CarCostCanada

Introducing CarCostCanada Concierge Service

CarCostCanada® has been helping Canadians buy and lease their vehicles since 1999. Even the best negotiators have benefited from our service. We offer a better way to buy or lease a new or used car, van or truck. We provide detailed information about the prices, interest rates and programs that makes discussions with the dealer fair for everyone. For those who want more help, we offer additional services:

Can’t find the exact vehicle that you want? Don’t have the time (or patience) to shop around?

Dislike negotiating with car dealers? Prefer to have an expert in your corner?

If you answered YES! to any of these questions, then our premier-level Concierge Service is designed for you!

Our Concierge Team are experienced former dealership staff who only work for you. We’re on your side, we do the heavy lifting; you reap the benefits.

All for only $399 + tax! And with our 100% money-back guarantee, there’s nothing to lose!

Looking for a discount on this service? Our Lifetime members pay only $199.50 + tax.

Lifetime members enjoy unlimited access to all of our price reports and trade-in valuations, plus a 50% discount on all CarCostCanada services! Our eBook “The Road to the Deal” is also included at no cost.

You can upgrade your account to a lifetime membership for only $89 + tax! (for a limited time)

We also have an Expert Plus membership for $30 + tax that provides you 10 extra price reports and a 20% discount for all other services.

Our paid Concierge experts are on call; however, our Free Pro Membership (including Free New & Used Car Price Reports, a trade-in evaluator, access to lifetime discounts and more) is always available for those who want to learn more and use our services at no cost. Whether you use our free or paid services, you will join over 700,000 Canadians who have benefited from our Pricing Guidance & Best Price Formula to simplify their relations with dealers and enjoy a hassle-free buying experience.

CarCostCanada empowers vehicle buyers like you by levelling the playing field. Over the years, we have helped Canadians save close to $3 Billion dollars (that’s a lot of zeros) off their car deals! Our proprietary Price Reports include New Car Invoice (Dealer Cost) Information, Advertised and (hidden) Non-Advertised Incentives, Cash Rebates and Special Interest Rates. Our Free Service also gives you access to Historic Reports for 12 Model Years of New & Used Vehicles, with many details including Specifications and Features plus Used Car & Truck Pricing tools.

Hire our in-house experts and enjoy our premier-level Concierge Service. Our Concierge Team will work with you to provide everything you need; from price negotiation and trade-in advice, to supply and location considerations, we cover all the bases. And of course, with our 100% money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose! We have over 150 years of combined dealership experience. We know how to work with dealers because we were dealers! We even wrote a book on how to buy a new car.

Not ready to hire us, but want to find out more? Sign up for our free service using the link below, or contact us by live chat, email us, or call 1.866.453.6995 ext 200

CarCostCanada

Toyota redesigns Sequoia SUV with powerful hybrid drivetrain

2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone — Toyota has completely redesigned its full-size Sequoia, shown here in new top-tier Capstone trim.

Toyota just revealed its totally redesigned third-generation Sequoia, which will go on sale this summer as a 2023 model.

The new Sequoia is once again based on the Tundra pickup truck, a vehicle that was all-new last year for this 2022 model year. The 2023 Sequoia shares some styling elements with its more utility-oriented partner, but is for the most part its own design.

To be specific, the new Sequoia’s grille isn’t as bold, and arguably better for it. It shares more cues with the highly popular Tacoma, plus the RAV4, and doesn’t visually stray too far away from the Highlander and new Corolla Cross either. No doubt the new Sequoia’s look hints at the upcoming 4Runner, an SUV we should also see in updated form this year.

2023 Toyota Sequoia Limited — The new Sequoia can tow up to 9,000 lbs.

All in all, the new Sequoia looks tough and rugged, yet refined enough for both dad and mom. Flowing rearward from the big, bold grille is a hood that domes powerfully at centre, and further features heavy-duty, matte plastic, louvre-like garnishes on its rear corner edges when upgraded with “TRD PRO” trim. In fact, the latter trim makes itself known on the sides of those garnishes, in place of smaller, chromed “i FORCE MAX” signage in the same spot for other trims. Visually separating the new Capstone trim line are chrome embellishments on the doors above the rocker panels. Those sides are now more deeply sculpted than before, while the Sequoia’s rear styling certainly won’t offend traditional SUV buyer’s tastes.

2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro — Most should be pleased with the new Sequoia’s styling, not to mention its 4×4 prowess.

A total of five trims will be available upon launch, including TRD Off-Road, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro and Capstone, the latter introduced with the latest Tundra. Capstone represents an even more luxurious level above Platinum, boasting a unique black and white motif inside, much of which is covered with high-quality semi-aniline leather, while Toyota has improved soundproofing as well.

Incidentally, the i-Force Max engine, which is available as an option in the new Tundra, comes standard with the Sequoia. What’s more, it isn’t a V8, but a 3.5-litre hybrid V6 capable of a whopping 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. It feeds all that muscle down to a four-wheel drive system through a 10-speed automatic gearbox that comes fitted with Eco, Normal and Sport driving modes.

The hybrid component is a generator motor positioned between the internal combustion portion of the drivetrain and the transmission. This is a well-tested solution, so we can expect Toyota’s legendary hybrid reliability and longevity included with this powertrain’s improved fuel economy.

Being that all Sequoia trims will get the same engine, performance differences come down to the suspension. Some will be optimized for handling and comfort, while others will prioritize off-road capability, but all should provide ample handling chops and overall stability to keep all that engine power in check on when the road starts to wind.

To achieve the new Sequoia’s manoeuvrability, the already improved Tundra chassis design received fine tuning, particularly to the independent front suspension setup and rack-mounted electronic power steering system, that latter reportedly enhancing feel. A multi-link rear suspension has also been added, improved over the previous Sequoia ’s, while buyers can also add an adaptive variable suspension to the mix, which includes Comfort, Sport S, Sport S+ and Custom settings to the Drive Mode Select system’s menu. A height-adjustable air suspension with load levelling is optional too, this feature particularly helpful when loading and unloading.

Hauling in mind, the new Sequoia is now capable of towing up to 9,000 lbs (4,080 kg) of trailer, which is nearly 22-percent more weight than today’s version. Backing this up (literally) is a Tow Tech Package that was first offered with the new Tundra, featuring a Trailer Backup Guide and Straight Path Assist, the latter automatically using the steering system to keep the trailer straight when reversing. The power mirrors also include powered extensions for seeing around the sides of wider loads.

Standard Sequoia features include a heated steering wheel and front seats, Toyota’s breathable Softex leatherette upholstery, a large panoramic sunroof, 18-inch wheels, and the TSS 2.5 suite of safety features.

A 14-inch centre touchscreen is available, improving the Sequoia’s digital experience with features like a Panoramic View Monitor to ease parking, while a digital display rear view mirror is available as well, as is a colourful digital driver’s display.

The new 2023 Sequoia’s interior is laid out much like the outgoing model. It comes standard with three rows including a middle bench, with second-row captain’s chairs being optional. New is a third row that not only reclines, but slides back and forth up to 150 mm (6.0 in), while a handy adjustable hard-shell parcel shelf improves cargo area flexibility. It can be expanded to cover the rear seatbacks when folded, resulting in a completely flat loading floor. The shelf can be fitted back into the floor for carrying taller cargo, or alternatively it acts as a cargo cover when raised higher.

As far as sales go, Toyota is likely looking to loyal 4Runner, Highlander, and of course Sequoia owners as buyers for the new SUV, plus ex-Land Cruiser owners in the U.S. News about the new model will definitely cause some buzz here in Canada, but Sequoia sales have been so few and far between that it may take some time to raise awareness.

Toyota Canada sold 418 Sequoias last year, which was less than half of its all-time Canadian high of 912 unit-sales in 2010. Comparison to General Motors’ Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon success hardly seems relevant at this point, with the two brands’ collective deliveries totalling 15,307 units, or roughly 36.5 times as many full-size SUVs than Toyota. On a more positive note (to Toyota), that’s a lot of market share for the Japanese brand to nibble away at, and this new Sequoia should make a significant dent.

Something domestic SUV shoppers should consider is retained value, which was highest for the Sequoia in the Canadian Black Book’s “Full-size Crossover-SUV” category, while Toyota’s largest SUV also owned the top “Large SUV/Crossover” spot with Vincentric’s Best Value in Canada Awards. Additionally, the Sequoia earned a best-possible position in J.D. Power and Associate’s 2021 Initial Quality Study.

We should expect to see more Sequoias on the road starting this summer.

2023 Toyota Sequoia Overview | Toyota (7:07):

2023 Toyota Sequoia | Undeniable Capability, Unmistakable Presence | Toyota (2:17):

Story credit: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Toyota

CarCostCanada

Porsche Taycan is now the Official Safety Car of the 2022 Formula E season

2022 Porsche Taycan Official Formula E Safety Car — Porsche’s Taycan Turbo S is now the Official Safety Car of the 2022 Formula E racing series.

The 2022 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship will get underway this weekend in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, before making its way to nine different cities ahead of the final race in Seoul, Korea on August 14. Along with the cars, teams and drivers, one new addition will remain constant throughout the season, the Porsche Taycan Official Safety Car.

“We’re proud that Formula E has entrusted a Porsche with this task – one that is important for the safety of its drivers,” said Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President Porsche Motorsport. “With the Taycan Turbo S as the official safety car, we’re making an important contribution to track safety and also underlining the importance of Formula E for Porsche Motorsport.”

The ninth FIA-sanctioned race of the season will be held in Vancouver, Canada this year, from June 30 through July 2, alongside the Canadian E-Fest, which is a unique festival that combines a creative business conference on sustainability with an esports tournament, plus more. Tickets, which start at only $70, can be acquired directly from the Canadian E-Fest website.

The Canadian E-Fest event will be set up in Vancouver’s False Creek area, next to city centre business and residential districts, but unlike the Champ Car race weekends held there 18 years-plus prior, there shouldn’t be any complaints about noise violations from local residents, due to the near silent operation of the Formula E cars.

“Formula E is delighted the Porsche Taycan Turbo S will serve as the Championship’s safety car from Season 8,” said Jamie Reigle, CEO of Formula E. “The Porsche Taycan Turbo S is the pinnacle of high-performance electrified vehicles and will light up Formula E city racetracks around the world. In designing the Formula E safety car, Porsche reimagined the critical on-track safety function to be a powerful symbol of the championship’s commitment to an electrified future and the unity of the competitors in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.”

The 2022 Porsche Taycan Turbo S that serves as the base for the new Formula E Safety Car is whisper quiet as well, and that’s despite 750 hp (with Overboost) and 774 lb-ft of torque. The car can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in only 2.8 seconds when its Launch Control feature is engaged, plus it moves off the line to 160 km/h in a scant 6.1 seconds. The new Taycan Turbo S starts at $218,000, but it’s possible to get into a 2022 Taycan for as little as $119,900.

Story credit: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Porsche

Formula E: make it matter in season 8 (0:45):

CarCostCanada

New Acura MDX Type S tops $80k

If you purchased a brand new, fully-loaded Acura MDX last year, you would’ve paid a maximum of $69,400, plus freight, fees and taxes, or about $1,100 less than the much more advanced MDX Sport Hybrid when last available in 2020. Now, however, two new trims are pushing the 2022 MDX’ price up to and beyond the $80k threshold, but nevertheless we think a lot of Canadian luxury utility buyers will be willing to part with $10k more in order to take home the sportier Type S variant.

The new 2022 Acura MDX Type S, which is now available from $79,000 (or $81,500 including destination fees), adds a number of key upgrades that are well worth the extra cost. Specifically, the Type S gets a more potent engine good for 65 additional horsepower and 87 lb-ft of extra torque, which results in a grand total of 355 hp and 345 lb-ft of twist, while the performance-focused family hauler also features an Active Exhaust system in order to make it sound as fast as it is.

There’s no change in engine displacement, but the 10-speed automatic transmission connected to that 3.0-litre V6 has been beefed up inside, plus enhanced with quicker shifting gear increments, and rev-matched downshifts. What’s more, a performance-tuned version of the Japanese luxury brand’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system optimizes the uprated high-performance rubber underneath.

Those tires are special self-sealing all seasons, wrapping around a set of 21-inch twinned five-spoke alloys boasting black-painted pockets, and visible through those rims are aggressive Brembo brakes that incorporate big 363-mm front discs with four-piston fixed calipers.

Acura’s first-ever adaptive air suspension helps maintain stability under braking as well as mid-corner, thanks to three unique damping profiles exclusive to the MDX Type S. The brand’s Integrated Dynamics System was improved as well, with special Sport+ and ride height-increasing Lift modes. As exciting as all this sounds, let’s not forget the three-row crossover SUV is a family-first shuttle after all, a point Acura wanted to keep clear by mentioning in their press release that even this sporty Type S will provide “a smooth, comfortable ride.”

Type S buyers wanting more luxury can ante up for the Ultra Package that, for $4,000 more includes 16-way powered front seats with nine massage settings, plus quilted leather upholstery, and a 1,000-watt ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system boasting 25 speakers that include LED-illuminated door speakers, high-performance PrecisionDrive carbon-fibre speakers, and CenterParquet. This package increases the price of the MDX Type S by $4,000 to $83,000 (or $85,500 with destination), which is well into German luxury SUV territory.

As far as external visuals go, the 2022 MDX Type S receives a modified front fascia featuring an open-surface Diamond Pentagon grille design for enhanced engine cooling, while an exclusive front splitter sets the front lower section apart from lesser MDX trims. Additionally, the rear diffuser gets the Type S treatment too, thanks to four exhaust outlets.

Built in East Liberty, Ohio, the 2022 MDX Type S is joined by the TLX Type S sport sedan and NSX Type S mid-engine sports car in the 2022 Acura lineup. We should also expect to see a Type S variant of the upcoming Integra sport sedan, which will be replacing the ILX later this year.

MDX Type S Introduction (0:49):

Acura Type S Turbo V6 – Development Story (8:25):

Acura Type S Lineup (0:30):

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Acura

CarCostCanada, Sustainability

Your Electric Cars for Sale in Canada Buyers Guide

As more Canadian’s warm up to the idea of choosing a battery electric vehicle (BEV) as their next new car or light truck the range of available vehicles is rapidly expanding.

While the average selling price of new BEV’s are higher than the overall market average, more affordable choices are becoming available.

The list of vehicles below represents the currently available new cars and light trucks. We will add additional models as they become available. Watch for the addition of the Chevrolet Silverado EV, Ford 150 Lightning, GMC Hummer EV Pickup, GMC Hummer EV SUV and new BEV’s from Mercedes Benz and Nissan.


2022 Audi e-tron	The Audi e-tron is a compact luxury SUV that combines the Ingolstadt, Germany-based carmaker’s edgy design language and high-quality execution with a fully electric power unit.

2022 Audi e-tron GT	Sized similarly to the A7, the Audi e-tron GT is based on Porsche’s Taycan and is therefore a dedicated electric four-door coupe targeting the Tesla Model S in the luxury mid-size category.

2022 Audi e-tron Sportback	The Audi e-tron Sportback directly targets the swoopy Tesla Model Y, providing the German brand’s sharp styling with full-electric propulsion in the compact luxury SUV-coupe segment.

2022 Audi e-tron S Sportback	Audi’s e-tron S Sportback builds on the sleeker SUV-coupe body style of the luxury automaker’s e-Tron BEV, with stronger performance overall.

2022 Audi Q4 e-Tron	The Q4 e-tron is Audi’s entry-level battery electric vehicle (BEV) in Canada, smaller and more affordable than the compact luxury e-tron.

2022 Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback	The Q4 e-Tron Sportback is a sportier SUV-coupe styled version of the regular all-electric Q4 e-Tron subcompact luxury SUV.

2022 Audi RS e-Tron GT	Based on Porsche’s Taycan, the RS e-Tron GT is more potent version of Audi’s regular e-Tron GT, a mid-size four-door coupe that targets Tesla’s Model S.

2021 BMW i3	This is the last year for BMW’s funky i3, a subcompact BEV-powered hatchback featuring a carbon-fibre body and the option of a gasoline-powered range-extender engine.

2022 Chevrolet BOLT	Redesigned for 2022, Chevrolet’s Bolt is a plug-in battery electric-powered subcompact hatchback that benefits from a few SUV styling details.

2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV	All new for 2022, the Chevrolet Bolt EUV is a battery-powered subcompact crossover SUV, positioned slightly above the regular Bolt EV.

2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E	Now in its second model year, Ford’s Mustang Mach-E pulls its name and many styling cues from the legendary Mustang pony car but gets all-electric power and an SUV body style.

2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5	Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 takes the brand’s edgy styling to new electrified levels, while adding 800-volt DC fast charging for an 80-percent charge in just 18 minutes, plus over 480 km of range.

2021 Hyundai IONIQ Electric	The Hyundai IONIQ Electric, which will be discontinued at the close of 2021, shares its design with hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. The all-electric model has a range of more than 270 km.

2022 Hyundai KONA Electric	The Kona has been a massive hit for Hyundai. Available with gasoline and all-electric power, the latter version is capable of driving more than 400 km on a full charge.

2022 Jaguar I-PACE	Jaguar’s I-PACE crossover was early to the luxury electric category but delivered impressive luxury and strong performance two motors making 394 hp and 512 lb-ft of torque.

2022 Kia Niro EV	Kia’s Niro comes in regular gasoline-powered form, plus as a plug-in hybrid and a pure EV, with the latter capable of driving 385 km on a single charge.

2022 Kia Soul EV	The Soul is available as a regular gasoline-powered subcompact crossover, plus as a 100-percent battery-powered EV capable of driving 383 km between charges.

2022 Mazda MX-30	The MX-30 compact crossover, Mazda’s first EV, can be charged from 20 to 80 percent in about 36 minutes with a Level 3 DC 50-kW fast charger, resulting in 161 km of combined city/highway range.

2022 MINI Cooper SE	Based on Mini’s smallest 3-Door hatchback, the Cooper SE is an all-electric subcompact good for up to 183 km of range and 80-percent of fast-charging in only 35 minutes.

2022 Nissan Leaf	Nissan’s LEAF has long been an EV best-seller, with the latest second-generation model capable of up to 363 km of range with its larger 62 kWh battery.

2022 Polestar 2	Polestar is Volvo’s new electrified sub-brand, with its first “1” plug-in hybrid luxury coupe finishing up production and the new “2” crossover sport sedan EV good for up to 400 km of range.

2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge	Based on the XC40 subcompact luxury SUV, also available in gasoline-power and as a plug-in hybrid, the XC40 Recharge BEV has a range of 359 km and takes a minimum of 33 minutes to charge up to 80 percent.

2022 Tesla Model 3	Canada’s best-selling electric car, the Tesla Model 3 is a BMW 3 Series-sized luxury sedan capable of 3.3 seconds to 100 km/h and 576 km of range in top-line trim.

2022 Tesla Model Y	Canada’s best-selling electric crossover SUV, the Model Y is compact in size yet mighty powerful, dashing to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds and capable of driving up to 531 km on a single charge.

2022 Tesla Model S	Tesla’s first practical car, the Model S holds many racetrack records for performance, even sprinting to 100 km/h in just 2.1 seconds, despite being a comfortable mid-size luxury sedan with up to 637 km of range.

2022 Tesla Model X	Tesla’s first crossover SUV, the Model X uses powered gull-wing doors for rear entry, plus can sprint to 100 km/h in only 2.6 seconds and drive up to 536 km on a single charge.

2021 Volkswagen ID.4	The stylish new Volkswagen ID.4 is a new battery-electric compact crossover SUV that provides up to 400 km of pure-electric driving range in AWD-enhanced Pro trim. Additionally, ID.4 buyers get three years of free unlimited fast charging at Electrify Canada stations.

Sustainability

Electric vehicles available in Canada

As Canada moves towards a more sustainable modes of transportation, battery electric vehicles (BEV’s) are becoming more available in the market.

It’s been roughly 10 years since the first BEV’s became available. Today there are 26 different models available for sale in Canada and the list is rapidly growing.

Our list of provides rapid access to factory pricing, rebate and incentive data on each model. We will also offer descriptions and links to reviews.

Battery Electric Vehicles are a key element in Canada’s Climate Change mitigation strategy. Each BEV deployed has the potential to reduce the country’s CO2 output by several thousand kilograms per year. With longer range BEV’s becoming more common, the vast majority of Canadians can now realistically take advantage of the significant operating cost reductions that enjoyed by people who operate a BEV.

Consider the fact that a tank of unleaded gasoline costs over $100 today; you can purchase quite a bit of electricity for $100. In fact it is unlikely that the average BEV owner will spend even $100 powering their vehicle for an entire month.

Credit to Wu Wa for the featured image and the awesome videos.

Manufacturer	Model	OEM Estimated Range
Audi
	2022 Audi e-Tron
	2022 Audi e-Tron GT
	2022 Audi e-tron Sportback
	2022 Audi e-tron S Sportback
	2022 Audi Q4 e-Tron
	2022 Audi Q4 e-Tron Sportback
	2022 Audi RS e-Tron GT

BMW
	2021 BMW i3

Chevrolet
	2022 Chevrolet BOLT	Up to 417 kilometers
	2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV	Up to 397 kilometers

Ford
	2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E	Up to 418 kilometers

Hyundai
	2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5	Up to 480 kilometers
	2021 Hyundai IONIQ Electric	Up to 270 kilometers
	2022 Hyundai KONA Electric	Up to 415 kilometers

Jaguar
	2022 Jaguar I-Pace

Kia
	2022 Kia Niro EV	Up to 385 kilometers
	2022 Kia Soul EV	Up to 383 kilometers

Mazda
	2022 Mazda MX-30	Up to 161 kilometers

Mini
	2022 Mini Cooper SE	Up to 183 kilometers

Nissan
	2022 Nissan Leaf	Up to 363 kilometers


Polestar
	2022 Polestar 2	Up to 427 kilometers

Tesla
	2022 Tesla Model 3	Up to 576 kilometers
	2022 Tesla Model Y	Up to 531 kilometers
	2022 Tesla Model S	Up to 652 kilometers
	2022 Tesla Model X	Up to 562 kilometers

Volkswagen
	2022 Volkswagen ID.4	Up to 400 kilometers

Volvo
	2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge	Up to 359 kilometers

CarCostCanada

2021 Mazda CX-5: Trusted Mainstream Name, Premium Next-Level Experience

The Mazda brand is one synonymous with premium luxury without the premium cost, and that’s with no expense spared when it comes to performance, comfort, and both the driver and passenger experience. Through attention to detail, the recurrent use of premium materials, KODO design language and feature set, it’s no wonder that the Mazda CX-5 is regarded as one of the most dependable and fun-to-drive compact SUV models on the market.

Today, let’s get behind the wheel, pop the hood, and get to know the 2021 version of this icon further.

Practical Comfort-Focused Features

With heated and multi-adjustable seating options for the driver and all passengers, built-in electronic stability control, and fine leather-trimmed upholstery, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is not only a smoother ride but a more soothing and comfortable one. Specific trims like the GT model receive added bonuses including heated rear seats and a built-in premium sound system by Bose – one that you won’t soon forget upon hearing it. Sunroof options are also available. With five different trim levels to choose from including Sport, Touring, Grant Touring, Grand Touring Reserve and Signature, there are even more ways to narrow down your needs and wants to find the right CX-5 for your use case and budget.

Navigation Innovation

Depending on the trim model that interests you, a bevy of state-of-the-art navigation features will be included. From dedicated blind-spot monitoring, stop-and-go functionality, an active driving display (found on the GT model), and parking sensors to optional all-wheel-drive configurations and more, you won’t be short on conveniences. Each feature is optimized to be anything but intrusive, paired with seamless infotainment incorporating Mazda Connect services. Drivers and passengers alike also benefit from keyless entry, built-in cruise control, and user inputs that are easy to manage without being overwhelming. It’s not just about giving more options – it’s about encouraging you to make full use of them to improve your experience, safety, and comfort on or off the road.

Top-Notch Performance in All Trim Levels

We know many of you are keen on numbers, and rightly so. The 2021 CX-5 features a 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G DOHC 16-valve l4, six-speed automatic engine along with four-wheel ABS. This configuration can be found on almost all models, though the GT can be custom-ordered with an optional 2.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine that delivers up to 310 pounds per foot of torque and 252 horsepower. Other onboard performance features include driveline traction control, Smart City brake support, a tire pressure warning system, rear cross-traffic alerts, e-parking brakes, and electronic stability control.

Regardless of which trim you opt for, know that this is a pure-blooded Mazda. That means exceptional fuel efficiency, with an average of 24 miles per gallon in the city, 30 for highways, and 26 combined. It also means, thanks to the Skyactiv technologies and navigational features we touched on earlier, that each ride will be smoother with highly responsive handling. And, with a focus on exterior aerodynamics and interior comfort, ambient noise and vibrations are kept to a minimum in the cabin even in busy environments – perfect for a stress-free daily commute or road trip through a new-to-you city.

Mazda Hallmarks on Full Display

Mazda has always been a brand focused on never settling. Good design and innovation means never staying still, instead, continuing to search for improvement. In many ways, the company’s design and engineering teams carry forward a passion for a welcoming, efficient, smooth ride for all. The 2021 Mazda CX exemplifies this approach with further refined feature sets, premium touches, and optimized performance.

All in all, now’s a great time to consider a recent or brand-new Mazda given the strides the company has made with its proven blend of innovation and sensible design. The latest Mazda CX-5 is tangible proof of this in action. We’re sure that each year to come will bring continued refinement of the beloved mainstream compact SUV – a vehicle that challenges the preconceptions of its class and looks, feels, and performs anything like one.

CarCostCanada

CarCostCanada’s Comments on Current Automotive Market Conditions

CarCostCanada® receives ongoing feedback from thousands of members and hundreds of dealer partners. We wanted to share our thoughts about the current automotive landscape in Canada and how we can help.

Sales are up. So are back orders.

2020 was a bad year for new vehicle sales vs previous years. But the rebound this year has caused more challenges. The latest StatsCan data shows Canadian light vehicle sales are up roughly 19% over same period in 2020. From a planning and delivery standpoint, unfortunately most manufacturers were unable to respond quickly to this increased demand, precisely when Canadians were excited to get back outside, on the road, and buy new vehicles.

To make matters worse, as business ramps up again, competition from big corporate (and government) “fleets” to restock their supply is at an all the time high, precisely when supply is at an all time low. Dealers are telling us there are thousands of corporate “back-orders”. Coupled with supply and materials delays at “up-fitters” (companies who modify vehicles – think of the cable van with the ladders on the roof), many fleet orders are backlogged all the way out to spring 2022.

The Covid-19 pandemic and resulting supply shortfall has created a lack of inventory for many popular new car and light trucks. Car dealers are experiencing unprecedented low inventory levels. One large Toronto area dealer we spoke with has less then 10 days supply on ground. Where they would normally have up to 400 cars and trucks in stock, they currently have less than 50, and most “in demand” models are unavailable.

Another important piece to this puzzle is the increased supply of money in our system, along with persistent and consistent low interest rates from the Bank of Canada. Canadians have more cash in the bank than any other time in history and borrowing rates are as low as 0%.

Maybe I should buy a used car?

Partly due to limited new car inventory, and also because certain sectors of the Canadian workforce have seen reduced income due to Covid-19 work disruption, there’s been a surge in used car sales this year and an overall spike in prices.

In some cases, certain “in demand” vehicles, for example 2020 Ford F150 and Toyota RAV4, are commanding prices equal to the price people paid when they were sold new in 2019!

CarCostCanada has been surveying our members buying habits and opinions for over 10 years and we learn many things from all this customer feedback. One thing people mention is that if they decide they must have a certain model and they can’t find it new, they are sometimes willing to pay a premium for a lightly used version.

Our advice is to find a balance between your current identified need and the time frame required for a quality new car dealer to supply a new vehicle (ordered from the factory at a discounted price). In some cases the timetables won’t work and a used car or different model of new vehicle may be the only option. If you are thinking new is an alternative, before you make your final decision, speak to Member Support at CarCostCanada to receive the latest information about the models you are considering.

Canadians are ready to buy, but there’s no supply.

From some buyers point of view, dealers have become less cooperative and are expressing resistance to discounting. Since dealers have fewer vehicles to sell and they still want to stay profitable, they are tending to hold the line on discounting. It’s becoming increasingly difficult for the average consumer to see large savings off M.S.R.P. at dealerships. In conjunction with that, some manufacturers have reduced their discounts and incentives because once again they have less vehicles to sell and less money to give away as a result.

So, we have a supply disruption, an increase in demand and the response from most automotive dealers from the country has been to hold dearly to their profit margins.

We get it – times are tough. If you need to buy/lease a new car right now, Canadian consumers may be forced to pay more then they would like. However, historically, CarCostCanada members have shown themselves to be thoughtful, forward-thinking planners who generally don’t rush right out and purchase the next bright shiny object! We encourage our members and all Canadians to consider their circumstances and plan accordingly for the eventual supply increases. If you can hold off a while, then hold off.

Will this affect my lease?

There’s always discussion about how market conditions affect leases that are about to expiry. The manufacturers and leasing companies are being very flexible with lease extensions. This is one way to defer the final decision and continue to keep your existing vehicle a little bit longer on your current payment plan. Of course when you do so, if you do eventually buy out the vehicle, those payments have been helping pay down the principal as well.

In other cases, buying out the lease is an excellent choice to keep your very good vehicle. We recommend if you do buyout that you plan to sell or trade-in at some point in the next couple of years. The incidence of repair costs increases after 5 or 6 years and more importantly it is quite possible you will be very impressed at how much the dealer will pay for your 5 or 6 year old vehicle. For many years now we have seen cases where someone buys out their lease, drives it for a while and then trades it in for close to or equal of what they paid for the buyout!

But what if I need a new vehicle now (or soon)?

CarCostCanada can help and connect you with dealers who will still work with you, even in these difficult times. CarCostCanada offers several valuable tools and resources to understand and identify where the best deals are, right now and has been doing so since 1999.

With hundreds of combined years of industry insider experience, we have deep awareness of which vehicles in which market places are still readily available and how our members can enjoy savings on their leases and purchases.
Our team is in touch dealer by dealer and brand by brand looking for the best deals and identifying dealers who recognize that satisfying customer needs and promoting long term goodwill is their first priority.

Our popular (and free to new users) Price Report service includes a “comparable vehicle” function that shows you vehicles we think may interest you that offer similar quality and features at a potentially better value/price proposition.
In addition, we offer a paid service where you can leverage our Concierge Experts to help you find the vehicle you are looking for and achieve a deal that you are happy with!

All of this and more is available with a call 1.866.453.6995, live chat or email to our Customer Service Team.

CarCostCanada is here with all the available data and information, not only the price, but also the hidden rebates and incentives, loyalty programs, special inducements and interest rates available to you in the marketplace. Visit carcostcanada.com to learn more.

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See how Mike saved over $5,000 on his new Audi S4

Buying a car, even if it’s not your first, is a big decision. You have a lot to think about and you want to make sure you don’t forget anything. Most of all, you want to make sure you pay the right price for what you really need.

Making the right decision can be easier and save you thousands of dollars just by using CarCostCanada. In fact, they offer free price reports that help most Canadians negotiate when buying a new car. Canadians across the country are now sharing their stories to show how anyone can save thousands of dollars on their next new car purchase by using CarCostCanada’s services.

This week, let’s take a look at Mike’s story and find out how he saved over $5,000 on his new Audi S4 with CarCostCanada’s free price report.

Saving more even on a high end car

Mike is a 28 year old active man from Toronto, Ontario. He works in finance and is often on the road meeting new clients. However, he also enjoys playing baseball on the weekends and getting together with friends for a beer after work. Mike is single, has no children.

Following a recent promotion, Mike wanted a new car to match his success. So, to make sure he was making the right decision, Mike decided to shop around with the help of CarCostCanada. A friend of his told him about the online price reports of CarCostCanada and said it would not only help him find the perfect car, but also save him a lot of money.

Getting the best price on a new car in 3 easy steps

In 3 easy steps, he was able to build his price report online. First, he built and priced his new car using CarCostCanada’s free report tool, just as he would have done on the manufacturer’s website.

Once the price report was generated, he obtained the best price formula for his specific model by taking the dealer cost minus the incentive plus the dealer margin to see what the best possible price would be.

Finally, the tool helped him find the nearest dealer and meet with one of their professional representatives to get the best price and an exceptional buying experience.

Mike was looking for a car that would make a good impression when he met new clients and went out with his friends. He decided to go with the Audi S4, the car of his dreams, which is a young and good looking car, just like him.

Finally, in the process of buying his new car, Mike was able to save over $5000.

About CarCostCanada

Since 1999 we have provided Canadian New Car Buyers with access to our proprietary Dealer Invoice Price Reports.

Complementing the Dealer Invoice Price Reports, we also have an in-house team of automotive professionals with over an accumulated 100 years of experience and a Canada-Wide New Car Dealer Network.

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Porsche retained value tops all rivals in Canadian Black Book

2021 Porsche 911 Cabriolet — The 911 has earned highest retained value in its Premium Sporty Car segment for two years running.

No matter whether on the road or at the track, Porsche makes a habit of performing at the front of the pack. After the sports car brand managed to attain the highest position possible in the Canadian Black Book (CBB) “2021 Overall Brand Award – Luxury” category for three consecutive years, it once again achieved the top spot in the latest 2021 study.

Porsche actually scores well in all of its categories, with the Panamera retaining the highest percentage of any competitor in its Prestige Luxury Car segment, a feat it’s attained for the past eight years. Similarly, the Macan, which earned the highest score in its Compact Luxury Crossover division yet again, has owned this position for three years in a row, while the legendary 911 has been on top of the Premium Sporty Car class for two years as of the 2021 CBB study.

2021 Porsche Panamera GTS — The Panamera, shown here in 2021 GTS trim, has won its Prestige Luxury Car class for eight years in a row.

“We are honoured and delighted to accept the Overall Brand Award – Luxury as well as three model accolades from Canadian Black Book this year,” noted Marc Ouayoun, President and CEO, Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd. “Consumers have many available choices in the market and we welcome these recognitions, which provide an additional reason to consider the brand. These outstanding acknowledgments by the leading authority highlight strong value retentions which ultimately benefit the customer.”

The Canadian Black Book study ranks vehicles on the retained percentage of their manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) after four years. Holding on to a high value means that ownership will cost less when it comes time for reselling or trading in for a new model, so this is a very important metric.

2021 Porsche Macan GTS — The Macan, pictured in GTS trim, has outranked all Compact Luxury Crossover category rivals in retained value for three years consecutively.

To find out more on the latest Panamera, Macan and 911, which are currently being offered with factory leasing and financing rates from zero percent, see our 2021 Porsche Panamera Canada Prices page, our 2021 Porsche Macan Canada Prices page, and our 2022 and 2021 Porsche 911 Canada Prices pages, where you can get the latest pricing info along with the various trims and options, plus you can learn about available manufacturer rebates and dealer invoice pricing that could save you thousands.

Make sure to find out how a CarCostCanada membership can benefit you when purchasing your next new vehicle, and remember to download our free app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store so you can have all of this info and more available whenever you need it.

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Porsche