A wire to the wheel
We would like to know what you suggest as a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Our intention was to buy a fully electric vehicle, but since we constantly travel between Montreal and Quebec, and after seeing the glitches some electric vehicles have experienced this winter, we believe that a plug-in hybrid vehicle would be more suitable for our lifestyle. We already have an electrical terminal in Montreal. Our budget would be between $60,000 and $70,000.
Line G.
Given your price range, we’re assuming your choice is for a higher-end model. If so, you might consider the Lexus NX 450h+ (plug-in hybrid), which is among the vehicles with one of the best reliability ratings in its class. The Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring is the second vehicle that deserves your consideration. Lexus and Lincoln offer appreciable ride comfort and safe road holding. The NX 450h+ is however more efficient in terms of energy (electric range and fuel consumption) than the Lincoln, but the latter accepts that it is fed with regular gasoline.
The bare minimum
PHOTO PROVIDED BY SUBARU
Subaru Forester Wilderness
I am thinking of acquiring a new compact SUV type vehicle. I want to keep a fairly high driving position because I have a Dodge Grand Caravan. I travel about 7000 km per year. My choice is between a Subaru Forester and a Mitsubishi Outlander. The latter offers a rechargeable hybrid version with 61 km of autonomy. The higher price of the hybrid scares me and the government incentives don’t change that. Is it better to buy used (one or two years old) with low mileage? I keep my vehicles for about 10 years. What do you recommend between these two models (and which of the variations too)?
Dennis M.
The Outlander PHEV (rechargeable hybrid) can indeed travel 61 km, but this performance is achieved by the latest version of this model. If you opt for a used Outlander PHEV, you will end up with a model from the previous generation and the electric range of the latter is 40 km at most. That said, you do not mention whether you have easy access to a charging station or indicate the use you intend to make of the vehicle. Given your very low annual mileage and the high price of today’s used vehicles, you should consider the Forester. This is more economical at the pump. As for the variation, limit yourself to the basic version.
Wise decision
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Porsche Macan
I have a 2017 Porsche Macan with 108,000 km. I will keep it as long as possible. From an environmental point of view, it is not by changing a vehicle of this quality after 108,000 km that I am helping the planet. However, should I extend the manufacturer’s warranty? I want to keep it for about 10 years.
Donald L.
Given the price of parts from this manufacturer, it seems wise to consider such a guarantee. The question is at what price for this period (four years). You can negotiate it, you know?
See bigger
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Subaru Solterra
I own a 2016 Subaru Impreza that I plan to keep for another two years (140,000 km). But I’m starting to think about the type of replacement vehicle when the time comes, keeping the same type of vehicle, but this time electric or hybrid and with four-wheel drive, because I live in the Hautes-Laurentides and I have to travel in Montreal every month. Towards which models should I direct my future choice?
Michael L.
Are you interested in our Subaru Solterra test bed, then? This one, however, is more massive (like its rivals) than your current vehicle. For now, there are vehicles (SUV style) like the Chevrolet Bolt or the Nissan Leaf+, but these two vehicles only have two-wheel drive (front).