The automobile in question | The Press

Our collaborator answers questions from readers

Eric LeFrancois
special collaboration

Pocket Electric

I have the impression that the manufacturers do not make more than large electric vehicles. I’ve had a Spark EV for four years and it’s our champion in town. My daughter wants to buy the same kind of car. Are there small electric cars for city needs?

Helen P.

If the automakers are to be believed, the SUV is here to stay. And they won’t complain. Alas, by concentrating too much on high-profit models (SUVs in the first place), they have forgotten about inexpensive vehicles. By size, but not by price, only the Mini E and Mazda MX-30 meet your criteria.

Don’t break the bank just yet

Our 2009 Impreza is in excellent condition: paid for $14,000 in 2013, 155,000 km currently on the odometer, two catalysts and braking systems recently changed, new paint (crashes). My wife works at 10 km, we travel just over 5000 km per year. Allergic to debt, we have car savings amounting to $10,000 and our budget would allow us to assume payments of approximately $300 to $400 per month. A childhood friend has always provided me with quality used vehicles and a 2018 Buick Encore AWD is available, A1 condition, 38,000 km for $17,000. However, the advent of electric makes me hesitate: Buick Encore, new electric/hybrid or keep the Impreza?

Luke L.

And why not save some more? Your current vehicle, provided it is well maintained, still has a few years of service (5,000 km per year is not much) to offer you. Moreover, the (sometimes ridiculous) price of used vehicles has started to come down. Better to wait a little longer.

Long live France !

I just came back from a trip to France and I had a rental Citroën C3, spacious and relatively efficient. I really liked this little car. I also noticed the other models from Citroën as well as those from Renault and Peugeot. I believe that there would be a market for these cars in Canada, can we envisage a return of these brands here?

Louis D.

Frankly, no! Peugeot and Citroën gravitate in the Stellantis galaxy, which notably counts on a strong North American representation (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram). As for Renault, it is the ally of Nissan and Mitsubishi. That said, it is not impossible that certain architectures of these French brand vehicles will be offered in Canada, but they will be topped with specific bodies and will defend the colors of brands already established on our market.

Prevention rather than cure

I rent a 2019 Lincoln Nautilus that has 45,000 km on the clock. I intend to purchase the vehicle before the end of the lease. This expires in April 2023 with a redemption value of $28,000. My question is: is it recommended to do a rustproofing treatment or is it superfluous? I intend to keep this vehicle for another two or three years.

John R.

Currently, rust perforation warranties generally cover vehicles for a period of six years. On the other hand, the warranty against surface rust, when there is one, rarely exceeds four years. An anti-rust treatment, but which one? At present, specialized companies offer liquid oil, semi-solid oil, grease, permanent treatment and electronic rustproofing. Each treatment has benefits. Including electronic rustproofing, yet deemed ineffective by some “experts”. The same ones, often, who see no problem in drilling holes to better “circulate” the protective treatment. To avoid. On the one hand, some manufacturers will not hesitate for a second to terminate their warranty. On the other hand, drilling holes in the structure risks both weakening certain components or encouraging rust… That said, without calling into question the effectiveness of the treatments offered on the market, rust always risks , whatever we do, to show up. The problem lies in the application of the products used, which is not always perfectly uniform, in the time of the season and also in the very design of the vehicle (ventilation).