To the point
We are a couple who would like to have just one vehicle. I own a 2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R with 93,000 km on the odometer and my wife has a 2020 Subaru Forester as a lease, with 63,000 km and a residual value of $15,340. What would be the best action to take, sell the Outback and buy the Forester? Or even take the electric turn that we are possibly considering?
Daniel M.
A good gesture on your part for the environment would be to get rid of the Outback, whose six-cylinder engine is rather energy-intensive. The electric shift? Many environmentalists believe that it is better to keep your old vehicle rather than giving in to the purchase of a new one. For them, building a new car pollutes much more. Therefore, your 2020 Forester represents a good deal due to the amount requested and its low mileage.
The taste for change
PHOTO PROVIDED BY NISSAN CANADA
2020 Nissan Qashqai
My 2019 Nissan Qashqai, which I now own, has 79,000 km and the warranty has expired. Should I think about a new vehicle? I have not had to do any repairs beyond normal maintenance.
Daniel G.
The Qashqai’s reliability record isn’t exceptional, but not poor either. This is a vehicle that can give you several more years of satisfaction considering the mileage you cover annually. Why not keep it? Just make sure you take care of it properly.
Expensive diesel
PHOTO PROVIDED BY VOLKSWAGEN
Volkswagen Passat TDI 2015
I have a 2015 Volkswagen Passat turbodiesel purchased in 2017. It has 150,000 km on the clock. It is not rusty and has been serviced at the dealership. I would like to change it to a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Diesel is expensive, but I need the security of a thermal (petrol) engine. I like the comfort of the Passat, the space, the trunk, the sunroof, etc. I’ve looked at the RAV4 and the Niro, but it’s about a year and no more waiting. What do you suggest?
Valerie G.
We invite you to read our response (straight to the point) above. Diesel is expensive, yes, but buying a new vehicle is even more so. Well maintained, your vehicle can easily cover around 500,000 kilometers. We invite you to make the objective calculation between one of the desired vehicles by counting everything. Ultimately, you will realize that it is better for your personal finances to keep your current vehicle.
Strong enough for him?
PHOTO ANDREW KELLY, REUTERS ARCHIVES
Toyota Tacoma
I have a 2017 Tacoma powered by a six-cylinder engine. I tow a 2900 lb trailer (dry). I’m thinking of upgrading to a 2024 Tacoma, with a four-cylinder turbo engine. I don’t know anything about mechanics, but it seems to me that 2.4L is not like my 3.5L. Would the 2024 Tacoma be strong enough to pull my trailer?
Richard E.
Naturally, the 3.5L six-cylinder has a simplicity (in the mechanical sense of the term), a smoothness and a flexibility that the 2.4L does not have. On the other hand, the latter will have no trouble pulling your trailer. It is true that there are mid-size pickup trucks on the market that offer greater towing capacity (Chevrolet Colorado and Ford Ranger, for example). And these are also powered by a four-cylinder engine.