Posted at 11:45 a.m.
A trend or a rare event?
Q: “Our 2015 Tiguan with 140,000 km on the odometer has just failed us. In the fall of 2021 we had to have the engine decarbonized (I’ve never had this problem in 50 years of riding) and now the drive belt has broken and the engine has had a major failure, we are told a dealer. We need to replace the motor. Cost: $10,000. We are advised to send it to scrap given the age of the vehicle. After some research, these issues resulted in class action lawsuits in the United States. Even a mechanic at a Volkswagen dealership told me that’s not unusual. What about in Canada? — Michael V.
A: You will understand, first of all, that it is impossible for me to establish a remote diagnosis. That said, the phenomenon of carbon deposits which leads to decarbonization (or descaling, it depends) of the engine is nothing new or unusual and is generally attributable to the quality of gasoline sold in North America. There are relatively easy ways to check the rate of engine coking. As for the replacement of the timing belt, Volkswagen recommends inspection intervals and replacement every 150,000 km according to the manufacturer’s service manual. As for the dispute, there have been several settlements on Canadian territory and one of them (Tiguan 2014-2018) affects your vehicle. The Superior Court of Quebec authorized the settlement on April 23, 2020. We suggest you contact your dealer.
Better to keep
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MITSUBISHI
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Q: “I leased an Outlander plug-in hybrid for four years after consulting with you. My lease expires in nine months. I was planning to migrate to an all-electric car, but due to the delays, I am considering buying my Outlander, especially since you have already written that from an environmental point of view, it is better to keep the car we have already. Is the Outlander a reliable vehicle after the warranty? —Lyne D.
A: Indeed, it is better to keep it. Moreover, a recent study (2022) by the European NGO Transport & Environment recalls that the production of a new vehicle today generates some 6.7 tonnes of CO2 if equipped with a gasoline engine. With the manufacture of batteries, the balance sheet increases by 4.6 tonnes for an electric car. The Outlander is a reliable vehicle and if the base warranty expires, the powertrain warranty continues for another five years (or 160,000 km).
Accelerate the transition
PHOTO PROVIDED BY HONDA
The 2018 Honda CR-V
Q: “I have a 2018 Honda CR-V with 60,000 km whose lease ends next year. The redemption value will be $14,500. I toy with the idea of buying back my vehicle to resell it for a profit. I am looking at the possibility of ordering a 2023 Chevrolet Equinox EV now. I think that by changing next year, I could take advantage of subsidies, both for the purchase of an electric vehicle and for the installation of a terminal . In addition, I will now save on the cost of gasoline and the costs related to the mechanics of gas-powered vehicles. Is this reasoning valid? Should I consider another electric vehicle? I don’t need a vehicle as big as the CR-V. —Carole C.
A: If you don’t need a vehicle as big as your current CR-V, the Equinox EV won’t be much more compact. If you stay with the Chevrolet brand, you could take a look at the Bolt EUV. That said, your reasoning holds. First step, you should place order. Then buy your current vehicle. Finally, synchronize the sale of your CR-V with the arrival of your future electric vehicle.
Know how to wait
PHOTO PROVIDED BY SUBARU
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
Q: “I have a Mazda 3 Sport that is 11 years old and will probably need repairs soon. With two children, I would like to change to a more spacious vehicle. I really like the Subaru Outback and Crosstrek, but also the Mazda CX-5 or CX-30. Reason also dictates that I consider the Toyota Corolla Cross. I am considering switching to a hybrid vehicle, but with the delivery times, I hesitate. In addition, we hear that certain security elements are not available when the vehicle is delivered. As we keep our vehicles for a long time, I find this penalizing in the long term. Having had some money recently, I would be able to buy a new vehicle now, so I find it kind of silly to lease and pay interest. However, a three-year lease would give me time to monitor the reliability of the hybrid versions of the vehicles under consideration and have more choices. What to do ? Buy or rent? —Anne J.
A: Your current vehicle may still have some under the hood, you know. The key to its longevity is — we cannot repeat it enough — regular and preventive maintenance. Is there an emergency? Nope ? So why not book a hybrid or even electric vehicle? Among your choices, it should be noted that the Crosstrek will be completely redesigned next year and that the Outback, for now, only comes alive with gasoline engines. Ditto for the Mazdas. Your idea of a Corolla Cross (a non-plug-in hybrid version is expected in the fall) isn’t bad either. You might also consider the upcoming CX-50 Hybrid (quite similar in size to the coveted CX-5).