The automobile in question | The Press

Our collaborator answers questions from readers

Eric LeFrancois
special cooperation

A ton of questions

I am a 71 year old female. I live alone, my spouse is in residence and has mobility problems. I own a 2014 Toyota Corolla that has 93,000 km on the clock. Excellent car, but its paintwork is horribly in bad shape. Since I have to travel regularly for medical appointments, my car is too low for my husband. I’m thinking of changing it. Here are my questions: Should I invest in paint for my car (I already have a buyer)? Should I buy or lease an SUV? If yes which ? My heart goes out to the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid or the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. If I buy, is it a good idea to pay cash? My financial advisor tells me to negotiate an interest rate of less than 2%, it’s difficult with the interest rates going up.

PM

Repainting your vehicle will not raise its ground clearance… In the circumstances, it is better to consider replacing it. That said, you say you have a buyer, but then what are you going to do? The Corolla Cross hybrid will not enter the market until the fall, while the Subaru Crosstrek hybrid is released in dribs and drabs. Either way, you might have to wait. As for the two vehicles of your choice, it is useful to remember that they are rechargeable hybrids. Do you have a home installation? Charging stations in your area? You must consider these aspects, otherwise you will not benefit from getting one of these vehicles. You should also know that this product from Subaru will be getting a major overhaul in the coming months. Never mind, Corolla Cross and Crosstrek are good products. As for the financial aspect, your financial adviser is very attentive, but alas, her recommendation does not reflect the market trend, as you have been able to observe. If you have the financial resources and considering your choices (Subaru and Toyota) reputed to be reliable, a cash purchase is the best solution.

Coming soon ?

I ordered a Volkswagen ID.4 in December 2021. Do you have an idea of ​​when these vehicles will arrive in Quebec?

Andrew D.

In the current context, it is impossible to say when your ID.4 – and this applies to all other vehicles – will be delivered to you. In recent months, much has been said about the shortage of microprocessors, but there is more. Manufacturers are also experiencing problems with the supply of raw materials and logistics (transport). That said, you are probably aware that ID.4s destined for North America will now be produced in the United States, which, in theory, should reduce the waiting time. Volkswagen’s Canadian management should know, shortly, its ID.4 allocations for the next year.

Dull logos

Would you mind telling me what got into car manufacturers to change the logo of Toyota, Audi, Mercedes and probably other brands? […] I hope we will go back to the old logo. A black car with the black name and logo is dark for a long time and looks a bit like a hearse.

Andree R.

Welcome to the era of flat design (flat design), popular trend in the digital world. Several brands have already adopted it, because it embodies simplicity, transparency, modernity and, above all, adapts more easily to manufacturers’ communications on social networks. But all is not lost for you who probably liked bright colors, reliefs and light effects. Some giants of the digital world are considering abandoning this aesthetic.

Not immediately

I want to buy an electric vehicle. My options, a Polestar 2 or a Ford Mustang Mach-E. However, I want to tow it behind my RV. Which of the two allows it? This will help me make my choice.

Michael G.

At the risk of hurting you, no electric vehicle currently on the market can be towed free-wheel or on a tow dolly (dolly), otherwise the vehicle could be damaged. Currently, only the Rivian brand authorizes this type of towing for its products. All other manufacturers recommend the use of a flatbed truck (flat bed) to move an electric vehicle.