Passat (B7) :: Comparing 3.6L With 1.8 Jetta
I'm considering moving from a 1.8T Jetta to a 3.6L Passat. I know my Jetta had several generational problems, but mine, in particular, seemed to have most things sorted by the time I bought it in 2004. Are there any glaring problems with the 3.6L or the B7 Passat in general?
I don't mind doing spark plugs, oil and replacing a pipe now and then, but something like broken engine internals or premature rust would give me pause.
Lexus RX 2010-15 :: Comparing The Various 3RX Models?
5 Reasons to Drive the 2013 Lexus RX350
by Michael Waterman
2013 Lexus RX350
The Lexus RX 350 dominates the luxury crossover category with more than 1 million sales since 2002. But it has an Achilles' heel: men aren't completely sold.
Wives, girlfriends, daughters and grandmothers adore the car. Testosterone-driven men, not as much, though they still buy plenty of standard RX vehicles each year.
How does Lexus attract more men to showrooms? Make the RX more masculine. In other words, offer the Lexus RX 350 F Sport.
Does the strategy work? Let's find out by exploring five reasons to drive the 2013 Lexus RX 350 F Sport.
Reason #1: Looks Matter
The quick summary of this luxury crossover is that the difference between the regular Lexus RX 350 and the F Sport model is largely cosmetic.The standard spindle grille is mesh on the F Sport. The 19-inch alloy wheels are blacked-out in a dark graphite finish. The seats and interior are decked out in black. The brake and gas pedals are aluminum to create a sporty look.
F Sport badging is visible outside the car and on the steering wheel. And reach behind the steering wheel and you'll find paddle shifters, the first ever in an RX model.Those elements speak a performance design language that will whisper, "buy me" to a segment of performance-minded RX buyers.
Reason #2: Same Engine, Different Transmission
Surprisingly, the RX 350 F Sport uses the same 3.5-liter V6 engine as the standard RX 350. This engine generates 270 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque.It's not wicked fast, nor is it particularly slow.Here's the big difference: the RX 350 F Sport has an 8-speed transmission instead of the standard six-speed of the regular RX 350 model.The F Sport also comes standard with all-wheel drive. The regular RX 350 starts with front-wheel drive and offers all-wheel drive as an upgrade. Strong roadside grip is standard with the F Sport's AWD system. But it doesn't make the car feel particularly sporty. At least no sportier than the standard RX 350 with all-wheel drive.Lexus reports the RX 350 will move from zero to 60 in about 7.7 seconds. That's not fast. But it's fast enough to comfortably move with ease on the freeway.Fuel economy is the same as the standard model, too, with a combined city and highway average of 21 mpg. In mostly freeway driving on a long road trip, I averaged 24 mpg, short of the 26-mpg highway average.
Reason #3: A Firmer Ride Conveys More Sporty Feeling
The biggest driving difference between the standard RX 350 and the RX 350 F Sport is the tighter suspension tuning on the latter model.Shocks are firmer. Potholes hit harder. The ride is rougher.For some buyers, that firm ride translates into what they've trained their brains to believe is a sporty experience.Other buyers may wince and wonder where the soft, comforting ride of the standard RX 350 has gone.Where the Lexus GS 350 F Sport delivers on its sporty promise with a more engaging driving experience, the RX 350 F Sport feels more like a bumpy ride in a standard RX model. Test-drive both models one after the other to decide which driving experience appeals most to you.Paddle shifters also offer the promise of a more sporty experience. They work well but after driving more than 800 miles in the RX 350 F Sport, I rarely felt the need or desire to use them.
Reason #4: Lexus RX Is A Top Safety Pick
Top safety scores are one reason why the Lexus RX models continue to sell at a rapid clip. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the Lexus RX a 2013 Top Safety Pick due to its top scores in front, side, rollover and rear crash tests.Whether you choose the standard RX 350, the fuel-efficient hybrid RX 450h or the performance-styled RX 350 F Sport, you can feel confident that you and your passengers are well protected in a collision.
Reason #5: Recommended by Consumer Reports
The top reason many buyers choose Lexus is for the brand's outstanding reliability ratings. In our highly programmed lives, most of us no longer have time to waste sending vehicles back and forth to a mechanic's shop.Consumer Reports predicts the 2013 RX models will deliver better-than-average reliability and bestowed its coveted Recommended rating on the vehicle.If you pay more than $40,000 for a vehicle, one would hope that vehicle delivers outstanding dependability today and in the future. On this count, Lexus delivers big time.
An Interesting RX Alternative I've had the chance to drive all three Lexus RX models over the past few months. If money were no object, I would choose the RX 450h for its class-leading fuel-efficiency and stylish, upgraded cabin. However, my well-optioned test model topped $64,000.
If I were counting pennies (and what Lexus owner really counts pennies?), I would choose the standard RX 350 for its satisfying mix of luxury and performance and more affordable $40,000 base price.
The last model I would buy is the F Sport. My well-optioned and attractive model had a sticker price just under $54,000. The aesthetics and butch features look good. The eight-speed transmission is smooth and works well. But ultimately, the F Sport model just isn't worth the price premium it commands.
That's not an indictment on the F Sport model as much as a statement about how good the standard RX 350 is.
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Prius (2010-12) :: Comparing With Subaru
These are the things I like about my Prius:
gas mileage
being able to open the door by touching the handle
heated seats
I get free parking at meters in my hometown for having a hybrid. (This is a major convenience!)
What I dislike:
Ground clearance of 4 inches. I have destroyed the engine shield once by parking in a normal spot at the library and having it ripped off, another time when the road flooded while I was driving. 4 inches of water was enough to rip off the shield, although I was driving 5 mph (couldn't just park, or the car would have been flooded). This repair will involve replacing the whole bumper. I have now officially lost all gas mileage savings and more in repairs.
Blind spot the size of Rhode Island. I have put little bug-eyes on my side mirrors, but it's still not great.
Brakes do a weird shimmy whenever I hit a bump.
If there is snow on the ground, it shimmies like crazy, and it is scary how long it takes to stop. Of course, if there are more than 3 inches of snow, I can't drive the damned thing without big problems...this car is an absolute HOG on the ice when its snows.
The GPS---to update, I have to buy a new disc for almost $300. If I had a Garmin stuck to my dashboard, I could update on the net for free. Clown move, Toyota.
Not a comfortable car. Any drive longer than 120 miles I feel stiff and achy. And I'm not particularly tall. No lower back support, and car bounces harshly.
So I am thinking the Subaru Crosstrek hybrid when it becomes available. I'm not worried about the decreased mileage figures, as with 7 1/2 inch ground clearance, I won't be paying for ripped up undercarriage repairs. And with all-wheel drive, I should be able to use the vehicle when it snows. If I were happy with the Prius, I would think its appearance was cool. But as is, I think it is squat and unattractive.
Phaeton :: 2004 V8 Vs Infiniti M45 - Comparing?
I've had my Phaeton for about six weeks now, and I thought it would be interesting to compare it to the car I switched from:
The Infiniti M45 was the marque's second-best car available in 2004. Really, the only things it lacked from the Q45 flagship were a rear sunshade, backup camera, and electronic suspension. It had the same 340HP V8 VK45DE engine but weighed about 1000 lbs less. It's been pegged by Jalopnik as a future classic and it's one of the best cars I have ever been in, and certainly the best I've ever personally owned before the Phaeton. The most apt description I've heard is "Japanese muscle car" and I completely agree; Nissan even made a goofy video to that effect starring Chris Mulkey from Twin Peaks.
The car also probably matches the Phaeton in terms of rarity, if not being even more rare. It was sold for only two years, had less than 8,000 imported, and has an understated but unique look.
Here's how I think they stack up:
- Cooled seats: M stomps the Phaeton here. From what I know the VW system just recirculates cabin air through the seat; this appears accurate from when I've had the seat apart. The Infiniti system actually has a cooling element within the seat to further cool the air. The end result is leather that actually feels cool to the touch and makes hot interiors bearable more quickly.
- Rest of the seating: The M featured an exclusive grade of Japanese leather which is both comfortable and durable. However, VW's "comfort leather" is definitely softer (though I worry about marring it) and you can't beat 18-way adjustability. The M seats are more supportive with better bolsters, fitting its more sporting nature, but the Phaeton is definitely the winner in comfort and personalization.
- Driveline: No one buys a Phaeton to race, but the M really shines here. It's been timed at around 5.6 seconds for the 0 to 60 MPH sprint and if you've ever driven one it seems believable. This makes it quite fun as most people see it and assume it to be a "grandpa car;" they're in for a surprise when you floor it and the dual-stage exhaust opens up. Plus, I absolutely love RWD cars. The Phaeton will keep me safe and sound through winters in the mountains, but little else puts a smile on my face like flooring it through a turn and feeling the rear end begin to break loose. Just can't do that with AWD. It also gets a couple MPG better fuel economy. Add in Nissan's version of Servotronic and this was a car that begged to be driven, and driven hard.
- Gadgets: This one is probably a tie. The Phaeton has so many little things: the vent covers, the rear headrests, the self-folding mirrors, heated steering wheel, etc. There's all kinds of things to show passengers and discover when new. However, the M had a number of features that my Phaeton lacks; some were available as options from VW and some weren't. For instance, the M had a voice recognition system to control climate, stereo, and navigation systems. It also had a radar-controlled "Intelligent Cruise Control" shared with its big brother, the Q. The navigation system was DVD-based, which means no disc-swapping or slow reads, and satellite radio was an available option. I also don't understand why the Phaeton's easy entry function doesn't move the seat; the M would move the seat when getting out and in as well as the steering wheel. For me, I feel that the Phaeton has lots of subtle features that bring a smile, but the M had more features that I actually used and got benefit out of.
- Ride quality and sound level: Without question, the Phaeton is the winner. The M makes for a great highway cruiser, though it's ride is a bit stiffer and can't be adjusted. It's by no means bad, but nothing can compete with the silence of the Phaeton cabin and the stability of the 'Comfort' suspension setting. There's just no contest.
- Fit and finish: Again the Phaeton pulls ahead. The M features birds-eye maple trim throughout and high quality leather upholstery, but the rich finish of the eucalyptus in the Phaeton and the buttery smooth feel of the Vienna leather are unbeatable. The M was by no means cheap, but the Phaeton is of course in a class of its own.
- Roominess: I don't know why, but the M actually had its fuel tank in the trunk. This meant no pass-through between the rear seats and a disappointingly small trunk. It was also large by Japanese standards but at 6' 1" my head just grazed the roof, and this when I had the seat adjusted as low as possible. Plus, I could hold a conference in the back of the Phaeton if I so desired.
I hope no one thinks I'm picking on the Phaeton; I just think it's fascinating to compare what different manufacturers were doing in their best vehicles at the same time. As my signature belies I enjoy Nissan vehicles, and I would personally pull the trigger on an Infiniti before any Acura or even Lexus (I thought the LS 430 was a huge let-down after all the hype when I finally drove one).
The Phaeton was without question an upgrade, but there will always be a special place in my heart and wistful pangs for the M45 (more pics of mine).
What other cars have you all owned and loved?
Nissan - 350Z :: Comparing With Mitsubishi Eclipse
I am thinking of buying a car but can't decide between a 2003 Nissan 350Z with 87000 miles on it, or a 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse with 57000 miles on it. It will be a commuter car for me. I don't know a lot about Mitsubishis.
View 8 RepliesCamry :: Comparing Model 2009 With 2007
I bailed on 2012 as I didn't want to make any payments and figure prices will go down once 2014 hit the market. SOOOO I am looking at
2007 black on black Toyota Camry SE leather 86,000 km OR
2009 white SE 102,000 km. leather SE with navi for 14,500 plus taxes. (12% whatever that is)
I have seen cheaper but I don't want grey. I love black so i'm jammed.
Prius Plug-in 2012-15 :: Comparing With Lexus ES 300h
As other manufacturers match up with the Prius, it is interesting to see how this affects purchasing decisions.
The 2013 Prius Plug-in Advanced lists for $40,320:
It gets 95 MPGe for its 11 miles of battery power and 50 MPG in hybrid mode. The engine has 138 total horsepower = 98 HP Gas + 78 HP Electric engine 0-60 MPH is 10.6 seconds.
The 2013 Lexus ES 300h Hybrid lists for $39,725:
It gets 40 MPG city, 39 MPG highway, 40 MPG combined. The engine has 200 total horsepower = 150 HP Gas + 141 HP Electric engine. 0-60 MPH is 7.6 seconds. Top speed is 112 MPH.
Lexus dealerships will give you a free loaner Lexus while your car is in for maintenance or repair. Lexus mechanics are also sticklers for perfection. (After tune-ups, the car simply feels brand new - owning 5 Lexus cars myself).
Nissan - Juke :: Comparing 2002 Pathfinder With 2006
I have a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder and I love it. I bought it in 2006 and it has 156,000 miles on it. I am ready for something and here are the options. Buy another 2002 with low mileage for all the reasons you all know about that year and the 2003.Just great years. I have found a couple with mileage around 75,000 for around 8,500. My daughter wants my car and I am going to have a tune up done on it for her. Nothing wrong with it at all, Or get for me a 2011 Juke. I don't know why but I love that car. Been told I won't get much better gas mileage unless it stays in the eco mode. I can pay cash for the Pathfinder. Will have to finance the Juke. Makes me nervous that it's sort of new but I have heard from those who know that it's a good car.
View 14 RepliesTiguan :: 2016 - Burning Oil Smell At Startup For A While
I have about 7k miles on the car. I have had this slight burning oil smell in start up for a while now. I couldn't find any leaks, and no smoke or anything else. It doesn't happen on every start, it's pretty random.
View 6 RepliesTiguan :: 2016 - Loose Steering / Braking And Suspension
2016 tiguan sel. To make a long story short I drove a '14 r line and was told the '16 SEL would drive the same because they changed the trim lineup. The Sel has a noticeably more loose steering, braking, and suspension. It also doesn't hold revs the same. My sales person was an idiot and I couldn't drive model I bought because they had lost the keys and it was the only one they had.
View 2 RepliesTiguan :: 2016 - Engine Noisy / Loud When Accelerating
I recently bought a new 2016 r line, coming out of a 2013 gti 6 speed manual. This is my first suv ever and my first automatic trans in about 10 years, so needless to say it has been somewhat of an adjustment.
I love the drive of the Tiguan, but I was curious where people typically see their rpms shift at. I noticed that while driving on the highway, to accelerate with traffic it likes to shift at about 3000 rpm initially and then dropping, city/around town in around 2500. I wanted to make sure this rpm doesn't seem too high or low for this car.
Secondly, I did read some on this issue, but is everyone else's Tiguan somewhat loud when accelerating? My gti had the same engine and seemed a little quieter.it sounds almost like a Diesel engine inside the cabin, but not as loud as one would be. My wife drives a cx5 with 184 HP and hers is a decent amount quieter. Noticed the engine being a little noisy?
Tiguan :: 2016 - Rubbing Noise When Drive Through Puddles Of Standing Water During Rain
I have a 2016 4 Motion 2.0T auto transmission with less than 9000 miles on it. During heavy rains or when I drive through "deep" puddles of standing water the car will start to make a rubbing noise. It seem to be from the front passenger side. It will fade away as I coast or slow down but on acceleration it because louder.
I've checked twice now to see if there was anything stuck in the wheel well or axel area. I've made sure the wheels are aired correctly, balanced and the lugs are TQ'd to spec. I can not come up with any info as to why it only happens in the rain.
There is no power drop and I can't feel any type of resistance while driving, the noise being made would be best described like a mud flap of small branch is stuck in the wheel well. At times on the high way it sounds like I'm riding on a rumble strip.
The only difference in the car since I bought it, is the engine now sounds deeper and I can hear a more defined idle, I chalked that up to it breaking in and haven't thought anything of it. The car is also completely stock.
Tiguan :: 2016 - Key Fob Malfunction / Only Driver Door Lock All Other Unlock And Vice Versa?
2016 push button start, need to confirm something? It's cold up here in these parts this time of year and I have been letting my car run for a few minutes when it's frosted over in the morning. The issue I'm having is that I start the car and go back into the house. When I come back out to get in, The driver's door is unlocked but the rest of the doors are not. When I press the unlock button on the key fob, nothing happens. Is this how it's supposed to work or do I have an issue?
View 4 RepliesTiguan :: Comparison Between SE And CR-V EX-L
My husband and I are considering getting a small SUV. We've narrowed our choices down to the 2012 Tiguan SE 4-motion or the CR-V EX-L AWD. I'm working on a pro/con analysis between the two. I've looked through some threads here, and would like to get some updated opinions from current owners.
Why would you pick the Tiguan over the CRV or vice versa?
I'm a long-time VW driver, so I'm naturally leaning towards the Tiguan. The Honda is slightly less expensive to start, and gets slightly better gas mileage, potentially translating into a few $1000s in savings over the VW during the life of the car. We have no real experience with Hondas. My mother has an Accord and decided she hates it after about 1 year. I do think it's mainly because she liked her Subaru and only traded it in because my father hated it.
Some more background info:
This would become my husband's daily driver and his Wrangler would become our third/weekend car. We're in no rush, and may decide to just keep the status quo. My husband commutes 40 miles per day, so better gas mileage is a plus. We have a Lab who will ride in the car pretty often, but we will buy a waterproof seat cover for the backseat of whichever car we get.
Tiguan :: Possible To Set Fog Light As DRL?
I was wondering if it's possible to set up the fog light as DRL. The other day i saw a tiguan in the city (identical twin to mine, black highline) with projectors headlight but only have the foglight on as the DRL. I've been trying to get that look for awhile, but i do not know how?
View 9 RepliesTiguan :: 2012 - Headrests Won't Go Down
The headrests on my Tiguan are stuck fully extended. Somehow the push button on drivers side is missing and trying the inner lever is not working. How I can get the headrests down ?
View 4 RepliesTiguan :: Seems Like Car Have Noisy Hydraulics
When I hit the brakes from a higher speed, say 40 mph+, they make a noise. It's the type of noise I would expect to hear along with a shudder, almost like ABS kicking in. It's just the noise though. No shudder, the brakes feel fine, no lights on the dash, nothing. It's a 2011 CPO with 31K miles.
View 2 RepliesTiguan :: Key Would Not Turn To Start
So I tried to start the car and the key wouldn't turn. Then I grab the other key... same problem... I double checked to make sure that it was on park and tried to turn the key again ... no dice... I took the first key and then blew at it like how you would blow those NES cartridges... and POOF ... it started... I don't think it was lint....
View 5 RepliesTiguan :: Can Hardly Turn Over The Engine
My tig's battery has ALWAYS been horribly weak since the start. Leave the radio on for 15 mins and the car can hardly turn over the engine. Unfortunately, I'm sort of like how I am with myself and doctors as I am with my car and the dealers - I only go if I absolutely have to. Now the battery is pretty much worthless and more than once its caused me to not be able to start my car (especially in the cold).
I just got back from the dealer this morning and they confirmed it. Of course they blamed my amp installation which I predicted but the issue was always there long before I installed the system (about 8 months ago), I just never took care of it when I should've. They also told me that the battery only has a 2 year 24k mile warranty and I'm now at 25.8k.... Sigh... I am my own worst enemy.
Anyways, I did a search for "battery" in the tiguan forum and amazingly, I didn't find a thread talking about replacement battery options. My buddy/co-worker recommends an optima battery or a "deep cell" battery since I have an amp installed. But I know I can't just go on to amazon and purchase any ole optima battery, it has to fit the rather small battery platform in our Tigs.