slight advantage in terms of reliability and fuel consumption (6.8 L/100 km compared to 7.6 L/100 km for the Mazda). On the other hand, the Mazda turns out to be more pleasant to drive and, in certain respects, also more rewarding to own (finish, quality of materials). That said, both retail for just over $30,000 if you factor in all costs (shipping, PDI, taxes, and more). According to calculations made a few days ago on the sites of these two manufacturers, a base Corolla Hatchback will cost you $30,878.26. You’ll have to pay an extra $960.62 to get a Mazda 3 Sport GX.

Know how to resist temptation

I’ve had a Toyota Prius Prime for seven years, which I still love very much and which only has 74,000 km, since it was stored for five months each winter. Despite this, I am still tempted by a 100% electric car. However, I would like a range seriously approaching 600 km. So what would be my best purchase, considering I will most likely have to drive to Florida every year?

Bernard L.

A real range of 600 km? For this, you will still have to wait a little before making this dream come true at a reasonable price. On the other hand, Tesla’s Model 3 (long range or long range) promises, according to Natural Resources Canada, a range of 549 km. Is this enough for you? One thing is certain, your current vehicle (Prius Prime) still has several years of service to offer you. It’s also ecological not to change.

Time to think

I have a 2013 CRV with 334,000 km purchased new with which I only had to diligently perform the recommended maintenance. It seems to me that the time has come to change my vehicle, although my mechanic estimates that it can still be driven for a good 50,000 km. I no longer need such a large vehicle, but I want to keep the SUV format that I really like. I’m considering a hybrid or electric car. I now do around 20,000 to 25,000 km per year, mainly in town and on highways when there are no traffic jams. I am tempted by a vehicle that is a little more luxurious, but above all reliable. I have always purchased my cars, but I might also consider leasing.

Suzanne A.

Your mechanic’s prognosis therefore gives you some time to think about your next purchase. Taking your criteria into account, several fully electric vehicles could meet your expectations. We are thinking in particular of the Volvo EX30, the Chevrolet Equinox EV or the Hyundai Kona EV. The only problem is new models whose reliability has not yet been tested. But you can afford to wait a little longer. As for hybrids (plug-in or not), the Lexus UX represents a choice to consider (luxury and reliability).

Too extreme?

I have a Volvo XC40 on lease, which ends in 2025. Given the expensive maintenance costs of this brand, I will not keep the vehicle at the end of the lease. I am looking for a vehicle to buy that has the following qualities: all-wheel drive with off-road capability, driving pleasure and above all recognized reliability. I would like to keep the vehicle for at least 10 years and I no longer want to have an SUV format. The Subaru Outback Wilderness calls out to me. Would you recommend it, especially in terms of reliability?

Nicholas G.

The reliability of the Outback is average for its class, nothing more. Note that the most frequent problems affect electronics (the infotainment system, in particular). Nevertheless, it is a good vehicle that meets your criteria. If you’re thinking of keeping it for a very long time, it might be wise to consider an extended warranty. Although attractive and more muscular (higher towing capacity and increased ground clearance), is the Wilderness version really necessary if your expectations were until now met by an XC40? The Onyx version appears more homogeneous, costs less, consumes more efficiently and is mechanically simpler.