Expert advice | The automobile in questions

Our contributor answers readers’ questions

The good moment

I have a 2017 Subaru Outback 3.6 R purchased in 2016 with only 65,000 km on the clock. I had a seven year warranty which ended in September. However, in the last two years, two sensors had to be changed, covered by warranty, but quite expensive. So I’m wondering if I should sell it while its value is still quite high, around $25,000, and the maintenance costs are expected to be high for the next few years. What do you think ? If I change it, I’m looking at the Toyota RAV4 2024 XLE. Is it a good choice ?

John L.

According to the APA, Subarus are very reliable for a period of six to seven years. Subsequently, the expenses to keep them in shape become a little heavier. In such a case, it is better to consider replacing it to avoid large expenses. In doing so, you will also reduce your consumption and your ecological footprint by adopting a vehicle with a smaller cylinder capacity. The RAV4 XLE is a good choice, but we suggest you opt for the hybrid version for ecological reasons. You should know that compared to your current Outback, Toyota’s utility vehicle will be noisier (acoustic comfort) and less dynamically efficient (handling, all-wheel drive).

Spoiled by the future

My last two cars have been Camrys and I have been very satisfied. I kept them for 15 years. I am 70 years old, I am retired and I drive around 10,000 km per year. My next car will probably be my last, so I’d like to treat myself. I’m hesitating between a new 2025 Camry hybrid which I find interesting or a more luxurious Lexus ES300H. Is the difference between these two automobiles worth the approximately $12,000 price difference for the Lexus?

Michel St-L.

The Lexus will offer you slightly greater ride comfort, more careful soundproofing, more careful finishing (quality of materials) and a more generous warranty too (4 years/80,000 km) than the Toyota. The latter, as you know, will be completely new for 2025. We had the opportunity to discover it at the Los Angeles Auto Show a few days ago, but we were not able to drive it . On paper, the Camry shows great promise and several advances that would put an ES300h to shame, the design of the current model of which dates back almost four years already. An upcoming redesign is expected for the Lexus, which retains a certain advantage over the future Toyota: its reliability is proven. That said, considering your current mileage (10,000 km per year) and the level of refinement (more comfort, more power) of the future Camry, it appears to us to be the most rational of your choices.

Make the difference

I’m approaching 30 and my friends around me have young children and are certainly starting their more serious lives. In this vein, many tell me they are opting for an SUV, which would be an appropriate car for a “real” adult. When I ask them about the environmental impact, I am often told: “Yes, but it is a small SUV, it has the same engine as a sedan and therefore it does not pollute more. ” Is it true ? How to find your way there? I have no problem admitting that a Nissan Kicks pollutes less than a Toyota Sequoia. But does the Kicks pollute as much as the Sentra? How to know ?

Antoine C.

Your question is very relevant. Let’s look at your examples again. A Nissan Kicks emits 169 g/km of CO₂ compared to 167 g/km for the Sentra. Note that the latter, with manual gearbox, will release more polluting emissions (185 g/km) than a Kicks. The Sequoia displays 273 g/km of CO₂. You can obtain this information by consulting the Canadian government website to make an informed and ecological decision. As for the argument from those around you about the pollution emitted by a small SUV and a sedan, it’s an easy shortcut. Tire size and aerodynamic drag coefficient, to name just these elements, play a determining role in consumption and polluting emissions.

And why not electric?

The ideal vehicle for my needs would be a plug-in hybrid the size of the Chevrolet Bolt or Toyota Yaris. Does that exist ? This would allow me to travel 85% of my annual mileage in electric mode while maintaining the full range of a gasoline vehicle if necessary. I don’t understand why manufacturers don’t seem to produce them. The transition to all-electric will be much longer and more difficult than our governments imagine. In my opinion, the plug-in hybrid would be a safer transition, while significantly reducing polluting emissions.

Bertrand P.

We will not engage in politics in this section. Several governments have decided in favor of all-electric and set a deadline. Manufacturers will have to comply or resolve to leave the market when these rules come into force. From then on, you will understand why several manufacturers do not favor the development of hybrid technology, especially rechargeable, which is even more expensive to produce. To return to your question, subcompacts (a category generally associated with vehicles like the defunct Yaris) have practically disappeared in Canada. Nothing suggests their return, particularly due to their low profitability. Ultimately, why not opt ​​for a Bolt if you like the size and a plug-in hybrid can do 85% of your trips? The range of this Chevrolet is impressive. Perhaps now is the time for you to take the leap. What about long trips? You could simply rent a “conventional” vehicle for the short term.