Scotty I have been watching you videos and wanted to take the time to ask your opinion. I have been looking at buying a sedan. My options are a 2018 Volkswagen passat R line with a 2.4, 2017 Honda CRV EX-L with the 1.5T, 2017 Honda Accord with 1.5T, or a 2017 Buick Lacrosse with the 3.6. What is your opinion? Which car is going to be a good reliable car?
Thanks,
Shane
Either Honda.
Throw out the VW and Buick. Not good cars.
None are great choices. The VW and Buick are non-starters, terrible vehicles. Normally Honda would be a good choice, but per Scotty the Honda 1.5 turbo engine is prone to oil dilution and its long-term prospects may not be very good. (In general, small-displacement engines force-fed by GDI and turbocharging don't live long lives.) But if those are your only choices get one of the Hondas as the least worst choice.
Look for a 2016 Honda with the 2.4 liter.
If you prefer the zippy turbo, go for a 2019 or newer model.
Of those 4, only the Honda’s would be worth considering. That being said, I am not a fan of the smaller displacement 1.5L turbocharged I4 engine in those. Despite Honda’s attempts to “fix” (via software) the oil dilution issue those engines are susceptible to, the jury is still out on their long term reliability. Have you also looked at Toyota and Mazda’s offerings? If you don’t care for Toyota, I would go Mazda over Honda in this case (just avoid the Mazda engines - 2.5L naturally aspirated I4 - with cylinder deactivation which started in 2018 model year. Have to consult brochure to see which trim packages had cylinder deactivation.)
