Expert advice | The automobile in question: all-purpose tipper

Q. I would like to buy an SUV, my criteria are: fuel economy, driving pleasure and towing capacity. I’m looking at the 2022 models, either the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson or Santa Cruz (pickup) and Nissan Rogue.

—Simon D.

Eric LeFrancois
special cooperation

R. All your choices are defensible, but you should add the future Ford Maverick to your list because of the presence, as standard, of hybrid mechanics, its versatility (it’s a compact pickup truck) and its very low starting price. competitive. You could also consider the Santa Cruz, whose level of equipment justifies the higher price.

FOR RETIREMENT

Q. We live in the Laurentians and will both be retiring next spring. We want to buy a plug-in hybrid four-wheel drive SUV that will offer us good handling on winding roads (and especially in winter), good comfort, with several standard accessories. Our budget varies from $40,000 to $50,000, taxes included. We want to keep this vehicle for a minimum of 10 years. Our favorite models so far are: Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, Hyundai Tucson and Ford Escape. What is your opinion on the best quality/price choice, durability, performance, comfort and warranty?

– Laurent and Danielle

R. Good choices, with the possible exception of the Forester, which isn’t offered in a plug-in hybrid configuration. Only the Crosstrek is from Subaru. The RAV4 is interesting because of its reliability, robustness and residual value, but many readers criticize it for poor soundproofing and limited availability (delivery times are long). Ditto for the Ford Escape. The Tucson plug-in hybrid, for its part, will enter the market a little later. Its performance is promising despite an electric range that promises to be less than that of the Escape or the RAV4 Prime. On the other hand, the Hyundai warranty is reassuring and the level of equipment, raised for the amount requested. Now, let’s recap. Depending on your criteria, the RAV4 Prime appears to be the most homogeneous.

GOODBYE

Q. I need to change my 1997 Honda Civic, which has only 125,000 km on the odometer, but is starting to rust. It’s normal after all this time, even if it’s in a garage. As you can see, I don’t ride a lot. I was thinking of getting a Toyota Yaris. What do you think ? Or a Kia? I want a five-door car! Do you recommend a new or used car? Or a Yaris with two or three years of wear?

– Danielle L.

R. Considering your annual mileage and usage, choosing a used Yaris makes sense. You could also think, still on the second-hand market, of a Honda Fit or the Kia Rio/Hyundai Accent duo. The latter do not have the same aura as the Honda and Toyota, but they have the merit of offering a more generous warranty that you could always take advantage of.

PROTECTION WITHOUT ROOF

Q. I want to buy a 2017 BMW 2 Series Convertible with 45,000 km and expired warranty. I was offered a four year warranty at the BMW dealership for $5375 plus tax. This excludes the retractable roof. It’s worth it ?

– Francis O.

R. With or without protection for the roof mechanism, the price is ridiculously high. Better to pass your turn, especially since this Series 2 is among the most reliable vehicles of the brand. That said, be sure before entering into such a transaction to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified technician and to verify that it has been properly maintained.