The automobile in question | The Press

Our collaborator answers questions from readers

Eric LeFrancois
special collaboration

Seize the opportunity

I currently have a 2009 Prius with about 330,000 miles that needs several repairs. I really like this reliable and economical car, but spending more to keep it in shape seems unnecessary and selling it shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Two choices interest me: the Corolla Cross hybrid as well as the new version of the Prime 2023. The latter would have a trunk with a better capacity than that of the current generation. However, I may have to wait until 2023 to get one of these two models. I plan to keep my car for ten years. The Prime 2022 is a problem for me because of the size of the trunk while my needs will change as we plan to have children. Would a four- or five-year lease of a 2022 Prime that could be delivered quickly be a good option? And then I could buy a vehicle that more suits my needs in four or five years.

Oliver S.

Toyota should present in the coming weeks a new generation of its Prius. It will probably be marketed from the fall of 2022. However, at the time of writing these lines, nothing suggests that the dimensions of its trunk will be increased. The hybrid Corolla Cross should also arrive in dealerships starting in the fall, but unlike the Prime, it will not have a wire at the wheel (it does not plug in) and will not be eligible for any government subsidies. Now, considering waiting times, the current condition of your vehicle and the availability of a Prius Prime in your area, the best choice would be to opt for the latter.

Have a good trip

We will leave Quebec at the end of November for a trip to Texas and Arizona. Return to Quebec around March 10. Should we leave with winter tires or not? I am renting a 2021 Toyota RAV4 Limited hybrid vehicle. Please enlighten me on the subject.

John F.

The simple answer is without your winter tires. That said, it is important to remember that all motorized road vehicles registered in Quebec (there are a few exceptions) are required to wear 1^er December to March 15. If your return date is “around March 10”, you must obtain an exemption certificate. This certificate is free of charge and the duration of the exemption period is seven days. Four certificates per winter can be granted to you per vehicle.

Residual value

If the market value at the end of the lease of my car is higher than the residual amount indicated in the contract, can the dealer change this amount?

Norman C.

Whether the market value of your vehicle is higher or lower than the amount indicated on your lease agreement, the dealer cannot modify the residual value.

Turn around

We have a 2013 Honda CR-V with 170,000 km and a 2016 Ford Explorer with 44,000 km. Since I retired, we realize that we don’t need two vehicles. We travel an average of 15,000 km per year. Should we sell one of the vehicles or sell both vehicles and get a new one? Or finally, opt for a rental while receiving the electric or hybrid vehicle such as Toyota Prime or Chevrolet Bolt?

Francine P.

Faced with the outbidding in the used vehicle sector and the cost of a liter of gasoline, you might as well put both on sale and get yourself a new, less energy-consuming vehicle that meets your needs. A plug-in hybrid vehicle is a pleasant transition from all-electric, but considering your annual mileage and the longevity of your current vehicles, an immediate switch to all-electric should be considered. The problem: availability. This factor may guide your final decision. Therefore, the proposed path is to make your choice on a vehicle that meets your criteria, place an order with your dealer and dispose of one of your two vehicles pending. Which ? Explorer.