For the long term
I am in the process of replacing my vehicle, a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo that I purchased in the first quarter of 2015. The vehicle had 80,000 km on it and now has 315,000 km on the odometer. I loved this vehicle: comfort, safety in all conditions and towing capacity. On the other hand, he is a bit greedy! I keep my vehicles for a long time and I take care of their maintenance. My heart is torn between the Mazda CX-50 (no turbo) or the Subaru Outback, a used 2022 with more or less 40,000 km.
Robert T.
Prudence dictates that you opt for the Outback rather than the CX-50. The reason being that 2022 marked the first year this model was on the market and its reliability record remains relatively clean. The Outback, for its part, was remodeled in 2020. That said, in the case of the Subaru it is important to pay particular attention to the infotainment system and to favor, like the CX-50, atmospheric mechanics and not turbocharged. The Outback offers greater ride comfort than the Mazda and more spacious cargo volume. On the other hand, the CX-50 is more pleasant to drive although the naturally aspirated engine, like that of the Subaru, does not spark (pure performance).
More economical, more ecological
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MAZDA
Mazda MX-30
I need to change my 2011 Honda CR-V four-wheel drive with about 147,000 km on the clock. This vehicle drives in town 90% of the time and, despite its reliability, it is not very economical when it comes to gasoline. This is a vehicle used for work and provided by the employer. I am being asked to change it for a more “ecological” used vehicle, read here electric or hybrid and from 2020 or more recent. The allocated budget is ideally $30,000, but it could go as high as $40,000. The vehicle is mainly used for traveling within the municipality, for patrolling and field inspections. Economy, comfort, reliability and storage space are among the selection criteria. Since I often have to get out of the vehicle and get in, I would like it to have dimensions similar to those of the current CR-V (seating access). What do you recommend ?
R.J.
An electric vehicle appears without a shadow of a doubt the best choice. The temptation is great to invite you to discover the Mazda MX-30. This fully electric model does not have very long autonomy, of course, but your vehicle is intended primarily for urban use. Since the greater metropolitan area has many charging stations, this vehicle could potentially satisfy you, and at a very good price (you could get a brand new one). It’s smaller than your current vehicle (think HR-V), but it’ll be more agile and easier to park. In addition, its raised driving position as well as its ground clearance will facilitate access and exit. We also strongly suggest you consider the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Hyundai Kona EV, and Kia Soul EV, three proven vehicles that offer significantly greater range than the MX-30.
The key to the enigma
PHOTO DAVID BOILY, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
The general condition of the vehicle should be examined when purchasing a used vehicle.
I wonder, for a vehicle, is it better to pay less, but with high mileage ($42,000/55,000 km) or more expensive with low mileage ($44,500/19,000 km)?
Stéphane L.
In your situation, it is not so much the mileage that matters, but the general condition of the vehicle and its maintenance. Your decision should be based on these criteria and following a complete mechanical inspection. Yes, even with such low mileage.
False worry
PHOTO PROVIDED BY HONDA
2008 Honda CR-V
I am the proud owner of a 2008 Honda CR-V that I purchased new in the fall of 2007. Other than normal maintenance, this vehicle has caused me almost no problems during these years. Considering the cost of current vehicles, as well as the fact that mine continues to cost me next to nothing, I would like to keep it for three more years. Should I be concerned about the availability of Honda Genuine Parts? And on the secondary market for Chinese replicas or among scrap dealers, does this still exist for such a 17-year-old vehicle?
Marc-André L.
There is no worry. At this stage you will have more problems obtaining certain fittings (new original parts) such as a console, carpet, but mechanically, no problem.