Hi guys,

My dad is looking for a new vehicle and I thought I'd ask you guys for some ideas. He is currently driving a 2010 Chevy Equinox LTZ FWD, which will be passed down to another person in his company.

Requirements: FWD or AWD, something that is brand new, and priced in the mid 30's

We've already looked at the Acura TSX Sport Wagon and VW Passat TDI. We are also planning on checking out the 2013 Nissan Altima when our local dealer gets one in.

My father is 50, and part owner of a metal fabricating company so this will technically be a "company" vehicle, although it will be used for personal use much more often than company use. He drives over 30k miles per year, so he values MPG and comfort over power/sportiness; although if that can be thrown in with the good MPG's it would be nice. Because it is a company vehicle, he doesn't want anything BMW/MB/Audi because of how he thinks it would look in our area, it was hard enough to get him to consider the Acura

So far my favorite is the TSX Wagon, I just don't trust VW reliability and the interior of the Passat SE TDI we test drove was not on par with the Acura IMO.

Anyways, thanks in advance for your comments/suggestions

 

Go TDI

 

X2 tdi

 

Has VW improved in reliability? And is it pretty easy to find diesel? I still have a bad taste in my mouth from my 02 Audi A4

 

What about a Hyundai? The options that come to mind range from a Sonata Limited 2.4 all the way to a Genesis 3.8, with the Sonata 2.0T and the Azera somewhere in between.

Personally, I'd probably go with the Azera as the best blend between what you're looking for, though the Sonata Limited 2.4 is quite a bit cheaper and a better value especially if you don't need the extra power in the 2.0T or the space of the Azera.

 

Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima for example have really good warranties. Might want to look into those for company cars. Optima is a great looking car too.

 

Subaru Forest or Legacy... if AWD is a real deal breaker.

 

the 2013 VW CC may also be very appealing to your dad

 

I'd look at the Sonata, Optima, CC 2.0T, and Fusion hybrid.

I've got a 2009 Jetta SE Wagon with 55k miles and have had no issues at all. Couldn't be more reliable.

 

We considered the Genesis until we found out they're RWD only - not gonna fly here in Western NY Sonata & Azera may be worth checking out! I actually forgot about the Azera but after checking it out online just now it's looking pretty nice.

We checked out the wagon quickly while at the VW dealer but I think he prefers the Passat, and if he were to go the wagon route it'd be the TSX. It's nice to hear that VW reliability seems to be better on the newer models though! I just wonder if it would be different due to the Passat being produced in the Chattanooga, TN plant.

AWD isn't a necessity, especially if it compromises MPG in a big way. We like the idea of a Subaru but the interiors of what we have seen are pretty awful.

I love the CC and that's my #1 choice for him, but he said that after he added the options he wanted it was too expensive Our VW dealer here isn't the best either & they aren't willing to make any deals, it's too bad because I think the CC is really sexy.

 

JD Powers Initial Quality - 2012 Passat - Below Average (Score: 2/5)

 

Get a Passat with a proper motor, either the 2.5L or better the 3.6L. The 28K$ Passat Tdi is a ridiculous buy.

Fuel cost between a TSX and Passat 3.6 is less than 8%. And it has twice the HP than a Tdi.

 

If you're willing to invest in a set of snow tires, and aren't crazy with the throttle, RWD is perfectly fine for snow. You may be missing out on some good choices.

 

that's pretty awful. I've heard mixed reviews on the Passat so I really don't think I can trust it. is VWvortex the best forum for VW's? I've been checking out what people are saying there and there seems to be quite a few quality issues.

So are you siding with the TSX?

If it was me, I'd be willing to but it's for my dad and it's just not something he wants to worry about. It's just how he is!

 

Old man looking for MPG?.. you got 3 choices. Crosstour/Charger/Juke.

 

 

I can't. I would if it was 25-30K$ or with a killer lease deal but otherwise, as a middle-aged man, I would want something a bit more substantial. I find the TSX a bit dated at this point and would want something fresher (and NOT a 4-cyl.) for my 35K$.

I mentioned the Passat V6. I don't think that quality issues are that bad. TLs can be had a very good prices, but I would prefer an Euro stuff, maybe a S60 T5 Premium (34K$).

 

Wagon=BORING

Life is short, convince your Father he should buy something fun. If not...How about a CTS-V wagon?

 

Kia Optima
Hyundai Sonata
TSX
CC

 

Buick LaCrosse
Kia Optima
2013 Ford Fusion

 

X2 on Ford Fusion
Buick Regal
Kia Forte
Acura ILX

 

Yes the Passat V6 might be a consideration if our dealer doesn't get it's act together with the TDI models

Volvo is also an interesting/different choice. I hadn't really thought of that, thanks!

I'm trying to convince him but he's promising me he will get a "fun car" within the next year or two. So we'll see what happens!


The 2013 Fusion, Sonata, and Azera have been added to the list so far. Also trying to convince him that the CC is worth it. Thanks guys