Heading for Florida
I plan to get a luxury compact SUV sometime this year. I currently have a 2006 Audi TT that I plan to sell. My wife owns a 2017 RAV4 LE that I like for its cargo space, which is really very practical, but its soundproofing is poor and the interior is really very sober. I’m hesitating between two models: the Lincoln Corsair – I like its look and luxurious interior – and the Cadillac XT5. I’m looking at the used vehicle market. A 2022 model with more or less 50,000 km. We winter in Florida and always use the RAV4 to get to our destination. We always carry lots of stuff in addition to our golf bags, hence the need for sufficient cargo space. My wife doesn’t want us to put too many miles on her car and I would like to drive to Florida in comfort. A suggestion would be much appreciated even outside of the coveted brands.
Denis P.
Your two choices (Cadillac and Lincoln) hold their own. Note, however, that the more compact Corsair is more comparable to the XT4. So, if your first criterion is cargo volume, the XT5 is a better choice than the Corsair, whose trunk dimensions are smaller than those of your current RAV4. We suggest adding the Acura RDX to your list. Its reliability is proven, its trunk is even more demanding than that of your Toyota.
Should we buy or not?
PHOTO CHRISTOF STACHE, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE ARCHIVES
BMW logo
Since the lease of my BMW ends next May, I would really like to have your valuable opinion on whether I would be better off purchasing it at a cost of $27,765 including taxes, or shopping around for a new option. It currently has 37,000 km and I haven’t done any repairs until now. But the future worries me. I am 72 years old and I will be working for at least three more years. A big decision to make.
Monique D.
Several elements are missing from your request to make a firm recommendation. The model (is it a 3 Series, an X3?), its model year. Your current mileage, however, gives an indication that you don’t drive much. If it’s a Series 3 or even an X3, you are in the presence of two of the brand’s most reliable models. That said, as the years go by, the risks of breakage or malfunctions are likely to accumulate. In addition, these vehicles, like all others from luxury brands, require rigorous maintenance and replacement parts are expensive. You indicate that you want to work for “at least three more years”, so we suggest that you do not sacrifice your future savings on maintenance and repairs. Instead, treat yourself to another vehicle, focusing on reliability and the duration of the warranty to ensure your peace of mind.
What the future holds
PHOTO PROVIDED BY SUBARU
Subaru Forester
I have a Subaru Forester Sport that I love and whose contract expires in February 2025. I’m looking for an SUV with enough cargo space to fit two bikes (I don’t want an exterior rack). I would like to switch to a hybrid and I’m hesitating between the RAV4 and the future 2025 Forester hybrid. What do you think?
Nicolas M.
It’s difficult to direct you towards a vehicle that we still haven’t driven (Forester hybrid). For the moment, Subaru has not communicated the characteristics of this engine which – the opposite would be surprising – will use all the hybrid hardware developed by Toyota. As you know, the entire Forester range will have a facelift in the spring and this will prove to be an evolution of the current model. The Japanese manufacturer maintains in particular that this new generation will be more comfortable and quieter than the model it will replace in the coming months. And good news for you (and your bikes), the trunk swallows the equivalent of an additional 20 L. You might also consider the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (our tester this week).
Extinct breed
PHOTO PROVIDED BY HYUNDAI
Hyundai Tucson
We own a 2012 Hyundai Tucson which is approaching 210,000 km. After incredible tolerance to our minimal maintenance over the last few years, he is starting to show some signs of fatigue. We anticipate the change to another vehicle within two years maximum. Reliability is an important criterion for us, we have no other transport option than the car in our countryside. I really miss the space and comfort of our 2004 Volvo XC70, stored four years ago when we downgraded to a single vehicle. We are looking for a new or recent used model, family type, plug-in hybrid, within a maximum budget of $50,000. What do you recommend ?
Charlotte C.
As you probably know, the wagon category is a breed on the verge of extinction. Even on the second-hand market. Volvo’s V70 Recharge ($81,038) partially meets your criteria. Only, it is overpriced. From then on, you can’t help but (unfortunately) turn to another SUV… For now, we invite you to consider the proposals from Hyundai (Tucson Plug-in), Kia (Sportage PHEV or Sorento PHEV) and Mitsubishi (Outlander PHEV). To this list, you could add the Dodge Hornet (a new product), but its reliability has not yet been tested. Finally, let us emphasize that within two years, the manufacturers’ offer will probably be more extensive.