Lets talk about new vehicles

[ARCOgraphite]

Everything is negotiable. Just go to hit 'em on the right day. I recall a Honda dealer who almost kidnapped us trying to sell us a
CRV. We didnt like the car. November end of the month quota I suppose. This was the first gen car. A very "third word" rig

I wouldn't be buying no renault-nissan-itchybushy stuff that is for sure - with the one exception of the very good Qashqai

I test drove a new Versa sedan stick after seeing some 'glowing' reviews" on YT. Worst quality and drive of anything I've experienced in 40 years. A new Loaner Altima sport they lent me was no party either. My '14 Rogue at the time was mucho mejor.

 

[UG_Passat]

I have prostituted myself to the lowest bidder and did unspeakable things to obtain the ultimate
long range road cruiser. Obviously I have failed and need your help.

What I require............

* Great seats for a bad back and I do not like tiny bottoms in my rides but- never mind... ; )
* Roomy- I hate when they put you in a cubicle like a Ford Taurus
* No Fords- I hate their seats
* No pickups- AWD or FWD fine- CVT is okay
* Very quiet with minimal road noise
* If hwy mpg is below 25 mpg- no thanks- The more the better- MORE!
* Hybrid ok
* Don't need a prestige brand- been there before
* Reliable- Sometimes I will put 3-4K miles on in one week
* Car-SUV-CUV okay
* Budget.. $25K-$55K NEW!

Thanks!

Highlander Hybrid. FWD and AWD is optional. Doesn't have a traditional CVT, just a power split device that end results acts like a CVT.

35 (AWD) to 36 (FWD) mpg combined.

 

[Zee09]

Highlander Hybrid. FWD and AWD is optional. Doesn't have a traditional CVT, just a power split device that end results acts like a CVT.

35 (AWD) to 36 (FWD) mpg combined.

Weird-I went to look for one yesterday- disappeared around here
Also, unlike the Venza you can actually tow with one.

 

[KCJeep]

I honestly don't blame them if they don't have anything to sell it's hard to keep the lights on. Big Ford dealer near me has about a 5 acre lot that is normally loaded, now they have placed what they have on the outer ring to make it look appealing but they is not much of anything behind the border.

 

[UG_Passat]

Weird-I went to look for one yesterday- disappeared around here
Also, unlike the Venza you can actually tow with one.

The HiHy is rated for 3500 lbs (vs the V6 rated for 5000 lbs), and the trailer lighting connector is your basic 4-pole connector (no reverse lights)

 

[Zee09]

I honestly don't blame them if they don't have anything to sell it's hard to keep the lights on. Big Ford dealer near me has about a 5 acre lot that is normally loaded, now they have placed what they have on the outer ring to make it look appealing but they is not much of anything behind the border.

Yeah same here.
My Ford dealer was a truck super center where other dealers picked from.
I think they have 6 vehicles for sale total. Right now is the worst I have seen with inventories all over.

 

[CKN]

Everything is negotiable. Just go to hit 'em on the right day. I recall a Honda dealer who almost kidnapped us trying to sell us a
CRV. We didnt like the car. November end of the month quota I suppose. This was the first gen car. A very "third word" rig

I wouldn't be buying no renault-nissan-itchybushy stuff that is for sure - with the one exception of the very good Qashqai

I test drove a new Versa sedan stick after seeing some 'glowing' reviews" on YT. Worst quality and drive of anything I've experienced in 40 years. A new Loaner Altima sport they lent me was no party either. My '14 Rogue at the time was mucho mejor.

This was true over two years ago and doesn't apply in the present day. My current thread reviewing my recent conversation with a KIA dealer proves this.

 

[Zee09]

Found this interesting on Arteon maintenance.

Air filter element: Replace element. Clean screen and housing Every 60,000 miles or 6 years, whichever occurs first

But the spark plugs are every 40K or 4 years

 

[UG_Passat]

Found this interesting on Arteon maintenance.

Air filter element: Replace element. Clean screen and housing Every 60,000 miles or 6 years, whichever occurs first

But the spark plugs are every 40K or 4 years

It's also for the Golf R as well.

It's not using a cold weather filter, so there is no foam filter to plug up first. There's really no screen in the airbox, just a baffle a lot of people remove.

Spark plugs are likely still a platinum plug, which is why it's 40k instead of 60k (iridium), sadly the OEM, NGK does not list an aftermarket replacement.

 

[Zee09]

Agreed and the cabin filter is 40K too

 

[KCJeep]

Found this interesting on Arteon maintenance.

Air filter element: Replace element. Clean screen and housing Every 60,000 miles or 6 years, whichever occurs first

But the spark plugs are every 40K or 4 years

You have turbo so plugs are 40k. My NA v6 in the Passat it was 60. Both intervals seem rather short but don't short change any scheduled maintenance on a German car.

I did my cabin filter in the Passat at 30k and there was way more junk in it than I expected. Did the daughters Tiguan around 110k when she complained about poor air flow, it was disgusting don't think it had ever been done.

 

[Zee09]

You have turbo so plugs are 40k. My NA v6 in the Passat it was 60. Both intervals seem rather short but don't short change any scheduled maintenance on a German car.

I did my cabin filter in the Passat at 30k and there was way more junk in it than I expected. Did the daughters Tiguan around 110k when she complained about poor air flow, it was disgusting don't think it had ever been done.

Yup
I actually think except for the plugs
the maintenance is a bit long in tooth. I can't see letting the air filter go 60k. The cabin filter I like to do at 20k. I don't mind 40k plugs either.

 

[Zee09]

You have turbo so plugs are 40k. My NA v6 in the Passat it was 60. Both intervals seem rather short but don't short change any scheduled maintenance on a German car.

I did my cabin filter in the Passat at 30k and there was way more junk in it than I expected. Did the daughters Tiguan around 110k when she complained about poor air flow, it was disgusting don't think it had ever been done.

Did you use OEM parts?

 

[KCJeep]

Did you use OEM parts?

Both OEM and aftermarket for the cabin filters. Never had to do plugs I was 4k away on the Passat when I traded it. But it would have been OEM as I'd have had the dealer do it.

 

[UG_Passat]

You have turbo so plugs are 40k. My NA v6 in the Passat it was 60. Both intervals seem rather short but don't short change any scheduled maintenance on a German car.

I did my cabin filter in the Passat at 30k and there was way more junk in it than I expected. Did the daughters Tiguan around 110k when she complained about poor air flow, it was disgusting don't think it had ever been done.

my 2 previous VW's with 2.0T FSI and TSI's with double platinum plugs were 60k miles for spark plug changes.

Interestingly enough, when the Toyota 3.5L V6 got twin injection and simulated Atkinson cycle (2GR-FKS), the spark plug interval got halved, to 60k miles.

 

[Zee09]

I just got home from the Subaru dealer where I had a great saleslady named Christi.
Get a load of this they are doing MSRP will no extra fees...

You can get an Outback Premium right around $32k and I have a choice of about 8 and higher trims too..
The joke? They had 3-2020 used premiums with about 35k miles on them there for $36,995. Yeah really.

I could get new in 2 weeks if i put down. $500 ...no big deal.

Anyway Subaru is actually cheaper for a tow hitch than the local U Haul dealers etc. and that is the installed price.

My brief thoughts...i do have a niche use for one but VW is pretty sneaky..
You forget they are actually upscale and refined more than you assume.
VW is in my mind the new value King even if its only for 4 years and 48k miles.

The Outback came off as nice and useful but also cheap inside and unrefined compared to a similarly priced VW

The 2.5L Subie engine comes off to be rather agricultural and no it is less refined than a 1984 Chevy Cavalier 4 banger and yes i am serious. My old Ford 801 selectospeed 4 cylinder from the 50's was more refined.

At no time does it make sweet noises to your ears...Sounds like a well ragged out decades old 4 banger with a slight exhaust leak...

Cloth even on the premium has been slapped everywhere you can apply glue. Even the shift knob feels cheap. Mitsubishi bashers take notice that Subie would have to step far up to equal the Outlander Sport...in quality and refinement.

The center info stack slash blaster is just too much for me...
Yes you would get used to it but it may take you a month...

I could go on and on but maybe later. The sick thing is I actually could find a use for one and not rule it out. It may just be nostalgia ...

I loved the mpg meter... Fluctuates from 14.5 mpg to 99.9 mpg even when driving a consistent speed.

Still the Outback is full of charm
Maybe 1980's charm eh Mitt Romney???

 

[IndyIan]

I just got home from the Subaru dealer where I had a great saleslady named Christi.
Get a load of this they are doing MSRP will no extra fees...

You can get an Outback Premium right around $32k and I have a choice of about 8 and higher trims too..
The joke? They had 3-2020 used premiums with about 35k miles on them there for $36,995. Yeah really.

I could get new in 2 weeks if i put down. $500 ...no big deal.

Anyway Subaru is actually cheaper for a tow hitch than the local U Haul dealers etc. and that is the installed price.

My brief thoughts...i do have a niche use for one but VW is pretty sneaky..
You forget they are actually upscale and refined more than you assume.
VW is in my mind the new value King even if its only for 4 years and 48k miles.

The Outback came off as nice and useful but also cheap inside and unrefined compared to a similarly priced VW

The 2.5L Subie engine comes off to be rather agricultural and no it is less refined than a 1984 Chevy Cavalier 4 banger and yes i am serious. My old Ford 801 selectospeed 4 cylinder from the 50's was more refined.

At no time does it make sweet noises to your ears...Sounds like a well ragged out decades old 4 banger with a slight exhaust leak...

Cloth even on the premium has been slapped everywhere you can apply glue. Even the shift knob feels cheap. Mitsubishi bashers take notice that Subie would have to step far up to equal the Outlander Sport...in quality and refinement.

The center info stack slash blaster is just too much for me...
Yes you would get used to it but it may take you a month...

I could go on and on but maybe later. The sick thing is I actually could find a use for one and not rule it out. It may just be nostalgia ...

I loved the mpg meter... Fluctuates from 14.5 mpg to 99.9 mpg even when driving a consistent speed.

Still the Outback is full of charm
Maybe 1980's charm eh Mitt Romney???

Maybe try to find an 18 or 19? I think they have 98% of the body and chassis refinement of the newer ones but retained more of the old simple Subaru character. Also no DI, turbos, auto start stop, lane keep stuff, etc, but does have carplay and android auto, even on the base head unit, also real buttons for everything so you don't need to touch the screen for car functions, hvac, and radio.
I had a 21 Legacy base model as a loaner on Monday, and the interior did seem slightly worse in a few ways, and needing the screen for basic HVAC is almost a deal killer for me. The raised centre console seems just a waste of space too. The older interior was more simply designed for more function/storage and seemed to be slightly better quality IMO, comparing base to base. Maybe its just the Legacy suspension tuning but it does feel slightly tighter than my Outback, which feels like they spec'd slightly too large or soft bushings for the control arms and sub frame, so there's some rebound feeling on sharp impacts. The 21 Legacy had none of that.
The engine noise is pretty sad when inside, but it does sound really good with the muffler taken off(I had to take it off when installing the hitch, and did some revving). If it was "my" car I might just get the muffler shop to build a pipe and tip to replace the muffler, but the engine does go smooth and silent at hwy cruising speeds which is my main concern.

 

[Zee09]

Maybe try to find an 18 or 19? I think they have 98% of the body and chassis refinement of the newer ones but retained more of the old simple Subaru character. Also no DI, turbos, auto start stop, lane keep stuff, etc, but does have carplay and android auto, even on the base head unit, also real buttons for everything so you don't need to touch the screen for car functions, hvac, and radio.
I had a 21 Legacy base model as a loaner on Monday, and the interior did seem slightly worse in a few ways, and needing the screen for basic HVAC is almost a deal killer for me. The raised centre console seems just a waste of space too. The older interior was more simply designed for more function/storage and seemed to be slightly better quality IMO, comparing base to base. Maybe its just the Legacy suspension tuning but it does feel slightly tighter than my Outback, which feels like they spec'd slightly too large or soft bushings for the control arms and sub frame, so there's some rebound feeling on sharp impacts. The 21 Legacy had none of that.
The engine noise is pretty sad when inside, but it does sound really good with the muffler taken off(I had to take it off when installing the hitch, and did some revving). If it was "my" car I might just get the muffler shop to build a pipe and tip to replace the muffler, but the engine does go smooth and silent at hwy cruising speeds which is my main concern.

Nice post....I totally agree.
The last one I had was in 1981 and I think it was a 1.8L.. It sounded rather nice.
All that said $32k today is a fair price.

 

[Zee09]

VW had another app update tonight and it added a bunch of features.
This was a very fast upload and the app changed its icon to myVW

 

[ARCOgraphite]

I just got home from the Subaru dealer where I had a great saleslady named Christi.
Get a load of this they are doing MSRP will no extra fees...

You can get an Outback Premium right around $32k and I have a choice of about 8 and higher trims too..
The joke? They had 3-2020 used premiums with about 35k miles on them there for $36,995. Yeah really.

I could get new in 2 weeks if i put down. $500 ...no big deal.

Anyway Subaru is actually cheaper for a tow hitch than the local U Haul dealers etc. and that is the installed price.

My brief thoughts...i do have a niche use for one but VW is pretty sneaky..
You forget they are actually upscale and refined more than you assume.
VW is in my mind the new value King even if its only for 4 years and 48k miles.

The Outback came off as nice and useful but also cheap inside and unrefined compared to a similarly priced VW

The 2.5L Subie engine comes off to be rather agricultural and no it is less refined than a 1984 Chevy Cavalier 4 banger and yes i am serious. My old Ford 801 selectospeed 4 cylinder from the 50's was more refined.

At no time does it make sweet noises to your ears...Sounds like a well ragged out decades old 4 banger with a slight exhaust leak...

Cloth even on the premium has been slapped everywhere you can apply glue. Even the shift knob feels cheap. Mitsubishi bashers take notice that Subie would have to step far up to equal the Outlander Sport...in quality and refinement.

The center info stack slash blaster is just too much for me...
Yes you would get used to it but it may take you a month...

I could go on and on but maybe later. The sick thing is I actually could find a use for one and not rule it out. It may just be nostalgia ...

I loved the mpg meter... Fluctuates from 14.5 mpg to 99.9 mpg even when driving a consistent speed.

Still the Outback is full of charm
Maybe 1980's charm eh Mitt Romney???

If you have read my recent missives, Our new outback is junk. Bad seats, bad engine, bad HVAC. Run not walk away. Assembled at the old Isuzu-Toyota plant, SIA.

It IS a big car for 26K (what we paid before trade the beginning of last year - they were on sale, crosstreks were not.
Lately Been hunting a new Crosstrek for the wife. I don't like those either.
Subaru trashed the interior quality even on the Japanese made units. Bean counters working overtime. Teh window switch gear feels like the toss away plastic box the switchs came in - and poor tactile switch action.
Sad note as our 2017 Crosstrek was a great, reliable non-aging car. Worth the 22k for it. Drove better than new at 90K miles.
Perfect for the wife - not my cuppa though.