Expert advice | The automobile in question: a habit to lose?

Q. I own a 2019 Lexus NX that has 44,025 km on the odometer. I have a four-year lease and need to change my vehicle in September 2022. Is it better to buy or lease? I usually change my vehicle every 36 months. But since I am retired, I drive about 18,000 km per year. I am considering leasing a RAV4 from Toyota. Is it a good choice ? What do you recommend ?

– Maurice S.

Eric LeFrançois
Special collaboration

R. Why do you have to change it? This vehicle has not reached one-sixth of its useful life and is a reliable vehicle. As long as it is well maintained, of course. Also, if only for environmental reasons, you should reconsider the idea of ​​disposing of your current vehicle given your use of it. Your choice. If you keep this habit of changing your vehicle every three years, it is better to rent. That said, the RAV4 is a good vehicle, especially if you consider the hybrid versions. You could also perhaps consider the future Honda CR-V, the Hyundai Tucson or the Mitsubishi Outlander.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Q. I have a 2018 Ford Escape sport with 60,000 km on the clock which rental ends in August 2022. I have no problem with the vehicle, except for some discomfort with the seats, the seating of which is too short. I have different scenarios in mind, all at Ford: renting an Escape 2022 hybrid or an Edge 2022, or buying a 2020 Edge with 14,000 km odometer for $ 34,000 before taxes. I could also keep my Escape by spending $ 14,000 and try to correct my discomfort. I intend to convert to an electric car in the future, but currently I find the range too low.

– Richard F.

R. What solution do you have in mind for the seats? All your choices are defended, but the current Escape’s seating is not much better than that of the vehicle you already own. On this subject, a test bench will be devoted next week to the Escape plug-in hybrid. Therefore, an Edge appears more appropriate. New or used? To see according to the accessories you are looking for and the available offer. Finally, considering that the electric vehicle offers a range that is too “low” in our opinion deserves a second look. Given the mileage you cover annually, the ability to recharge at your home and the development of infrastructure, several current vehicles are likely to ensure your personal mobility.

THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH

Q. We recently heard about a new all-electric Toyota. Some dealers expect it to arrive in December and others in June. What exactly is it?

– René D.

R. Toyota’s Canadian management will communicate the characteristics and marketing strategy for this model, dubbed bZ4X. Everything indicates that marketing will begin from December in Europe. The first units intended for North America are expected, according to our information, before the start of the summer season. Note that the bZ4X is the result of a collaboration with Subaru which will market, for its part, its own version, under the name Solterra. This model is also expected in the summer of 2022.

IT’S A YES !

Q. I plan to purchase the 2016 RAV4 Limited which I leased in 2017. The lease expires in June 2022, and I was wondering if I could ask the dealer to do a check before the extended warranty ends.

– Guy B.

R. Absolutely essential. To ensure your peace of mind and make an informed decision, it is imperative to obtain a detailed mechanical assessment of your vehicle. Did you know that your dealer will cash this service? But it’s worth it.