The right opportunity
I would like to buy a used vehicle less than three years old with low mileage and equipped with an automatic transmission. My choice stops at the Honda Civic, the Mazda3 or a South Korean model of the same type. I am looking for reliability and a low maintenance vehicle. I will do less than 4000 km annually in urban driving.
France L.
R. The choice of a South Korean automobile (a Hyundai Elantra, for example) represents a smart choice insofar as this vehicle will still be under the protection of its manufacturer (guarantee: 5 years/100,000 km). This is a good reason to consider it and even more so if you get your hands on the hybrid version (marketed from 2021). The latter will allow you to save money at the pump and above all lends itself rather well to urban use. You should also consider Toyota’s Corolla for much the same reason (a hybrid version has been around since 2020).
Sedan or SUV?
PHOTO PROVIDED BY LEXUS
Lexus IS 350 2019
I need your help to make an informed choice. We had our Acura TLX stolen just over two weeks ago. We are looking for a new vehicle. Naturally, we started our search at Acura and there was no 2023 TLX until May. This would however be our third and we would like a change. We looked at the 2023 Acura RDX A-Spec. We then looked at the Genesis GV 70 and found it to be beautiful. However, it takes several months before having one. We tested the G70 and liked it with a good warranty and full maintenance service for five years. Available in two to four weeks. A friend of ours just got a Lexus NX 350h and it’s a vehicle that’s highly rated and looks great too. As you can see, we go from cars to small SUVs. Our budget is between $60,000 and $70,000.
Jean-Noel D.
R. The first question that comes to mind is: do you really need a utility? Reading it, that doesn’t seem to be the case. Therefore, why not remain faithful to an automobile and take advantage of its more careful aerodynamics, its reduced fuel consumption and its more dynamic behavior? In which case, we suggest you look at the Lexus ES, known for its reliability, comfort and economy (hybrid version in particular).
At the head of the customer
PHOTO HUGO-SÉBASTIEN AUBERT, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Policies for reserving a new vehicle differ from brand to brand.
A friend enlightened me on two facts regarding the reservation deposit at a dealership for the purchase of a new vehicle, and I would like to know what it is. Is it true that it is useless to give a deposit to several dealers for the same new vehicle, to increase the speed of acquisition, because, in any case, the name of the potential buyer is on the list of the builder? So a single deposit is just as effective? Also, when the buyer’s name has arrived at the top of the list, and while the dealer offers him the declination and color available at that time, if one or the other does not suit him, his name is off the list? Do we move on to the next without any way?
Denis C.
R. Impossible to generalize here since reservation policies differ from brand to brand. Some are fully aware of reservations, others are not. The dealers remain independent companies and, what is more, the allocations differ between them according to many criteria (volume of sales, geographical location, quality of following-sales service, etc.). Yes, some people lack transparency. As for your second question, your name is not systematically removed from the list, unless of course you request it. That said, just because you turned down the first vehicle that comes along doesn’t mean you’ll end up next on the list. Some representatives apply the “at the head of the client” rule.
In doubt
PHOTO MATTHIAS RIETSCHEL, REUTERS
Volkswagen ID.4
I received my 2023 Volkswagen ID.4, but it is not in the desired exterior color. Simple question, I am offered an extended warranty. I travel regarding 25,000 km per year. Your recommendation, if I keep it longer than the warranty? Take it or not?
Régis B.
R. Of course we offer it to you, but at what price? So far, the data on the reliability of the ID.4 are fragmented, even on the side of our neighbors to the south. Review Consumer Reports, in particular, estimates that the reliability is below average (2/5). The problems reported so far by our readers particularly affect the electronics mounted on board (infotainment system, screen, controls, etc.) and the electrical system. Now, should we get an extended warranty or not? In this case, yes, but not without negotiating the price.