Used midsize sedan with reliable automatic tranny?

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gregoron

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If I'm going to be stuck with a midsize sedan with an auto transmission, which of the followinf models would you suggest?

1. 2010 -2012 Toyota Camry LE
2. 2012 VW Passat 2.5l
3. 2012 Honda Accord
4. 2011 Ford Fusion

My main concern is drivetrain reliability followed by performance. While I enjoy driving my manual Jetta, this replacement family car would be for me and my wife to drive. Any suggestions other than above are welcome.
 
Check if the Camry has the U760E transmission with the shuddering torque converter under light acceleration from 35-55mph. Also no transmission dipstick .... If you like having those. Not sure about the other cars.
 
2007-2012 Mazda 6S

The 3.7 Duratec feels a LOT faster than the published numbers. It's mechanically similar to the 3.7 in the Mustang and F-150.

It's bigger than the 1st gen Mazda6. It's a real midsize. (predecessor was a very large compact or a very small midsize)

It's typically less expensive than a similarly equipped Camry or Accord. Better driver than both of the more expensive cars. Car reviewers usually describe Mazda ride and handling as more German than Japanese.

Aisin 6 speed transmission.

My neighbor across the street had a turbocharger failure on his new Passat TDi. The turbocharger is a couple of weeks backordered so the dealer loaned him a Passat 2.5. The surprise? He said that he is really enjoying the Passat 2.5. Base plastic hubcap model vs his fully loaded TDi and he said he likes the 2.5
 
Thanks all for the replies. Unfortunately, I'm looking for 4 banger econoboxes so no V6 for me.
 
Skip the Fusion and its wretched 6F35 box

Only way to get around it is getting a Sport V6, which had a good Aisin unit.

Accords probably gonna be the most reliable, but it's not fault free, watch rear calipers.
 
Why not CVT ? My daughter 2014 Accord with CVT seems to work well.
Originally Posted By: antiqueshell
VW Passat 2.5L
Honda Accord 2.4L (not the newer CVT versions)

Yes, Accord was redesigned for model year 2013 with new engine and chassis and exterior styling.
Originally Posted By: Vikas
I thought Accord got redesigned for MY2013 ?
 
Originally Posted By: gregoron
Thanks all for the replies. Unfortunately, I'm looking for 4 banger econoboxes so no V6 for me.


The Impalas tend to be very cheap compared to the others.

Are you sure you can't get a V6?
 
Accord hands down. The 5 speed unit has been around a while, and most bugs have been worked out, especially the I4's.
 
Originally Posted By: Klutch9
Originally Posted By: gregoron
Thanks all for the replies. Unfortunately, I'm looking for 4 banger econoboxes so no V6 for me.


The 2.5L Passat is a 5-cylinder.


You're right. I'll make that an exception. Looking at just one cylinder bank to service.
 
Originally Posted By: michaelluscher
Skip the Fusion and its wretched 6F35 box

Only way to get around it is getting a Sport V6, which had a good Aisin unit.

Accords probably gonna be the most reliable, but it's not fault free, watch rear calipers.


Noted on the Fusion. Thanks.
 
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