View Poll Results: Which to choose as RepMobile replacement?
2013 Toyota Camry SE
4
10.26%
2013 Ford Fusion SE
29
74.36%
2013 VW Passat SE
6
15.38%
Voters: 39. You may not vote on this poll

New Car Time .... Interested In Your Thoughts

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Old 02-21-2013 | 08:39 PM
  #1  
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New Car Time .... Interested In Your Thoughts

Replacement time for the RepMobile - currently a 2011 Ford Fusion SE.

Choices are:
  • 2013 Ford Fusion 4dr Sdn SE FWD
  • 2013 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sdn 2.5L Auto SE
  • 2013 Toyota Camry 4dr Sdn I4 Auto SE

Thoughts?



Edit:

Originally Posted by Bearcat94
My budget is $0. I get no choices other than listed. You're right about the heated seats in the VW .... very few 'goodies' to differntiate one car from the other.

I live out of my car and hotel rooms ~12 or so days per month. Mostly highway trips in the 2 - 6 hour range. Sitting/driving comfort over long periods is important. Bluetooth effectiveness is important. Driver compartment storage space is important. Reliability of components (knobs, switches, etc) and mechanicals (engine, brakes, alignment stability, etc) is important.

My current 12-month rolling average mileage is ~26,000 miles, but it's been trending up the past 6 months or so.

Last edited by Bearcat94; 02-22-2013 at 10:30 AM. Reason: clarification
Old 02-21-2013 | 08:41 PM
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I like the fusions styling the best.
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Old 02-21-2013 | 08:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Bearcat94
Replacement time for the RepMobile - currently a 2011 Ford Fusion SE.

Choices are:
  • 2013 Ford Fusion 4dr Sdn SE FWD
  • 2013 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sdn 2.5L Auto SE
  • 2013 Toyota Camry 4dr Sdn I4 Auto SE

Thoughts?
My inlaws just got the Kia Optima...and I'm really impressed by it.

Out of your list, the new Passats are very nice, been in them. As are the new Fusions.
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Old 02-21-2013 | 08:45 PM
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Fusion by far. A friend of mine got the fully loaded one (Titanium?)

It's a NICE car, I was very impressed with how well it drove and how quiet it is.

Honestly, I'd say the Fusion and new Accord are the best out of that genre.
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Old 02-21-2013 | 08:48 PM
  #5  
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If you like the Passat I would wait. They are ditching that crappy I-5 for a 1.8T.

And it is crappy. I have one :/
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Old 02-21-2013 | 09:02 PM
  #6  
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Originally Posted by Sarlacc
My inlaws just got the Kia Optima...and I'm really impressed by it.

.....

I don't get any other choices .... . It's one of those 3. Must order before 3/20/13.


All FWD, 6-speed shiftable AT's, 17" Aluminium/Alloy wheels, Bluetooth.

Passat has leatherette seating surfaces and Leather wrapped Steering wheel.

Camry has moonroof and leather wrapped steering wheel.

Fusion has moonroof.


Pretty basic and pretty similar.
Old 02-21-2013 | 09:11 PM
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Fusion or Passat...probably Fusion
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Old 02-21-2013 | 09:21 PM
  #8  
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Fusion
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Old 02-21-2013 | 09:31 PM
  #9  
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fusion, passat, accord. Go test drive them all. Probably the three best in the category.
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Old 02-21-2013 | 10:25 PM
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Fusion or Passat.
Quit the job if you get stuck with a Camry.
Old 02-21-2013 | 10:47 PM
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Fusion.
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Old 02-21-2013 | 11:35 PM
  #12  
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fusion bc AM

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Old 02-22-2013 | 02:08 AM
  #13  
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Originally Posted by Bearcat94
Replacement time for the RepMobile - currently a 2011 Ford Fusion SE.

Choices are:
  • 2013 Ford Fusion 4dr Sdn SE FWD
  • 2013 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sdn 2.5L Auto SE
  • 2013 Toyota Camry 4dr Sdn I4 Auto SE

Thoughts?
First and foremost add the Accord Sport Sedan to your list. Your budget seems to be able to afford it and you will probably end up liking it quite a bit!

The Camry is probably going to be the softer of all 3 cars. I'm not sure how much you drive or how you like your ride comfort.

The VW has the bonus of heated seats according to the website which might be welcome when it's cold. The other cars had no mention of this.

As well the Ford seems to be pretty basic. Beyond it's exterior styling, a lot of people have felt disappointed by it's interior in the basic models (without the fully decked out navigation and such).

Here's a quick comparison b/w all 4 cars:
http://autos.msn.com/research/compar...7224&v=t116294

I would personally test drive all 4 and see which suits you better.

My projections from your test drive:
1. You'll feel the VW feels a bit rough with Noise & Harshness and isn't the most comfortable to drive. I think that you might not like this much and it'll be the first to be eliminated.

2. The Ford will be nice on the exterior, but the interior will be OKAY for you. It's not something you'll love nor hate. I feel that this might be the next elimination with the only saviour being it's exterior.

3. The Camry is going to be pretty laid back and relaxed, I think you'll like it the best. I feel that this will be in the final 3 cars due to the interior.

4. You'll like the Accord but might think it's a bit big for you. I feel that once you drive it and see it through that it'll make it to the final 2 cars.

IMO, the accord wins due to MPG, styling, driving manner and NVH. 2nd place is a toss up b/w the Fusion and Camry. Fourth is probably the VW.

EDIT: The Hyundai Sonata SE fits in well with your price range and is a nice little car. I'd also look into it as well! As you can see you have a ton of options. Go with something that you enjoy, something that you are in tune with and something that is comfortable for what you do.

Last edited by csmeance; 02-22-2013 at 02:22 AM.
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Old 02-22-2013 | 07:20 AM
  #14  
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Originally Posted by csmeance
First and foremost add the Accord Sport Sedan to your list. Your budget seems to be able to afford it and you will probably end up liking it quite a bit!

Originally Posted by Bearcat94
I don't get any other choices .... . It's one of those 3. Must order before 3/20/13.
That said, I'd go with the Fusion...
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Old 02-22-2013 | 07:55 AM
  #15  
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I agree with everyone else . . . get the Aston Martin Fusion.
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Old 02-22-2013 | 08:09 AM
  #16  
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fusion or camry, i might even suggest the fusion over the camry.......
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Old 02-22-2013 | 08:12 AM
  #17  
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Fusion for sure.
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Old 02-22-2013 | 08:35 AM
  #18  
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I like Fusion.
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Old 02-22-2013 | 08:36 AM
  #19  
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Fusion
Camry
Passat

In that order for me.
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Old 02-22-2013 | 08:49 AM
  #20  
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Go test drive each.
Friend has a Passat and I really like it.
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Old 02-22-2013 | 10:22 AM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by Will Y.
Fusion or Passat.
Quit the job if you get stuck with a Camry.
I did get 'stuck' with a Camry on the go-'round beofre the Fusion. It was OK, but the Fusion is a much better car, imo.



Originally Posted by speedemon90
fusion, passat, accord. Go test drive them all. Probably the three best in the category.
Originally Posted by csmeance
First and foremost add the Accord Sport Sedan to your list. Your budget seems to be able to afford it and you will probably end up liking it quite a bit!

The Camry is probably going to be the softer of all 3 cars. I'm not sure how much you drive or how you like your ride comfort.

The VW has the bonus of heated seats according to the website which might be welcome when it's cold. The other cars had no mention of this.

....
My budget is $0. I get no choices other than listed. You're right about the heated seats in the VW .... very few 'goodies' to differntiate one car from the other.

I live out of my car and hotel rooms ~12 or so days per month. Mostly highway trips in the 2 - 6 hour range. Sitting/driving comfort over long periods is important. Bluetooth effectiveness is important. Driver compartment storage space is important. Reliability of compenents (knobs, switches, etc) and mechanicals (engine, brakes, alignment stability, etc) is important.

My current 12-month rolling average mileage is ~26,000 miles, but it's been trending up the past 6 months or so.



Originally Posted by DaeHanMeenGuk
fusion bc AM

.... OK, that's definetly a plus.


Originally Posted by NSXNEXT
Go test drive each.
Friend has a Passat and I really like it.
My plan for this week-end.


I'm definitely leaning toward the Fusion. 2000-ish Taurus and my current Fusion are the best RepMobiles I've had so far (Taurus, Grand Prix, Impala, Camry, Fusion).
Old 02-22-2013 | 10:27 AM
  #22  
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Fusion fer sure
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Old 02-22-2013 | 10:54 AM
  #23  
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+1 for Fusion...love the new styling and I haven't heard anything negative about them with the new design.
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Old 02-22-2013 | 11:15 AM
  #24  
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Am.
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Old 02-22-2013 | 11:26 AM
  #25  
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Of your choices, the Passat definitely. It's a very driver-responsive car, is reasonably-priced, and with a diesel (the one I'd buy) has awesome range.
The new Accord would not be a bad choice, either.
The Camry is a yawner both to drive and to look at.
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Old 02-22-2013 | 12:04 PM
  #26  
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Who is buying this car and why those options?
Old 02-22-2013 | 12:41 PM
  #27  
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Fusion DBS
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Old 02-22-2013 | 12:41 PM
  #28  
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Get the Fusion
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Old 02-22-2013 | 12:42 PM
  #29  
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Originally Posted by oo7spy
Who is buying this car and why those options?
http://www.urbandictionary.com/defin...term=Repmobile
Old 02-22-2013 | 05:23 PM
  #30  
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BC is still alive! LOL. I hope life's been treating you well. Oh, and get the Fusion.
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Old 02-23-2013 | 02:44 AM
  #31  
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I'm sorry if you answered this early, but are you responsible for paying for maintenance. If so, select a car that offers free maintenance for the first x amount of miles. I know new Toyotas offer free maintenance til 25K miles that would save you a couple hundred bucks for sure. If not, then choose a car with the most comfortable seating, keep in mind you're working and not picking up women. Vehicle aesthetics shouldn't trump comfort especially given the amount of mileage driven.
Old 02-23-2013 | 08:37 AM
  #32  
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Fusion, unless you are able to get a Passat TDI.

The Camry is boring as balls to drive, my wife had one as a rental when her Highlander got hit and remembered how large it is and how large it drove. Nice car though.
Old 02-23-2013 | 10:03 AM
  #33  
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surprsied Kia Optima wasnt on the list. But id definitely go for Fusion. Camry = very typical car.
Old 02-23-2013 | 11:21 AM
  #34  
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Originally Posted by Eoanou
I'm sorry if you answered this early, but are you responsible for paying for maintenance. If so, select a car that offers free maintenance for the first x amount of miles. I know new Toyotas offer free maintenance til 25K miles that would save you a couple hundred bucks for sure. If not, then choose a car with the most comfortable seating, keep in mind you're working and not picking up women. Vehicle aesthetics shouldn't trump comfort especially given the amount of mileage driven.
Maint is part of the fleet program; no cost to me.

The bold part is right on. I found out pretty early on that sitting in a car for 3 or 4 or more hours at a time that seating comfort is a top priority. Both Fords have been great in this regard. My previous Camry, not so much .... made my back stiff/hurt.




It's kind of looking like the Fusion might, possibly, be the preferred vehicle.

Last edited by Bearcat94; 02-23-2013 at 11:47 AM.
Old 02-23-2013 | 11:52 AM
  #35  
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I wonder if I can talk our fleet administrator in to bumping me to this trim level:





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Old 02-23-2013 | 01:45 PM
  #36  
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Passat here. There are some fit&finish that I don't like but I do like its unique-sounding 2.5L and its German-ness. I could leave with the Ford too (you are probably getting the base NA 2.5).
Old 02-23-2013 | 02:25 PM
  #37  
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Originally Posted by Saintor
I could leave with the Ford too
And live.
Old 02-24-2013 | 09:48 AM
  #38  
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Ordered the Fusion - Impact Blue with Black interior.
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Old 02-24-2013 | 11:40 AM
  #39  
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Interesting the Passat got more votes than the Camry...
Old 02-24-2013 | 11:50 AM
  #40  
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Originally Posted by Mr Marco
Interesting the Passat got more votes than the Camry...
I'm not surprised in the least.

It's boring AND there are better cars for the price. The Camry's interior especially isn't up to previous Toyota benchmarks. Shoddy workmanship, bland plastics and an uninspiring design all around.


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