Thinking of buying a used electric car? Here's John Paul's pick | Car Doctor
Q: I am thinking of easing into an electric car and looking at used models. I have found a Mitsubishi miEV, Ford Focus EV and Nissan Leaf. Which would you buy?
A: The Nissan Leaf is the most popular and the best value. None of these cars had more than a 90-mile range when new, so they will only fit a limited EV lifestyle.
Due to the popularity of the Leaf over the Focus and miEV, the Nissan Leaf would be the clear choice. Even with battery degradation, the Leaf likely has more range than the Mitsubishi and Ford when they were new.
Owner's manual isn't always clear about maintenance schedule
Q: Often you include in your column "follow the vehicle owner's manual." I own two Hondas. I was advised that the 2014 Honda (which has about 23,000 miles) needed the following service: recommended timing belt, drive belt, water pump, tensioner, coolant quoted at $1,680. The service adviser said that this is what the manual suggested because the car is seven years old.
I searched the manual for a schedule of replacement times. It mentioned the items but there are no times listed. I called Honda Customer Care. They tried to be helpful, but said that Honda does not have recommended replacement times.
A recent “Car Doctor” column said “other items, such as timing belts, have specific repair/replace intervals. The best advice is to follow the vehicle owner’s manual.” So following the owner's manual did not work for me.
A: Honda, like many vehicles today, uses a maintenance reminder system that recommends when certain items need attention. There is an algorithm that factors in time and mileage for certain repairs and maintenance.
Typically, when Honda had a mileage recommendation for a timing belt replacement, it was 105,000 miles. Now if you wanted to be extra cautious, you could replace the timing belt and other components at 10 years.
If the average vehicle is driven about 10,000 to 12,000 miles per year, that would be about 10 years or — looking at the mileage — about 100,000 miles.
Yes, in general, I still stand by the recommendation in the owner’s manual, since these recommendations were developed by the manufacturer.
Are electrical 'gremlins' causing erratic fuel gauge readings?
Q: I have a 2016 Volvo XC 70 that needed a battery replacement in December. The main “gel” battery was replaced. I continued to get warning notices about “low battery charge.”
At the battery place, I was told the computer needed a reset, which was done. Problems continued, and I was told the auxiliary battery needed replacement. Done.
Now, I see that the gas gauge goes from half full to empty continually during a day’s drive. Sometimes it doesn’t happen, sometimes it does. I keep track of my mileage, so I know when to fill the tank.
Your suggestions as to the diagnosis and the solution?
A: Volvo has a very specific procedure to check for proper operation of the fuel gauge. On this model, the issue could be wiring (poor ground circuit), faulty fuel gauge sending unit, or even a faulty fuel pump.
Before I start exploring the fairly costly gauge issues, I would go back to the battery shop and ask them to do a reset of the electrical system. I have seen on many occasions that “rebooting” the electrical system can remedy electrical gremlins.
First a bump sound, now the sunroof won't work properly
Q: I have a 2018 Mazda 3. While opening my sunroof, I heard a bump. Now it won’t close or open all the way. The motor works fine. I can’t see any obstruction. What do you think happened? What would it cost?
A: The sunroof system uses an electric motor — a transmission of sorts — and cables to move the glass panel. At this point, you will need to remove the headliner to see where the issue is. It is possible the motor, although working, is not moving the cables and is in need of replacement.
John Paul is the AAA Northeast Car Doctor. He has more than 40 years of experience in the automobile industry and is an ASE-Certified Master Technician. Write to John Paul, The Car Doctor, at 110 Royal Little Drive, Providence, RI 02904. Or email jpaul@aaanortheast.com and put “Car Doctor” in the subject field. Follow him on Twitter @johnfpaul or on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Car Doctor: Which electric vehicle would you buy?
