The $8,641.83 question
I have a 2010 Santa Fe with a manual transmission and 350,000 km. I am thinking about replacing it eventually. The best quality a vehicle can have, in my opinion, is a low cost in general (purchase, maintenance, consumption, insurance). I would be willing to consider a compact for all these reasons, as long as it has a hatchback and adequate cargo volume. Also, I am looking for a vehicle with as few gadgets as possible (camera, sensors, etc.) and, if it still exists, with a manual transmission.
Suzanne D.
The manual transmission has become a rarity these days. As have vehicles without “gadgets,” as you say. It should be noted that among these “gadgets,” some are imposed by government authorities (the rearview camera, for example). Considering operating costs, a compact vehicle in Canada costs, over a five-year period, an average of $8,641.83 per year (gas, registration, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, etc.), according to CAA figures. The average operating cost of a Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic (both available in a five-door configuration) is $7,566.49. For comparison, a Subaru Impreza costs $8,641.83 over this five-year period and a Mazda3 Sport, $8,679.83.
Only SUVs
I need to get rid of my 2009 Toyota Yaris five-door. I would like a model similar to the Yaris. I often come across the Mitsubishi Mirage model. Is it a good choice in this category? Do you have other options to suggest to me?
Carole L.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MITSUBISHI
The Mitsubishi Mirage
Mitsubishi is retiring the Mirage in 2025. This subcompact wasn’t bad in terms of reliability and is protected by a reassuring warranty (10 years/160,000 km). It’s an honest vehicle for short trips, nothing more. Unfortunately, the small car segment is dying out in favor of urban SUVs (Kia Soul and Hyundai Venue), which are more practical and consume the same amount of fuel as your current Yaris (7.6 to 7.8 L/100 km).
A risk to take?
I currently own a 2017 Acura MDX and I am very happy with this model. I am looking for a vehicle with a trunk as big, golfer oblige. I am interested in the Genesis GV80. But I am told that the reliability is not there. My plan is to lease for three years and buy eventually, based on my experience. Could the GV80 be a good option?
Pierre-Paul V.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GENESIS
The Genesis GV80
There are indeed more reliable vehicles on the market than the GV80. Its reliability record is largely tarnished by issues with the suspension, brakes and – as with many manufacturers – the onboard electronics (the infotainment system, mainly). On the other hand, the powertrain (engine and gearbox) is solid and uneventful. Considering the generous warranty (five years), the quality of the after-sales service and your intention to keep the vehicle for only three years, the GV80 could be an option worth considering.
Some pitfalls
I have been driving a Camry since 1998. I am on my second one. Both were purchased used. Seeing the success of the Prime (plug-in hybrid) models of the Prius and RAV4, I wonder why Toyota has not seen fit to offer a Prime plug-in hybrid version of this popular sedan.
Marc B.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY TOYOTA
The Toyota Camry
Toyota is considering it, but several pitfalls remain to be overcome before launching the production of such a model. Among these, we should mainly highlight the supply (batteries), the cost price, without forgetting the difficulties of integrating this technology (plug-in hybrid) without compromising the dynamics (weight) or the functionality (habitable and utility volumes) of the vehicle.