We don’t break the piggy bank
The 3-year/60,000 km warranty (whole vehicle) is ending soon, while my 2020 Subaru Forester Touring has only 42,000 km. The “main components” warranty is 5 years/100,000 km. Being very satisfied, I plan to keep it for a long time. Considering the vehicle’s reliability, do you recommend the following total extended warranty: 7 years/100,000 km at a cost of $2,561 ($250 deductible)? This protection includes the CAA roadside emergency service.
Peter T.
Considering this vehicle’s reliability track record, you should save your pennies. For your peace of mind, a CAA membership, however, is a good idea.
On the way to the Atlantic
PHOTO PROVIDED BY LEXUS
2022 Lexus NX
I hesitate between a Lexus NX 250 or 350 and a Volvo XC 40. I already have a 2017 Rogue with 52,000 km and I find it too big. I wish I had a plug-in hybrid, because I’m spending four months in Nova Scotia and to get there I have to drive 1100 km. So, a gasoline vehicle again? And which of the two brands? I drive a maximum of 12,000 km/year, mostly in Nova Scotia.
Josee H.
In terms of reliability and cost of use, in your place, we would give priority to the Lexus (250 is more economical, although less efficient). However, given the price difference, the NX 350h appears to be the more sensible and environmentally friendly choice. Finally, another aspect must also be taken into account: the proximity of a dealership of the brand where you are staying in Nova Scotia. This will have an effect in your final decision. Note that the reliability of the XC40 is above average (though lower than that of the Lexus), but this vehicle is more comparable to the (smaller) Lexus UX. Considering the number of kilometers to cover during your travels in Nova Scotia, the NX will be more comfortable.
Other possibilities
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2023 Kia Sportage
In the summer of 2022, I placed the order for a Subaru Crosstrek plug-in hybrid and for a Hyundai Tucson plug-in hybrid, planning to cancel the second when the first was delivered. Unfortunately, both orders were canceled with the mention that these vehicles will not be built or delivered in 2023. Do you know if there is a car brand that will produce plug-in hybrids this year for less than $50,000?
Valerie O.
You could consider the Kia Sportage (almost identical to the Tucson), the Outlander PHEV (more massive however), the Dodge Hornet (of which we will publish a review very soon) or even the Toyota RAV4 Prime.
Reliability found?
PHOTO PROVIDED BY SUBARU
Subaru Crosstrek
We’re shopping for a subcompact SUV. We liked the Seltos. Unfortunately, reliability is low due to serious problems with the engine and ICVT transmission. Are these issues now resolved? I would like to add that we hesitate between this model and the Crosstrek (both 2024). We ruled out the other subcompacts for different reasons.
Sylvain S.J.
Our understanding is that some fixes were made in 2022. According to our information, some units had parts (the piston rings for example) that did not meet factory standards. That said, of your two choices, the Crosstrek appears the more seamless, but you should also take a look at the Mazda CX-30.