Posted at 11:45 a.m.
time for change
Q: I own a 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer four wheel drive and I’m very happy with it, I’ve had no problems. I plan to give it to my daughter next year so she has a safe car. However, I have every intention of buying a car, but I am very undecided about the choice. Could you guide me to an equivalent (not electric however) to the Lancer? I was thinking of a Subaru or a Mazda.
– Joanne T.
A: You have many options, but the most logical and financially attractive would be the Subaru Impreza. A robust, intelligently designed car. If, however, you are looking for a vehicle that offers superior driving pleasure and a sleeker interior presentation, you could consider the Mazda3.
As square as possible
PHOTO ARCHIVES PRESS
Land Rover LR4
Q: We are looking for a used SUV to replace our 2006 Nissan X-Trail 4×4 manual. My spouse has a holy horror of the curved lines of new vehicles and would still like a 4 x 4 vehicle with manual transmission, which is rare on the market. It looks on the side of the Land Rover LR4 with its boxy design, but is described as having guzzling gas mileage and poor reliability. Is it a good choice or do you have any suggestions for a manual transmission model with this type of design?
– Nadine A.
A: The temptation is undoubtedly very great (LR4), but please resist. Consumption is indeed very high (more than double that of your current X-Trail) and reliability is problematic (particularly air suspension). And this vehicle is not offered with a manual transmission. In your situation, the best option right now is Toyota’s 4Runner. Deliciously rustic, incredibly endearing, reliable and above all with an extraordinary residual value.
An expense, not an investment
PHOTO DAVID BOILY, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
A Chevy Volt
Q: I have leased a Chevrolet Volt LT since June 28, 2019 with a 60 month contract financed at 3.9% and an authorized mileage of 100,000 km. I am very satisfied with this vehicle so far. No problems occurred, apart from a few adjustments free of charge. The annual operating cost is limited to $700 per year ($300 in gasoline and $400 in electricity) for 16,000 km. At the end of next November, I’m going to recover some money following a real estate transaction and I’m thinking of buying the car (19 months before term) for the sum of $18,000. The vehicle will then have covered approximately 55,000 km. I intended to resell it myself in time and place. Is this a good decision to make?
– JY A
A: A good decision to keep it, yes, but why do you want to move up its acquisition? A car is an expense (very rarely an investment), so why use the money from your real estate transaction to get it faster? Where is the urgency? You do not risk reaching the mileage limit before the deadline. Especially since you say you want to keep it for a while to sell it yourself. Why not go to the end of your lease? At this point, you will make the decision to buy it or not by considering whether this vehicle still meets your needs and expectations.
Has the time come?
PHOTO PROVIDED BY VOLKSWAGEN
The Volkswagen ID. 4
Q: My 2009 Mini is getting old, but it still drives. I will eventually replace it with an electric car, but given the delay in orders, I wonder if I should already reserve the model I want (ID.4). I fear that I will end up in a situation where my Mini will give up the ghost (or the cost of a repair will no longer be worth it) and where I will have to wait forever to get the electric car.
– Frederic O.
A: The current situation (waiting period) should continue until fall 2023, it would be wise to put your name on a list. Good news for you, the ID.4 will now be assembled in the United States and the Canadian management of Volkswagen is hopeful of getting their hands on an increased number of copies.