Lemon-Aid New and Used Cars and Trucks 2007–2017

Phil Edmonston, Canada’s toughest customer, is a former MP and a long-time consumer advocate. For over forty-five years, he has written more than 150 consumer guides in the bestselling Lemon-Aid series. About three decades ago Nissan and Honda sued Phil for five million dollars — and lost.

Introduction


What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You


Part One: NEW CARS AND OLD TRICKS


More Choice, Better Deals
Buying Tips
Which New Car, Truck, SUV, or Van?
When and Where to Buy
Buying the Right Car or Truck
Safety
Highway High-Tech
Safety Features that Kill
Comfort
“Senior” Cars
Other Buying Considerations
Saving on Servicing Costs
“Hidden” Costs
Surviving the Options Jungle
Lemon-Aid’s Review of Standard and Optional Features
Unnecessary Options
Dealer Options
Aftermarket Accessories
Paying a Fair Price
Leasing Fleecing: Why Leasing Costs More
The Contract
Trade-In Tips
Summary


Part Two: OLD WHEELS AND GOOD DEALS


Secret Warranties and Special
Programs
Auto Insurance
Three Decades of Hits and Misses
Safety First
Used Better Than New
Used Is the Smart Choice
When and Where to Buy
Buying with Confidence
Don’t Pay Too Little
Financing Choices
Dealer Scams
Private Scams
Helpful Websites
Summary


Part Three: “ROBBERS” AND RECOURSES


It Pays to Complain
Two Warranties
Supplementary Warranty Scams
Supreme Court Tackles “Fine Print”
Broken Promises
Negligence
Reasonable Durability
The Art of Complaining
Seek Outside Help
Contact the Right People
Twenty-One Legal “Tips” You Should Know
Using Government Agencies


Part Four: 2007-2017 RATINGS “GOOD CARS, BAD CARS”


2016-2017: An Opportunity for Buyers
Five Ways to Get a “Good” Car
Best Model Choices
South Korea: Boasting; Japan: Coasting; Volkwagen: Roasting
Don’t Believe in the “Fuel Fairy”
Take Advantage of Depreciation
How Lemon-Aid Picks the “Best” and “Worst”
Definition of Terms Used in Part Four
Real-Time Recall Lookups in Canada


American Models


American Car Quality
Fiat Chrysler and Jeep
FIAT CHRYSLER AUTOMOBILES
JEEP
FORD
GENERAL MOTORS
General Motors SUVs and Pickups


Japanese and Korean Automakers


ACURA
HONDA
HYUNDAI
INFINITI
KIA
LEXUS
MAZDA
MITSUBISHI
NISSAN
SUBARU
SUZUKI
TOYOTA


European Vehicles


AUDI
BMW
MERCEDES-BENZ
MINI
VOLKSWAGEN
VOLVO


MODEL INDEX