Expert advice | The car in question

Our collaborator answers questions from readers

Eric LeFrancois
special cooperation

One last time at the pump

I am 76 years old and I intend to buy the last new petrol car of my life. I want it big enough for my golf bag, most fuel efficient (I don’t need power anymore!), high enough for my old back and knees. As I live in town, I would like a four-wheel drive car; I don’t feel like taking the shovel out. What do you suggest me as a reliable car for the next 10 years? Budget of $35,000 including taxes.

C.Samson

For that amount, you could consider a sedan like the Subaru Legacy in its “convenience” version that fits your budget ($32,575.87). The question is whether it is “high enough” for your needs. Why not check it out and take a look at the basic Forester? The latter, however, exceeds your budget by a few hundred dollars (taxes always included). Other choices you might consider include more compact vehicles (how big is your golf bag?) like the Hyundai Kona, Subaru Crosstrek, Kia Seltos or even the future Honda HR-V. The Corolla Cross should also be on your list, but in its LE (AWD) configuration. The latter, like the Forester, slightly exceeds ($521) your budget.

We keep, please

I own a 2012 Subaru Impreza hatchback with less than 45,000 km on the odometer. I know, we don’t drive much! It is in excellent condition, but since it will be 10 years old, I wonder if I should think about changing it. I’m used to buying my cars and keeping them for a long time. I would prefer a hybrid car and not a fully electric one, as we only have a vehicle for two people. Can you suggest a hybrid SUV model? I like Subaru, Toyota and Honda.

Helen G.

And why change it? It is, you say, in remarkable condition and you cover less than 5000 km per year. Keep your vehicle in good shape for a few more years since it will take you decades, in your case, to recover the savings promised by these green mechanics.

Beautiful, good, cheap

I have to buy a car soon and I have a small budget. With the price of gasoline, consumption per liter becomes more important than just the purchase price. With the Chevrolet Spark ending production this year, which car has the best value? I have the impression that the choice will be between the Nissan Versa, the Mitsubishi Mirage, the Kia Rio or the Toyota Corolla.

Loic L.

If your choice must stop on one of these four vehicles, the Corolla is by far the most interesting. It is not the most economical at the pump, it is true, but it is nevertheless the most spacious, the most comfortable, the most reliable and the easiest to resell. You could also consider the Kia Rio, even if the durability of this model seems threatened.

Two options on the horizon

I have a 2007 Honda Fit bought in 2006. I will have to change it soon, because it has been in need of several repairs for some time. I’m looking for a five-door model and the same dimensions as the Honda Fit, but with all-wheel drive. And ideally hybrid, capable of recharging itself. As you can see, I keep my cars for a long time.

Jocelyne D.-V.

Why not wait for the release of the future Honda HR-V (by the end of spring) or – it is a little more massive – the Corolla Cross hybrid? This one should begin a career at the end of the year.