The automobile in question | The Press

Our collaborator answers questions from readers

family matter

We are a family of four with two teenagers. We currently have a 100% electric 2020 Hyundai Ioniq and a Kia Rondo that is now over 10 years old. We would like to replace the Rondo with a new hybrid or 100% electric family car. It would be an SUV of comparable size to the Rondo or, at least, a vehicle with a higher seat and a good value for money. Our budget is not unlimited. We will use this car to get to work, but also for long distance trips with the family.

Isabella H.

Since you seem to have a soft spot for South Korean vehicles, you could consider the Ioniq 5/Kia EV6 (electric) or Tucson/Sportage (plug-in hybrid) duos. Also worth considering is the future Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (plug-in hybrid). But since your budget is not unlimited, you could also consider a used vehicle of the same category, given the overall limited use you make of it.

An interview question

I own a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox with only 70,000 km. I really like this vehicle and it is still immaculate. The timing belt broke recently. Replacement cost: $1500. Given the high resale value of the vehicles, should I part with them? Is it a lemon or bad luck?

Daniel G.

Neither a lemon nor bad luck, but rather a question of maintenance. The market value of used vehicles has been falling steadily for a few months, so we can no longer speak of “high value” these days. If your vehicle is in immaculate condition, it is better to keep it and ensure that it is properly maintained.

Moderate your transport

We have a 2012 Prius V with 170,000 km in perfect condition. We are hesitating between keeping it for a few more years or replacing it in order to take advantage of the current replacement values. However, we cannot find an equivalent that meets our needs. We thought of the Toyota Crown hybrid, but ideally we would have liked a plug-in model. We already have an all-electric 2018 Leaf, so we would like a model that would allow us more range for longer trips, which the Prius V currently gives us with its fuel-efficient hybrid engine, while offering us loading and a higher ride on the road than the Leaf. What do you suggest to us?

Julie R.

The price of used vehicles is gradually deflating and the potential gains are no longer as high as a few months ago. That said, if your vehicle is in perfect condition and meets your needs, why not keep it? This too is an ecological choice. The Crown is a more massive and even more expensive vehicle than your current Prius V and its equivalent, at Toyota, would rather be the Corolla Cross hybrid, but this one is not pluggable.

To think outside the box

I’m thinking of buying a used SUV. I regularly go to the forest for outdoor activities and was thinking of a Subaru Forester with around 20,000 km on the clock. In your opinion, is it a good choice of acquisition (reliability and long-term maintenance costs)?

Yves D.

The Forester offers above-average ground clearance in its class. Therefore, on this aspect, it seems like a sensible choice for your outdoor activities. As for reliability and maintenance costs, this Subaru ranks above average. A good choice, then.