The automobile in question | The Press

Our collaborator answers questions from readers

Eric LeFrancois
special collaboration

Inflation

I will be purchasing my 2019 Volvo S60 Momentum AWD T6 (currently 27,000 km on the clock) at the end of my lease contract, in March 2023. The purchase price mentioned in the contract is $31,668. I am very satisfied with this car and consider its price attractive given the current market. Should I opt for an extended warranty, especially given the multiple electronic components of this vehicle? The price for an additional four-year extended warranty offered by Volvo is $6,171 plus tax.

Suzanne G.

Compared to vehicles in the same category, the reliability of the S60 is slightly below average. It should be noted that in 2019, this model underwent a complete overhaul. That said, $6171 (plus tax) is a substantial sum, to say the least. Our recommendation: take advantage of the upturn in the second-hand market to sell it yourself and rent another one if you enjoyed driving it.

“It Fit” more

I have a 2015 Honda Fit that I love. It only has 50,000 km on the clock and my plan is to keep it for several more years (5 to 10 years if possible). My question: can we hope that in a horizon of 5 to 10 years, Honda will again market a similar car? I was greatly saddened by Honda’s decision to stop building the Fit. This car is so reliable, utilitarian (I can fit two bikes inside it if fitted out correctly) and very economical. Also, since I live in town and it is small, it is very easy to park. I have never regretted this purchase! I’m sure it meets the needs of many people.

Yves L.

You probably know it, but the Fit still exists. She made a career elsewhere in the world under the name of Jazz. The decision to discontinue the importation of this model in North America is explained by its low popularity in the United States (where decisions are generally made) and by consumer appetite for SUVs. Will Honda reconsider its decision? Impossible to say, but for now, the manufacturer only has the HR-V to offer you as a consolation prize.

good advice

I have a Nissan Rogue bought new in 2011 with 80,000 km on the clock. It works super well and is impeccable (bodywork). I changed the brakes for the first time in the summer. I would like to change my car for a new car with four-wheel drive. What do you suggest me? They tell me to keep it, but I want to spoil myself since I keep my cars for a long time.

Guylaine L.

Your entourage is good advice. You should indeed keep it. But the final decision is yours. If your intention is to get a vehicle of the same size (the Rogue has grown a lot since 2011), we suggest you take a look at the Subaru Crosstrek, the Volkswagen Taos, the Mazda CX-30 and the Toyota Corolla Cross. Note that the Crosstrek will undergo a complete overhaul in the coming months.

Subaru for life?

Thank you for your very informative report on the Outback. I have a 2012 model (3.6R) which I like, especially in the winter. I was thinking of selling it (143,000 km) with a 2017 Crosstrek (60,000 km) and getting a new Outback XT. But when I saw it, I was super disappointed with its “lamination”. Really not pretty. It’s the same with the WRX. I really don’t know which vehicle I should consider…

Guy R.

Since you seem won over by the products of this Japanese brand, perhaps you should consider the Forester (with the exception of the Wilderness version) which, for the moment, does not outrageously plaster its bodywork with moldings. Unfortunately, the Forester doesn’t offer the supercharged engine offered on the Outback XT. On the other hand, you will benefit from the same chassis, the same gearbox and substantially the same interior volume, and this, at a better price (purchase and at the pump).