Scotty, I live in Europe and am looking at buying a Lexus RX. Unfortunately, due to EU regulations, Lexus doesn’t sell the RX with the naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 engine that you speak so highly of in your videos. Instead, I have to choose between the hybrid (which uses the 3.5L V6) or the 8AR-FTS, Toyota’s 2.0L 4 cylinder engine which is both turbo charged and direct injected. From your videos, I know you generally advise against hybrids because of the high repair costs once they age. However, I have also seen videos where you’ve advised against buying heavy vehicles with small 4 cylinder engines, because of the stress and wear on the engine from the turbo and direct injection systems. Please help me solve this dilemma. Which is the better engine if I want a trouble-free car that will last me over the next couple of decades?
If you buy a new one and do not want to keep the car as long as possible, get the hybrid model. They can last pretty much trouble free up to 150k miles. Otherwise, I would choose the turbo one. In the case of used, I choose turbo engine but have an honest mechanic check it out before you buy it.
