Magical formula
Retired, we do a lot of camping with our trailer. Its loaded weight is approximately 2300 lbs. Our annual trips are 28,000 km, including 10,000 with the trailer. We are considering going electric. Our current vehicle is a 2017 Santa Fe XL with 171,000 km on the clock. It still works great, but the warranties are over. To meet our towing needs, our readings direct us towards hybrid versions. Is there a formula or data that allows us to evaluate the relevance of a change in relation to the annual savings made to inform our choice? Should we wait a bit to benefit more from technological developments? If not, are there any vehicles that might fit our profile that are worth exploring?
Patrick T.
There is no formula, but you can use this tool developed by the CAA (https://carcosts.caa.ca/fr). This is not perfect, but it will allow you to evaluate the cost of using your vehicle and to make comparisons. According to this calculator, the cost per kilometer is 46 cents. Maintenance and repair costs are estimated at $3,841.74 per year. That said, if your vehicle “still runs great,” why not keep it for a few more years? Your vehicle’s V6 engine has a good reliability record. However, it is necessary to perform an oil change every 8,000 km. Another thing to watch out for is the four-wheel drive mode. Have it inspected regularly. Rust can damage the splines (splines) of the axle between the transmission and the transfer case. Repair is expensive. If the axle is not broken, have it unblocked and greased. Some breaks in the rear viscocoupler have been reported by some of our readers. A second-hand part can reduce the price of the repair.
Change for the sake of change
PHOTO PROVIDED BY SUBARU
The 2015 Subaru Outback
I’m thinking about replacing my 2016 Subaru Outback (125,000 km), because according to the APA, its reliability drops after eight years and because I can still get a good trade-in value. I would like to consider a hybrid or electric vehicle, but according to my calculations, it is not yet worth it, considering the little mileage I travel annually (12,000 km). I have a weakness for the Mazda CX-50 (GS-L version). Is this a good choice considering the announced death of gasoline vehicles? Knowing this, could it lose value prematurely? If not, are there affordable options for a hybrid or electric SUV? We are a small family with a child and have as a second vehicle a Mazda CX-30 which we love for its sporty and luxurious appearance, but it does not meet our need for space.
Benedict
Your reasoning is correct. It’s not worth the shot. If “reliability drops,” the problem is often between the seat and the steering wheel. The two key words: preventive maintenance. The overall reliability of the Outback (including the 2016 model) is about average. To answer your second question, the gasoline engine is not going away anytime soon. It is true, however, that the end of the sale of new gasoline vehicles is scheduled for 2035 in Quebec. Shade. As for the CX-50, it’s an interesting choice, but perhaps it’s better to wait for the release of the CX-70 and its hybrid engine. Mazda will reveal full details by the end of the month. To answer your question, we assume that the price of the CX-50 GS-L ($39,950) is “affordable”. Therefore, with eligibility for government subsidies in mind, you should particularly keep an eye on the future Chevrolet Blazer EV and Honda Prologue.
For the family
PHOTO PROVIDED BY KIA
The 2018 Kia Niro
I have two children. We are looking for a new car to replace our 2013 Mazda 3 which is starting to show its age. Good value for money, safe, hybrid. Do you have any suggestions ?
MR
You might consider the Kia Niro. It offers three engines (hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric) and the basic warranty (5 years/100,000 km) is generous. Another possible choice is the Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid.
A park to renew
PHOTO PROVIDED BY TOYOYA
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma
I am a maple farmer and I like fishing. I travel around 50,000 km per year. My personal vehicle fleet is made up of three vehicles, namely a 2016 Titan HD with Cummins engine (150,000 km), a 2008 Lexus IS250 (235,000 km) and a 2018 Lexus LC500 (40,000 km). I’m thinking of storing the IS250 and selling the Titan. I need a van. I’m hesitating between the Tacoma or the gas-powered Tundra. I have great confidence in the 3.5L engine, I had it in a Lexus RC. I like to keep my vehicles for a long time. Budget is not a problem. What do you recommend ?
Pierre C.
The 3.5 liter engine you are referring to is actually a 3.4 liter (3445 cc3). And unlike the one that was under the hood of your Lexus RC, this one is supercharged by turbocharger. There are similarities, but they are not the same engines. This clarification having been made, as part of its recent redesign, the Tacoma now relies exclusively on supercharged 4-cylinder engines (gasoline or hybrid). Despite Toyota’s reputation, the first year of marketing a new model always remains delicate, even if several components seem proven. As proof, the most recent Tundra does not do very well with an organization like Consumer Reports, which judges its reliability to be below average. Therefore, it is better to turn to the previous generations of the Tacoma or the Tundra. You could also consider purchasing the Honda Ridgeline if it corresponds to the use you plan to make of it.