The fear of being scolded
I have a 2024 Mini Countryman ALL4 and I just read your article about this vehicle. It’s a rental as far as I’m concerned and I’m wondering if I should fuel it with regular gasoline. Will BMW blame me for causing a malfunction since the dealer tells me to use premium gasoline?
Sylvie D.
Mini actually recommends the use of premium gasoline to achieve better performance (acceleration and consumption). But the Anglo-German brand also specifies in its communications to journalists that ordinary gasoline is accepted.
What problems?
PHOTO PROVIDED BY NISSAN
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder
I would like more details about your comment on the Nissan Pathfinder in one of your articles. You mention that he has several stains on his file. Could you tell me which ones? I own a 2023 Pathfinder and have driven over 50,000 km without any problems so far, except for a little noise with the sun visor and cleaning the brakes.
Mark J.
So much the better if the only problem is the noise emitted by the sun visor. Brake cleaning should be classified in the maintenance category. The comment about reliability pointed the finger at the previous generation (2013-2020). This was affected by transmission (CVT), heating and air conditioning problems, to name the main ones. Your vehicle (2023) belongs to the fifth generation. The presence of a conventional nine-speed gearbox alone made it possible to correct many problems.
One choice, just one
PHOTO PROVIDED BY TOYOTA
The 2023 Toyota Sienna
My wife and I currently each own our own vehicle. A 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan and a 2016 Subaru Forester. We would like to sell them so we only have one vehicle. We need the space of the Grand Caravan and our trips to the countryside require a vehicle with all-wheel drive, like with the Subaru. With these criteria, which used vehicles (gasoline) would you recommend to us?
John V.
Without a doubt, the vehicle best suited to your requirements is called the Toyota Sienna, fourth generation (2021 to present). This hybrid (wireless) van consumes on average 6.7 L/100 km, a very significant saving compared to your current vehicles. Additionally, the Sienna is offered with four-wheel drive.
Luxury at a lower price
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CADILLAC
The 2024 Cadillac XT4
I leased a 2023 Cadillac XT4 Luxury for two years. My rental ends on January 31. I like it, I travel about 30,000 km per year. Is it a good idea to purchase this vehicle at the end of the lease ($33,000) or should I lease another one? This one would cost me $732 per month. I would like an equivalent vehicle, but less expensive on a monthly basis.
Richard L.
We assume that your current vehicle has traveled almost 60,000 km to date. Considering the amount requested ($33,000), we suggest you hand over the keys. Currently, several XT4s with significantly lower mileage than your vehicle are available for just under $37,000. Furthermore, the XT4 only obtains a passing grade (50%) in terms of reliability. Difficult to answer your question about offering you a vehicle for $732 per month. Manufacturers’ offerings (financing rates, discounts, promotions, etc.) vary enormously. That said, equivalent vehicles that may interest you include the Lexus UX300h, the BMW X1 or the Lincoln Corsair.