Our collaborator answers readers’ questions.
Time for change
My lease contract for my 2021 GLA will end in December. It has 48,000 km. I like it, but I preferred my last two B250s. Unfortunately, this model is no longer sold in Canada. I love sitting high with good visibility. I want a four-wheel drive car. I want a system that allows me to connect my iPhone to Apple CarPlay wirelessly, which I don’t have in my GLA. However, I only have 68 inches of headroom to fit my car into my garage. What do you suggest? I’m considering a Lexus UX h or a Toyota Bz4x for the Toyota reliability and durability. In fact, I could keep my next car longer considering that I do 15,000 km per year. Otherwise, a Cadillac XT4? A CX-50? Otherwise, maybe a new GLA, but since the interest rate hike, it’s becoming a lot more expensive, so I’ll have to watch for promotions and rate discounts. I am open to any suggestions.
J.-F. C.
So this is a good time to say goodbye. Considering your constraints (space), the Lexus UX h appears to be the most pragmatic and reliable choice. The other models are more massive. Rather than looking at the CX-50, why not take a look at the CX-30, which is more compact and more economical at the pump? This model could represent an interesting alternative to the luxury brands you are considering.
The pleasure of driving
PHOTO PROVIDED BY VOLKSWAGEN
Jetta GLI
I like driving German cars, but since my income is modest, I have always limited myself to Volkswagens. I’ve had some rustic ones (Golf 1986/1989), some great ones (Jetta 1.8T 2003, Jetta Wolfsburg 1992), some cute ones (Rabbit/Golf 2008) and some “rotten ones” (Jetta 1996 and 2000). I now drive a 2018 Golf. Fun to drive. Of course, the turbo was changed because the wastegate stuck. I would like to spoil myself with more luxury. Should I go for a Jetta GLI or an Audi A3 Komfort?
RR
Please note that the A3 will soon be subject to an upgrade (especially aesthetic). A complete test bench of this model will be published on our screens in the coming weeks. It is indeed a more refined model than the GLI, but this one has, for yet another year, the privilege of being associated with a manual transmission. Which hasn’t been the case with the Audi for some time now. Don’t forget either that a luxury vehicle requires more ongoing, more rigorous maintenance. If your income is more modest, the GLI seems like a more logical choice. In the same price range, we suggest you pay particular attention to the WRX (with manual transmission) from Subaru.
The break-in
PHOTO PROVIDED BY HYUNDAI
Hyundai Santa Fe
I always read your columns with interest. I just purchased a Hyundai 2023 Santa Fe Ultimate Calligraphy. The main reason is to be able to tow a small Helio trailer which weighs 1550 lbs empty. With our 2018 Mazda CX5, we were limited to 2000 lbs. The Santa Fe pulls 3500 lbs. Is there a suggested or mandatory break-in period before starting to tow our Hélio trailer with the Santa Fe?
Johanne P.
THANKS. Our safest recommendation: travel 1000 to 1500 km before using all the resources of your new acquisition. Just to make sure everything is swimming in oil.
Looking towards Asia
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MAZDA CANADA
Mazda CX-30
I need to decide whether to buy my Mercedes A250 4m Hatch when its lease ends in October 2024 (year 2020, lease $30,042 for 45 months, 45,000 km, residual $21,172). It only has 25,000 km. I like the car, but I find it a little low and I find the space for passengers tight. I wonder about its long term reliability and maintenance costs if I keep it. I have always driven European cars and appreciated their quality. I cannot consider an electric car because of the distance (200 km) to the countryside and the lack of infrastructure. I don’t drive much, but I need an all-wheel drive car for snowy country roads. It needs to be sturdy for the highway, but small for the tight space in my garage in the city (especially the width). It must have a powerful engine, but run on regular gasoline […]. What do you think of the Mazda CX-30? Or is there another car that meets my criteria? Or should I keep my Mercedes given the low mileage and sell it later?
Catherine E.
Why not sell your current vehicle yourself and then opt for a Mazda CX-30 or a Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness? Two good choices and sold at a better price (purchase and maintenance) than your current Mercedes.