The outdoors, without breaking the bank
Q: I have a 2014 Kia Rio five-door that I love. Unfortunately, I have to change to an all-wheel-drive vehicle for a move to the mountains. If I could have the same model with all-wheel drive, I’d love to, but small cars with all-wheel drive are non-existent. I would like your advice, here is my situation: an adult, I do less than 20,000 km per year. For me, a car is used to get from point A to point B when I can’t walk. I try to avoid luxury, SUVs and fluff. I can consider a new or used vehicle, the objective being to pay as little as possible for this negative expense. I keep my vehicles for a long time. I like to sleep in my car while hiking and camping. — Marie-Josee L.
A: Indeed, small cars are not legion on the market. It’s a little more massive, but the Subaru Impreza (five-door too) is probably the best buy here for your needs.
A manual in French
PHOTO PROVIDED BY NISSAN
Nissan Rogue
Q: I purchased a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The instruction book is in English only. I’ve always enjoyed reading user manuals to get the most out of my new vehicle and use it wisely. What are my remedies or how can I get one? Is it normal that in Quebec, we receive it in English only? They surely sell Rogue in France, their instructions must be in French. —France Boivin
A: The Rogue, as we know it, is not distributed in France. That said, the owner’s manual is also available in French and we suggest that you contact your dealer or the Nissan regional office in Quebec to obtain a copy.
False economies
PHOTO PROVIDED BY TOYOTA
2022 Toyota Tundra
Q: I own a Ford F-150 full-size pickup truck and a 25′ Airstream travel trailer. Total weight is 7500 lbs. During our outings, our journeys are 250 to 400 km per day. I would like to know if the manufacturers are going to offer a plug-in hybrid version of a full-size pickup truck. For my part, when used with a recreational vehicle, the electric pickup truck causes a lot of inconvenience. – Norman B.
A: For now, only the Toyota Tundra is offered with a hybrid engine, but it is not rechargeable. We found that the consumption of this vehicle, when stowed with a load substantially equivalent to yours, was higher (approximately 4 L/100 km) than that observed with a pickup truck with a gasoline engine.
Your choice
PHOTO PROVIDED BY AUDI
Audi A4 Allroad
Q: We want to sell one of our two cars to buy an Audi A3 cabriolet. Heartbreaking choice we have to make: we have to get rid of one of our two current vehicles. My spouse’s car is a 2014 BMW 328 xdrive automatic with 83,000 km. She is like new. I own a 2015 A4 Allroad with 124,000 km on the clock. Both vehicles are perfectly maintained. The BMW is more nervous to drive, but the A4 is much more comfortable and practical (utility volume). What if you had to decide? —Richard S.
A: In your situation, I would get rid of the BMW, which is hardly more functional than the A3 that you covet. Better to keep your Allroad. This could provide you with valuable services (utility volume). The driving pleasure of the BMW is superior, but considering the state of our roads and the restrictions in force, the dynamic qualities of the BMW are increasingly difficult to exploit.