Q. I have a 2012 BMW 128 that I want to change to an electric vehicle. I would like a vehicle that is as fun to drive, but more comfortable. What do you recommend to me? Is it better to wait or book an upcoming vehicle, like the BMW i4?
– Amélie B.
R. If the i4 (from $ 54,990) fits your budget, it’s dynamically pure BMW. More massive (heavier too) and based on a longer wheelbase and wider tracks than those of your current vehicle, it will prove to be more comfortable.
BEFORE OR AFTER WINTER
PHOTO DAVID BOILY, PRESS ARCHIVES
Ideally, it is best not to keep the fuel tank level low.
Q. I am storing my wife’s vehicle for the winter season. Is it better to leave the gas tank full or low? Should the oil change be done for storage or when leaving the vehicle in the spring?
– Claude
R. It is best to fill the gas tank (ideally with premium gasoline) to prevent mold and to dilute chemical contaminants. You should also consider a gasoline stabilizer. As for the oil change, it must be done before storage in the fall.
WE CONNECT
Q. I have a fully paid 2014 Volkswagen Jetta, but I am considering switching it to an electric car due to the price of gasoline. I often take the A30 bridge and work 20 km from home. I love my Jetta, but I am starting to find that I am sitting too low. Do you have any advice for me? Should I buy or rent?
– Émilie M.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MAZDA
Mazda MX-30
R. If you drive so few miles and have access to a charging station, you should consider the Mazda MX-30. Even more when it is offered with a range extender (marketing planned for the next year) for your longer trips. Ideally, it is better to rent your electric vehicle.
SUBARU AND COMPANY
Q. I live in the Laurentians. For 10 years, I have owned a 2012 Subaru Outback (170,000 km on the clock). During the next year, we would like to change vehicle for an electric or hybrid model. We really liked this vehicle both for its winter driving and for its interior storage space. Apart from the usual maintenance, this vehicle has never caused us any major problems. Unfortunately, Subaru does not offer an equivalent hybrid or electric model. I have the option of waiting another two or three years, which worries me a bit. I cannot find the equivalent elsewhere. I would like your opinion on whether it is reasonable to keep it for a few more years or what would be the best possible options. We are active retirees and our budget is at most $ 50,000. Thank you !
– Philippe L.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY SUBARU
Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
R. First, Subaru offers a plug-in hybrid version of its Crosstrek. This one, on the other hand, is not as spacious as your current Outback. That said, Subaru will add its first fully electric vehicle to its catalog over the next few months (released in late spring or summer) called Soleterra. The equivalent elsewhere? On the electric vehicle side, you might be interested in the Volkswagen ID.4, the Nissan Ariya (released in spring 2022) or even the Ioniq 5 / Kia EV6 duo, considering your budget, once the subsidies deducted. As for plug-in hybrids, you could naturally think of the Toyota RAV4 Prime, the future Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (released in spring 2022) or the South Korean duo Hyundai Santa Fe / Kia Sorento. Finally, as long as your vehicle is properly maintained, there is no problem keeping it for a few more years.