Questions, Coffee & cars #98 // What really makes a luxury brand? 

My favorite couple on RU-vid. Thanks for the great information on vehicle ❤.

no ev for me. love my v6

I had a 300Z 85 Midnite Blue Metallic Such a fun car I lived in the mountains and T-top was a great feature for the time....and it spoke 😊 "door is ajar" 😂

I'll use Lexus as an example. Our family was a Mercedes family. We also previously owned cars like Toyota , BMW, Dodge, Oldsmobile, and Ford. Lexus redefined the sales and service experience. When you brought your Lexus in for maintenance or service, they would give you a loaner car free of charge with zero fuss. It shocked my parents. The Lexus team was so professional and friendly. It was so different from any other car service. Meanwhile, I brought in my dad's Mercedes for him when he wanted an oil change and the guy tricked me into a $700 repair (and this was in 1992 money). In fact, I never liked taking a car to Mercedes who had an entitled view and viewed us like we should want to spend extra for German luxury. Nowadays a free car loaner seems almost common but it wasn't in 1985. Lexus made everyone up their game. Even Mercedes.

Only problem with any an ev vehicle is the price of the vehicle with or without rebate but the long run it’s still cheaper than gas vehicle. I love older vehicles and I would love to get a Firebird Trans Am or corvette Great show Andrea. ☕️☕️

Long road trips in rural areas, I don't want to deal with charging station anxiety (and to be honest, I don't want to wait... I can fill up and go within 5 minutes).

I leased a Polestar 2 in 2021 without any rebate because it was over the max. But that did not stop me as I have solar panels and was not worried about charging… now the lease is going to be up and I plan on keeping the car as its great vehicle for me… hatchback, sporty, quick and no real issue like the newer ones. Rebates, to me, are just an aside. Like Zack I believe they should go to those that can’t afford an EV, but want or need one.

Thanks for your great reviews, even if it’s a car I would not consider buying, I still watch to learn about the vehicle.

Rebates are artificial tools which distort what will ultimately be a market signal to manufacturers. Drop EV prices and more will buy one. In the USA, repurpose the rebates into incentives to broaden and strengthen the charging infrastructure. Tesla owners have a strong network while other charging options are not consistently working or available.

Good advice 👍 on the used Camry vs Accord...all things being equal, buy newer...😉

Thanks you guys for answering my question (the classic Japanese car one)!! Was a surprise! And you literally spoke of two that I had on my mind (wow!! haha) - the Prelude and the 240SX. I was also thinking a Honda Legend coupe...def. going to look into it. Thank youuuuu! 🥰🥰🥰

Started watching you two when I needed to do research to replace my SUV, now I can't stop watching!! You're so engaging and have the best content. Never bored and I've learned so much! PS- decided on a CRV Hybrid, picked it up on Sunday and I LOVE it!

I am currently leasing my 3rd Chevy Bolt (2023 Bolt EUV). I will never go back to any vehicle that uses gasoline, whether pure ICE or hybrid or plug-in hybrid. Cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions is more important to me than money.

I own a model Y, and it's the best car I have ever owned. I wished I had a car like this when I used to travel lots of miles for work. The FSD is amazing. I've owned it since 3-12-24 and done a trip to New Jersey and Texas from Florida, and charging wasn't a problem. It seems going from point A to point B no problems, but when you divert, you have to watch your consumption.

Great channel ! I’m pretty sure the redesigned Envision is available in BC now. I saw pictures of a few sitting on a local lot here in Sechelt,and I’m a fan!

No way would I buy an electric car without the rebate!! Personally I still like a regular gas model, not even a hybrid!

Congrats in advance for 100 episodes.

I would prefer if the rebates were to install chargers in our homes.

I still drive an ICE car but subsidies have never entered the equation about buying one. I dont believe the government should be offering them. Let the cars stand on their own. Price and range are my biggest concerns.

Love you guys. Watch all your episodes. We leased a 2023 ID4 Pro. in Sept 2023. MSRP $51496. With Fed Tax Rebate $7500, NJ Rebate of $1500, VW incentives, the final price was $38K. Leased for $350 a month with $2500 out of pocket. We love the car because we have a home charger and an ICE for the long trips. Public charging an issue, and I will not drive car outside of EV range for day trips (275 miles). I don't use public chargers. Usually busy or broke by us. To answer your question. I would lease an EV again if price keeps us under $400 a month. Currently, that means we must rely on tax incentives. However, if EV's continue to come down in price - and keep price at the $400 a month price point w/out the tax incentives we would lease again. I hate using the ICE because of the gas. Most of our driving is with the EV. Take Care.

To answer your question Andrea; yes, I am interested in an EV, but I wouldn't buy one at this time, subsidies or not. When there will be enough charging stations everywhere, like gas stations, then, yes, maybe. For now, I agree with you and Zach, hybrid or plug-in hybrid is the way to go for now. And that all-electric new vehicles in 2035 is pie-in-the-sky!

To answer your question Andrea, we would continue to buy an EV.. We are on our second one now.. We had Model S and now have one car, the Tesla Model 3... I absolutely don't miss the gas stations.. it's not for everyone but if you can charge at home (level 1) and really take a hard look at your weekly driving kms most people will find they hardly ever need to charge outside the home... We drove to Florida from Toronto this winter in our 8 year old Model S... absolutely no issues, no range anxiety, the car did great... bonus free charging all the way down

love my rav4 hybrid ( Zack said its the best) I love it!

I'm on my second EV. The first was a free car after 10 years of savings on gas and maintenance. My new EV has triple the range, more horsepower, more torque, far more safety, driver assist and convenience features with more cargo and passenger space. All this for only $10k more! It's smooth, quiet, responsive performance simply outclasses any equivalent turbo 4cylinder ICE.

I love my 2023 Kia EV6. Depending on the MSRP, I can still see myself getting another EV after my lease runs out. I’m looking forward to getting a little larger EV with better range in about 2.5 years. As of now, I do r see me going back to ICE.

I only have one car, and I will not buy an EV! Not very good infrastructure and costing more than gas to charge and wait time if not at home. You guys mentioned about the Buick Envision. Do not buy with a 3 cylinder motor! Ask any mechanic, and they will tell you to stay away. It will ware out so soon. 3 cylinder rotation it is not balanced, and you will need high RPMs to get any power from it even with a turbo. It does look nice, but just wait for the problems to come with that engine. Love your show guys.

Living in Vancouver: As long as you have the ability to charge at home, it's like having a gas station at your house that you constantly top up every night. I haven't bought my first EV yet, but i am not worried about driving around Vancouver - even to Squamish/Whistler. If i lived outside of Vancouver and drove long highway runs i don't think i would feel comfortable in the hot summer or cold winter time. That would give me range anxiety.

I have no intention of buying an EV but would consider a hybrid regardless of any rebate offers. BTW, Andrea looks fantastic. Keep up the good work.

Andrea, to your point about the green Miatas with the tan interior (and top!)...I've said over and over "to Mazda" - bring BRG/tan or similar back as a regular color..... their current palette is so limited, on their signature and most fun car! The green/tan is such a no-brainer but oddly has rarely been used, usually just very occasionally as an anniversary or commemorative model only. And, I think on the Miata just like with the Mini, non-metallic is the way to go! Regarding classics like the old/original Z, a lot of people don't remember that it had an independent rear end (IRS) which few others other than the Vette, Jag and Germans had at the time, but not at its price point..... but, speaking of, its comparatively lowly stablemate, Datsun 510 sedan (but not wagon IIRC) did also! A gas to drive, that was a great "starter enthusiast" and project car, let down only by its very thin sheet metal that was prone to rust and dents... that made for a great "poor man's BMW 2002" - as they used to be characterized.

Yes, I would.

I'm not sure if the individual debating the used Accord or Camry will see this, but I 100% agree with your point on a new car as an option. Today, I went to look at a used 2013 Accord with 50,000 miles as a first car for my brother for $18,000US out the door and ended up with a brand new Kia Forte GT for $24,500 out the door. For $6500, getting a new car that's 11 years newer seemed like a no-brainer. It would have been a few thousand less if we went with the base model Forte.

I would’ve not bought the model 3 long range without the rebate. Got it for 56k CAD out door. At the time, other dealers were marking up cars like crazy so I think I got a great deal. But I do think Tesla will drop the price trying to compensate at least a portion of the missing rebate. It could still be a deal.

Good one

In terms of 'classic' car, how about a Camry wagon, with the cool double rear wipers.

I’ve always had a crush for a Durango RT💪

I would never even consider an EV until charging infrastructure is almost ubiquitous as gas stations and it took less than 10 min to fully charge. IMO EVs are only good if you're rich, have a charger at home, and it's the 2nd or 3rd family car just to run errands & short commutes. I would never buy one if I lived in a cold weather/4 season state without a heated garage either. Keep up the great episodes! I watch a ton of car channels and yours is one of the most enjoyable to watch! Great teamwork and chemistry!

Ioniq 6 owner from Toronto, here to say that I have always wanted an electric vehicle even without the government rebate. Paid the dealer markup but it came with an EV Level 2 charger and installation by an electrician. “In 2023”. I wish the MG Cyberster sold in Canada! Love your channel! To a Million Subscribers.

Hii 👋 Sorry, no comments about the cars ( don’t know anything about them lol ) Just nice to see you guys! :)

I would never own an electric vehicle for all of the reasons you explained Andrea.Only gasoline (Toyota or Lexus )

Our new NX350h should be here this week. Hybrid is as close to an EV as I feel comfortable with.

That’s the conclusion we came to- overpay for used 2016-2018 Honda/Toyota or buy new compact. Loving our new Kia Forte.

I guess I see the main issues are price of vehicle and charging infrastructure and I would add on driving distances. If you look at price and size, most EV's are 'luxury' cars. The average consumer cannot afford a luxury car. Next would be infrastructure (that would include public charging and the ability for in-home charging) and along with driving distances. The US is a big country, so is Canada and let's add in Australia. European countries are more compact and have a denser population. I am guessing but I would expect the average km driven in Canada, US and maybe Australia would be higher than most overseas countries so charging becomes more of an issue. And yes, fuel prices have always been higher in Europe. Look what Norway has done. To simplify it, they have used the profits of their oil industry to fund their greening, They have a much better charging infrastructure and, I believe, heavily subsidize the cost of EVs. Canada could have done this but has chosen not to.

Andrea, I would 100% still buy an electric vehicle with no incentive and will not shop for a "NEW" ICE car again. A classic one for sure, as I'm an enthusiast. We bought our Model 3 in Canada without any rebate as it wasn't offered at the time. Range anxiety is overblown... you have a full tank of gas and can only go so far, same with electric. The tesla supercharger network is everywhere, charging there is easy. Most, if not all manufactures are onboard with the NACS standard, and should one day have access to those stations. Ford and Rivian already do. As mentioned in the comments, look at your weekly driving habits. I charge once a week, and still have around 200km left before charging back up. I would highly recommend a test drive for those that are on the fence. Thanks for all the great content!

As an owner of a 2011 legacy, i am extremely happy with how it has held up over 13 years

No EV for sure. You probably don't remember Andrea but I reached out to you last year about getting a 2024 civic sport or the 2024 Corolla Hybrid Se and I took your advice and got the Corolla hybrid and absolutely love it. It was also $90 less a month than the civic. I can't believe how overpriced the civic has become. For viewers out there you can get a Camry SE hybrid for only $8 more a month. it's truly a no brainer Thank you Andrea and Zack

I owned a 87 Nissan 300ZX 2+2, it was one of the very best cars I ever owned, comfortable, great gas mileage and it was very sporty!!!

I would probably buy another plug-in hybrid, but not a straight EV unless there's a game changing advancement in battery technology that doubles the range and lowers charging times by a factor of 5. I'm more inclined to go back to ICE for a larger/towing vehicle.

Just a quick FYI, Q2 EV sales in the US were up 11% year over year. That is with Tesla dropping 6%. Still a pretty fast growing sector just not what expectations were in the past. We bought a used Ioniq 5, no rebate needed to get a good value. 240SX was a great car for the price!

My 2023 Mazda cx 5 signature for $45000 is very much a quality interior and is very quiet on the road.

Just got a certified Bolt EUV so no rebates but no PST. This was to replace my 2003 Mercedes Station wagon. I wanted a car that was fun to drive and with acceleration when needed. Long waiting lists for hybrids and lots of markup too! We have a truck for roadtrips and winter sports but daily driving/ commuting was costing us a fortune!!!

You absolutely hit the nail on the head with your discussion on EV rebates and size. The rebates should be focused on the lower priced models and the manufacturers must bring smaller ones to market. Example, VW makes a the good sized ID.3, where is it?

I would throw in for older/classic car either the Honda Element or del Sol. Both lots of fun and unique.

I had a new Subaru Legacy and it was fantastic and I live in Denver Colorado and we get 6-9 inches during our snow and rain and ice. Over 150 inches every year and it would be at my home now but I got a deal on my Forrester

Yes, I'm interested in an EV, but currently it's plug-in hybrid for me.

Your subdivision where you are shooting this is amazing....never have seen sooo many people walking about. Must be a great area.

2024 Buick Envision is available with dealers now.

Enjoy your trip to NL.

We have a bolt euv. We would not have gone for this EV if not for the rebate. Very happy with 0 maintenance cost and no charger costs also. Awesome miles per KWH.

I would hope when EV prices drop over time I think the rebates should go away. The auto companies need to compete on price without government rebates. Great channel!

I’ve always thought that if the federal rebate in Canada ended, EV prices would instantly drop by 5K.

In the UK, a large portion of new car sales are to business users who have to pay benefit in kind tax. This BiK is significantly lower for EV'S. When these cars hit the second hand market after a few years, private buyers aren't interested so prices are dropping. Government incentives totally distort the market.

I loved our rental electric vehicle when we were in Palm Springs this winter. Due to lack of infrastructure in Saskatchewan our next vehicle will likely be a hybrid.

We will stick with our RAV4 Hybrid Limited. 🇨🇦👍👍

I love my EV, and I would have got it without the US rebate. But also, I have access to home charging (I use a regular outlet just fine), and I live around plenty of public chargers. And I'm in the Midwest, so it's not like I get "battery-friendly" weather all year round. I like the drive, regen braking, the efficiency, the charging convenience, and most of all for me, NO gasoline fumes when idling, or ever.

The $12k CAD rebate in Quebec was a must for me to purchase an EV. Without the rebates, to price difference is too hard to justify EV to me. ie. Kona 2024 ICE vs Kona 2024 EV or Kia Niro HEV (no rebates) vs Niro PHEV ($7500 rebates) or BEV ($12k rebates). The rebates going directly to customers for EVs priced under $60k is a big help. Though Car makers could be pricing them high now to get more income from the rebates. We'll see what happens in the future. Also people who lease, switch cars every 4 years. Going back to new HEV, or PHEV is not that big a deal and puts a new EV in the used market at a lower price.

Thanks for another great show. Tesla dropped the Model 3 base price in Canada to 50k in order to keep the BC rebates, along with the Federal rebate.

With the government offering a $8000 rebate we decided to purchase a Rav4 Prime Plug in Hybrid (PHEV) last January. We weren’t ready for a 100% electric vehicle because the infrastructure isn’t in place yet so this seemed like the way to go and took away the range anxiety. I plug it into my level 2 charger in my garage every night and that gives me about 70- 80km on a full charge overnight, a full charge takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes. After the EV kms are used up the vehicle automatically switches to a regular hybrid vehicle and still gets excellent gas mileage (about 5.6L/100km) but most days I don’t drive 70km and therefore have only needed gas a few times since January. To make it even better a few years back we received a government grant to install solar panels and a hybrid hot water heater so besides powering our home,and hot water the solar also charges up the car battery. Overall it’s a great system and think the a PHEV is the way to go vs 100% electric as it’s the best of both worlds, it’s like having a gas station in my garage. I spend very little on gas and electricity and am reducing my carbon footprint and still receive the carbon tax rebate.

If no rebates then Ev prices would come down…

Two episodes from 100, congrats! Also to answer your question, I wouldn't consider EV vehicle without a government rebate/credit.

The used car market is still very crazy. Same in Toronto, I bought a 2016 Honda Accord V6 Touring with 140000 km in December 2020, for $16000. Now 4 years later, you need to pay $8000 more for a 2016 Accord???

We have a 2024 Envision. It's been great! Looking at the GMC terrain AT4 . Don't like the look of the new Envision for 2025 - looks like a Ford focus to me

Yes, we have purchase EV's (IQ5/GV60/Tesla Model X) during Covid time without zero rebates. Lease was not option during and we didn't qualify any rebate in the US. This is not our 9th EV's and can't seem to go back to ICE except for my Porsche (Zack's favorite) 911. 🙂

I live in the greater Los Angeles area and have a 2022 Bolt EV but its not my only car. An EV makes a lot of sense in the LA area especially a small run about like the Bolt. I love the Bolt EV and being able to charge at home is a game changer. Having said that, I do own 2 ICE cars in addition to the Bolt; I don't think I would own an EV as my only car, not even a Tesla, despite the advantages in metro areas. The EV infrastructure in the US is not there yet.

I have been shopping on autotrader for a JDM import Nissan Patrol, Toyota Land Cruiser or a Mitsubishi Pajero Super from the early 2000s. There are a couple of Mitsubishi Legnum VR-4 and Turbo Nissan X-Trails and Mitsubishi Delicas.

If there was no EV rebate we would not have bought a 2023 Chevy Bolt. But with the rebates it was cheaper than a Honda civic that we were comparing it too. So far the Bolt has been good. We use it as our go around town car and use our VW Atlas as our road trip vehicle.

No government subsidy, no EVS car for me especially in Canada. EV cars driving mileage will definitely reduce the driving distance in winter.

Make sure to do the miata wave to other miatas while you have it this summer 🖐️

I was looking at buying a hybrid / plugin hybrid last year when i was looking to buy a car but ended up getting an ICE vehicle because i couldnt get one without any dealer markups. But i wouldnt get a pure EV until the national infrastructure improves and EV tech evolves to where you can charge the car to full in 10 minutes likes an ICE vehicle. Maybe as a second car if i had the space.

|EV vs ICE: I am on my second EV( first a Bolt and now an Ionic6) and would never go back to an ICE car, In Québec, it cost me less than $500 of electricity (I charge mostly at home...) for 15,000KM of use... Plus love the power and torque of an EV! Cheers

Yeah, the Nissan 240sx was a beautiful car. I liked the Prelude too,

I am not interested in a BEV regardless of rebate. However, I own a PHEV which I bought when looking for a hatchback. I would certainly consider trading it for a HEV or PHEV. We also have 3 ICE vehicles in the household, so definitely incline toward gas over electric. I live in Midwest USA.

The Mazda CX5 with the 19'' wheels has a stiff ride. On my wife's 100 Anniversary model, I intend to replace the ''V'' rated tires with an ''H'' rated tire for a bit smoother ride. I also inflate the rear tires at 32 psi instead of 35 psi. There is less weight on th rear axle.

Rebates and subsidies - years ago - when SUV were being pushed as cooler and safer (it was apparently pushed as they were also less regulated and more easy to make profitable) - they should have paid people to keep to domestic spec sedans and wagons - shoot discount their insurance and gasoline tax as they wear infrastructure and save the cost of personal injury - just not designing vehicles to do well in crashes with large objects would save a ton.

Agree with most of what you say about rebates in Canada. However the survey referred to is misleading, there are just as many people who will never go back to ice or hybrids. I think we are past range anxiety its now public charging. I get the price point attractiveness for Hybrids but more to go wrong than a simple ice engine. EV's do remain expensive and the average price needs to come, when that happens the haters can use that excuse anymore...

Just bought a used EV (2022 Kona) in May. In Ontario, so no EV rebate. So no, a tax incentive did not affect my decision (unless you count gasoline taxes, of course!) That said, I did have to shop around for over a month to find what I wanted in my price range.

The lack of charging infrastructure keeps me from even considering an EV. There are also issues regarding the mining of minerals to make the batteries that question the true environmental impact of EVs.

No tax credit would greatly reduce the EV sales. 5-Year Total Cost to Own 2024 Camry LE vs Model 3 has the Camry at $36K USD vs Tesla at $52K USD, source: Edmunds. The cost of insurance and tires, lack of infrastructure make the EV less attractive, for now.

Yes, my next vehicle will still be an EV. I'm driving a 2018 Toyota CHR ICE and have had no troubles with it. Super reliable an sporty. (So disappointed the 2024 version is not coming to N. America!). The rebate would be nice but not a major factor as I'm looking for sub-compact SUV which is available or will be at a reasonable price point. (Kona, EV3, EX30, Bolt, etc.) My main concern is NO fossil fuel for environmental reasons. I've moved to work from home since COVID and find I don't have as much urge for a newer vehicle since I'm not in my vehicle nearly as much. As nice as hybrids are, I just don't want the added complexity of a dual power engine/system. Doesn't really make since to me in the long run. So, I'm biding my time until the right sub-compact EV arrives in the USA at the right price and with reasonable availability. Luckily I have plenty of time and patience. John - Tampa Bay FL.

Yes I absolutely love my Liriq

I’m waiting to see what type of battery and range options will be available on the Kia EV3 in Canada and the price of it. I would buy a subcompact EV and a level 2 home charger, even without a rebate, but I might have to forego a higher trim level and I’d have to wait a couple years longer.

For the 100th episode of Q,C&C how about giving away a free Porsche? You guys are the best!

I think that without credits there may be more push for infrastructure so that buying an ev would become more compelling to a greater number of people. We just bought a Rav4 Prime and enjoy the ev mode drive so would consider an ev.

Ya know... EV public charging is a great opportunity for a SERIOUS make-out session. Jus' sayin...

EVS will be more viable if you can get 500 miles range in both full winter or AZ summer. There is such limited recharge infrastructure so you need to be able to get to from on single charge.

I bought my Kia Niro EV in 2019 when the Ont PC gov eliminated the rebate. But I did wait for the Fed rebate to kick in. I would've bought it even if the Fed didn't introduce the rebate. My car now has over 211,000 km and it's still running well. Won't be going back to ICE.

I'm not interested in an EV even with the rebates, although I love my Tucson PHEV

I agree with Zack, the rebate should be on a low cost EV, not the expensive 50K plus EVs * my biggest fear of buying a EV is that battery replacement issue that you guys brought to light, that’s a big Yikes!!😱

I'm based in the metro-vancouver area and I have a Tesla. I love EVs and am a big fan. I did the math and it made more financial sense to get an EV (yes, I can charge at home and work). The money I save on gas and maintenance is more than what I would pay in interest. (Everyone's situation is different, of course) If there were no rebates, I would just have to redo the math to see if it's worth it. Honestly, the biggest advantage of EVs for me is the fact I don't have to go and line up at a gas station anymore. I plug in the car once or twice a week and it charges while I'm at home. I just wish large EVs (and EVs in general) were cheaper. Thanks again for the content!

To answer your question Andrea, I will never buy an EV, I have a hybrid and I am in love with it. As a matter of fact, this is my second hybrid.

I think EV associated with life style both voluntary ( adapting the charging in your schedule ) and involuntarily ( more planning for road trip s) Base on your life style there will be one ev that fits better than other (ie range) Having an ev and primarily 97% in town. I found myself doing just fine charging at home ( comfortably with level 2 and could see a need to plan / optimize charge time when car back at home with level 1) Again one should pick the tech that works/compliment your life style and saving gas $ is only part of the consideration not the only reason.