QUESTIONS, COFFEE & CARS #48 // WHAT HAPPENS AT THE END OF A LEASE?

EV Channels Review

This episode of 'Questions, Coffee & Cars' tackles a diverse range of automotive inquiries, from practical advice for new car buyers to insights on leasing. The hosts effectively address questions about replacing a BMW 328 with a small SUV, recommending the Subaru Forester and Outback for their safety, visibility, and ease of use, with a particular nod to the Outback's turbo engine option. They also weigh in on the used car market, suggesting negotiation tactics for a Volvo XC40 versus an Audi Q3, favoring the Volvo for its upscale interior despite a higher price point. The arrival of the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid in Canada is confirmed for winter 2023. In a performance comparison, the Audi S3 is noted as more expensive than the VW Golf R, with the hosts leaning towards the Golf R for its new all-wheel-drive system and potential value retention, though a used Porsche Cayman is also suggested as a fun alternative. The hosts express eagerness to review the new BMW X2, anticipating its release in spring/summer. They also touch upon industry trends like Acura's 4.99% interest rate on the MDX, attributing it to North American production and potential inventory management, while also discussing broader economic factors like stagflation impacting new car sales. Finally, the show clarifies the lease-end process, emphasizing that cars are typically returned with no further obligation unless specific buy-out clauses are exercised, and debunks the myth of included free maintenance, except for specific brands like BMW which include it in the lease cost. The Tesla Cybertruck's unique design and Tesla's influencer-driven review strategy are also briefly discussed.