Our expert's opinion: a car for a young student

Q In the next few days, I would like to buy a vehicle for my 17 year old daughter. I currently hesitate between three models: Hyundai Accent 2013, Honda Fit 2013, Ford Fiesta 2014. Automatic transmission, air conditioning and choice of colors are its most important criteria. His immediate needs are: trips to CEGEP and eventually to university. - Alain Brunet

A Please allow me to review your daughter's list of criteria in this order: warranty, fuel economy and reliability. All three vehicle choices hold their own, but we prefer the Hyundai Accent over the other two. First, because of its more generous warranty (5 years/100,000 km compared to 3 years/60,000 km for the other two), which should enable it not to worry until the delivery of its Baccalaureat diploma. In terms of economy, the Accent finds itself in the good average of the group, just like in terms of reliability. Another important element, the financing conditions are more attractive at Hyundai and at Ford for the sought-after models. The Fit will be getting a complete overhaul in the next few months and you might be able to get a Civic for around the same price. Note that these three models offer air conditioning and an automatic transmission. As for the color choices, you have to do with the stocks of the dealers.

And the GLA?

Q I read with great interest the special section “Autos 2014” published in La Presse on October 16. I would have liked to find an article there on the Mercedes GLA supposed to be offered in America in 2014, because it is a vehicle in which I am very interested. Can you tell me if this little SUV will be the subject of an article soon? - Francois Gagne

A The absence of the Mercedes GLA can be explained: it is a 2015 model... Indeed, Mercedes will start marketing this vehicle from autumn 2014. This is why it was not in our pages. This vehicle will soon be the subject of an article in the wake of the Los Angeles Auto Show which took place this month.

The best time for resale

Q I have a 2010 Mazda 3 Sport GT with 55,000 km on the clock. I plan to change to the same model, but 2014, to take advantage of all the new technologies and Skyactiv (fuel economy) and also to find a full warranty. My question is simple and complex at the same time: is it better to change immediately to benefit from a better resale value of my vehicle or to wait another year? Since I only do 15,000 km per year, my vehicle will only have 70,000 km in a year, so still a good resale value, I imagine... Same question, but in another form: is- is there a big additional devaluation to put 15,000 km more on the clock? - Martin Levasseur

A Honestly, better wait until next spring. Right now, Mazda is winding down its 2013 models and there's all this hype surrounding the new 3. Your offer might go unnoticed, and 15,000 km won't change the value of your vehicle much.

From one star to another?

Q I own a 2007 Mercedes B200 (non-turbo; 110,000 km), whose extended warranty is ending soon. Given the perfectible reliability and high maintenance costs, I wonder if I should keep my car for a long time (three or four years) or look at what's new on the market. I drive about 20,000 km per year. I like family-sized cars, for their practicality, and having two young children, I need the space. In this regard, the B200 meets my needs well. Unfortunately, the choice is rather limited. The following criteria are important to me: good handling, quietness, fuel economy, comfort... and maybe 4x4. I'm looking at the following models: C-max, Forester/Outback/XV Crosstek, new B200 (leased), VW Tiguan/Golf wagon or BMW X1. - Daniel

A The children will grow up, right? So of all your choices, the Ford C-Max or the Subaru Outback represent the best. Both vehicles are spacious, offer solid handling and are comfortable.

To consume less

Q I have a 2012 Golf TDI and I do 50,000 km/year. On the other hand, I have always had a preference for a four-wheel drive vehicle. Would the Subaru XV Crosstreck hybrid be a good choice for me in terms of fuel consumption, comfort and driving pleasure (which I find on my Golf TDI), given the mileage I do? Would it be worth considering switching to 4x4? Also, why does the stop system

A The automatic shutdown device when stationary (stop&start) is taking some time to become widespread because our neighbors to the south “hate” it. It may sound silly, but it's the truth and many manufacturers are hesitant to offer it for this reason in North America. Before answering your other question, we assume that your mileage is mainly achieved on expressways and not in urban areas. If this is the case, you should stick with diesel, which is more efficient and above all more economical in the long term.

No tolerance

Q I have a convertible Beetle bought new in 2006 that has 104,000 km on the clock. I do little mileage since I take the commuter train. I almost always did the maintenance suggested by the manufacturer. In short, I have no tolerance for mechanical breakage. Should I get rid of it and get the same model version 2014? If yes: buy or rent? What do you think? - MJB

A Your car is still brand new! Why change it? If your vehicle is properly maintained and your mileage remains so low, there is no valid reason to dispose of it at this time.

You can send your questions and comments to eric.lefrancois@lapresse.ca