Problem vehicle
Q: We are a couple in our mid-30s with two children aged 4 and 6. We own a 2017 Subaru Outback 3.6R with 140,000 km on the odometer and a balance of $5,000 to pay off. However, we are absolutely not satisfied with this vehicle. We’ve already spent a lot of money on rear suspension issues, recurring battery failures, not to mention replacing all the injectors. And now the rack has to be changed! Before the situation becomes unmanageable, we plan to take advantage of the resale value of this vehicle to buy a new one. We’re looking at a Nissan Sentra or a Kia Soul with 36-month financing using the residual value of the Subaru. Is this a good decision? We plan to keep the new vehicle for at least 10 years with less than 10,000 km per year. We need two vehicles, as I work on the road with my Mitsubishi Outlander which has almost 300,000 km on the clock (it runs perfectly). -Richard D.
A: Considering the gas mileage of that flat-six engine, your vehicle’s problematic reliability, and its current market value, it’s a good idea to say goodbye to it. Since you want to keep your vehicle for at least 10 years, your children will then be teenagers… Your two choices are defensible, but the Soul, which is more functional and has a better warranty, is probably your best option here. Given your personal experience with Mitsubishi, it’s curious that you didn’t consider the RVR in your potential choices. Especially since the powertrain warranty for this vehicle dictates your desire to keep your vehicle for another “at least 10 years”.
To pull a boat
PHOTO PROVIDED BY TOYOTA
Toyota Highlander
Q: My son is looking for a family vehicle with three rows of seats. This must be able to pull a boat (about 2000 lbs). What vehicle would you recommend? It must have good reliability and reasonable fuel consumption. Its budget is $60,000 maximum. He intends to keep it for at least 10 years. – Helen R.
A: We invite you to read our review from last week, which covered the Toyota Highlander. This one matches your son’s criteria. The latter could also consider the Mazda CX-90 PHEV (GS version), but its reliability has not yet been proven. So much for the hybrids. He could also consider the Honda Pilot and the Hyundai Palisade.
A trailer to tow
PHOTO PROVIDED BY HONDA
Honda Pilot
Q: I am looking for a new vehicle that can tow a trailer that, once loaded, weighs 4200 lbs. Comfort and long-term reliability are my two main criteria. I usually keep my vehicles for at least eight years. Last thing, I would like to avoid vans. – Icarus D.
A: As a first step, we recommend that you obtain a quote from a rental agency (short or medium term). The latter is likely to meet your towing needs. This option could prove to be more economical and more ecological than offering you a vehicle that does not meet your needs 10 months a year. That said, you might consider vehicles like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, or Chevrolet Traverse. Note that the latter will undergo a complete overhaul in the coming year.
Long battery life
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MERCEDES-BENZ
EQXX prototype, from Mercedes-Benz
Q: We live in an area where all-wheel drive is appreciated. We want to make the switch to an electric vehicle, but with a long range. I read that Toyota should offer an SUV with more than 1000 km of range in the next few years. Do I already have to register with a dealership to get it? Are there other manufacturers who have the same project? – Isabelle R.
A: Toyota is not the only manufacturer to dangle the possibility of reaching 1000 km of autonomy. Mercedes-Benz, for example, already reached 1008 km using its EQXX prototype last year. So technically, it seems possible to obtain such autonomy, but at what cost? Some Chinese car manufacturers pride themselves on achieving this energy performance as well, but recognize that this battery currently costs several tens of thousands of dollars. So to answer your question, the Toyota firm indeed intends to offer it (at an undetermined date), but it will not be the only one. For now, there’s no need to add your name to a list that currently doesn’t exist.