Q: I own a 2014 Mercedes SLK 250 with manual transmission. It has 40,000 km on the clock and I only drove it in the summer. I decided to sell it and I don’t know how to go about it. What is the most effective way to maximize this sale? – Carol B.
A: There are many ways, but to maximize your earnings, you could opt for a specialized site like Bring a Trailer. Last year on this site, an SLK roughly equivalent to yours upped the ante to $21,251. Listing your vehicle on this site takes a little work and a few dollars, but it’s worth the investment. You can also, taking into account its value, post it on Canadian or Quebec sites. Just find a client. Good luck !
Q: Is it correct that the diameter of the tires has an influence on the range of an electric vehicle, the range being inversely proportional to the diameter of the tires? – Paul P.
A: True or false? TRUE. As an indication, the Hyunda Ioniq 6 sedan that was the subject of a recent test bench has a range that can vary from 435 km to 509 km depending on whether it is fitted with 20″ or 18″ tires. A difference that can be observed on practically all the electric models offered. According to Michelin, rolling resistance (increased with a larger tire size) alone accounts for 25% of electrical energy consumption. A smaller size – and quality – tire is therefore the best choice for maximizing efficiency.
Q: I’m starting a new job that involves long daily hours on the road, mostly on country roads (I estimate around 80,000 km per year minimum). Since an electric car is not a viable option, I would like to get a plug-in hybrid SUV, ideally used with four-wheel drive. I currently have a 2015 Hyundai Accent. I have a budget of up to $50,000. Which model do you recommend me? – Leah P.
A: There are a few vehicles that might meet your expectations. In the SUV category, you might consider the Subaru Crossstrek Hybrid (low electric range, though) or the very recent South Korean Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. Note that these are larger, such as the Toyota RAV4 Prime which we also encourage you to consider. These three vehicles offer an electric range of more than 50 km. Probably less efficient (electric range of about 40 km), the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is also to be retained because of its versatility (it is bulkier) and its warranty.
Q: I have an elderly aunt who lost her driver’s license. She wants to sell her 2010 Volvo S40 with 35,000 km on the clock. The car has always been stored in a garage, so it is practically new. I would like to buy it and know its value and know if it is a good buy. – Denis R.
A: One man’s misfortune is another man’s happiness. Due to its age, the price of this vehicle is no longer listed at the SAAQ, but a recognized site like CarFax estimates its value at $4,869 to $10,317 depending on the version. We invite you to consult this site and enter the requested information to get a clearer idea. That said, it’s a good choice. This car is known to be reliable and relatively easy to maintain. You should also know that this Volvo has been subject to three recalls so far, but none of them would justify hesitating to buy it.
