Back to the sedan
I plan on returning my 2022 Acura RDX at the end of my lease in 2024. Since I no longer need an SUV, I’m looking at a hybrid family sedan. There aren’t many choices! What would you recommend?
Michel H.
Indeed, there are few. You might consider the Toyota Camry or the Honda Accord. Both are offered with hybrid powertrains. If you are looking for a more spacious vehicle, the Toyota Crown is also an option to consider.
Another choice
PHOTO DAVID ZALUBOWSKI, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Volkswagen Tiguans
We have a 2017 Acura MDX Navi with 120,000 km on it. We liked the vehicle despite the lack of technological accessories (Apple CarPlay). And there is Acura’s after-sales service which is not very pleasant. We are looking for a new vehicle capable of accommodating our family, and sometimes friends of the children who are added. We are hesitant to go with a 2024 Tiguan with a third row. Are there other recommendations in your opinion to consider? We are thinking of renting for three or four years, the time to find an electric vehicle afterwards.
Moe Q.
The Tiguan is an option, indeed, but you might also consider Mitsubishi’s Outlander.
Review your mobility needs
PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Communauto vehicles
I have a 2010 Honda Civic that I bought new. It works great, but I need to consider replacing it soon. I am a single mother with three children, two of whom are in booster seats. I also work from home 95% of the time. What car do you recommend? And should I go for a used or new vehicle?
Annie R.
What if, if the service is available in your area, you opted for a car-sharing formula (like Communauto), for example? Do the math based on your current usage. It seems rather limited, so a used vehicle is probably the best option, provided that reliability is at the top of your criteria. You could turn to safe bets (Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla), but they are often offered at exorbitant prices. If you still want a compact sedan like your Civic, we suggest the Mitsubishi Lancer. Not very technically advanced, but reliable and with a 10-year warranty on the powertrain.
Hesitations and fears
PHOTO PROVIDED BY VOLVO
The Volvo XC40 Recharge
I have a Volvo XC40 on lease that will end in July 2025, with 26,000 km on the odometer. The buyback value will be $34,000, taxes included. I love it, it is reliable, safe, and these are my priorities. I wonder if it would be advantageous for me to buy it without an extended warranty since it is very expensive. Or should I put it back and go with another product? An electric one perhaps? My question is that if one day I want to resell my Volvo XC40, it could be difficult since electrics will be mandatory in a few years, according to what we hear.
Louise H.
The overall reliability of the XC40 is average, nothing more. As is the case with the vast majority of luxury brand products, the cost of use (parts and maintenance) is high. As a reminder, this vehicle comes with a basic warranty of 4 years/80,000 km. If you are thinking of buying it, make sure to have it inspected before concluding this transaction. An extended warranty would be desirable here. Know that the price of this one is negotiable. If you ever hand over the keys, you can indeed turn to an electric vehicle. The XC40 is also offered with this engine, so you will be able to find the attributes of your current vehicle. If you want a vehicle of an equivalent size, but powered by a hybrid engine, we suggest you take a look at the Lexus UX. As for the fear of reselling a gasoline vehicle, there is no need to worry. Electric vehicles will not be mandatory. The government’s wishes will only prohibit the sale of new gasoline vehicles from 2035. Several things are likely to change between now and then.