so, my dad is "kinda" considering getting a better(family) car. We're currently thinking SUVs. So he wants the VW touareg and I kinda want the Lexus RX330 but both are fine looking vehicles. Doesn't matter which one we get, its ok with me(since I'll be paying "most" of it). So what do you guys think? VW Touareg or Lexus Rx330, and why? any known/common issues of each vehicle? It will be a used vehicle $15-20k. throw in what you guys know. Here's how they look.
I might be wrong but my understanding is that the Touareg is basically a Porsche without the turbo. But I don't know much about them or ever been in one, I just remember reading various magazine and online reviews saying to buy the VW over the Porsche because they were basically the same thing for like $30K less or something. If it is true then I would take the VW And I think it looks better.
Dont ever buy a VW. And if you, do sell it before the bumper to bumper warranty expires then let all your friend know to never buy a VW...
Is there a basis for this or do you have a grudge against VW? In my experience V-dubs hold their own in terms of reliability and performance, but I don't know too much about the new Touaregs. Go for some test drives of each...?
Maint on VW is quite expensive, and repairs are even more. That being said, I work at Lexus and know much about the RX330. Very very good car. Every once in a while I'll sell a window switch or a door lock, but that's really it. Very very reliable car. EDIT: If you get a RX, make sure the VIN starts with JTJH That's the Japanese built AWD version. I've noticed much more problems with the 2T2G or 2T2H ones.
My experience: I owned a passat vr6 (Wolfsburg) for 6 k miles and almost every dinky little thing went wrong with the car. Oil cooler seal battery drained down twice due to the oem 'faux' alarm passanger side window control unit - twice within 6 months Headliner started to fall Trunk key release Moonroof control drivers side mirror glass cracked Driver side and passenger side door handle release Driver side key switch lock/unlock/windows down/windows up control flat tire - no problem right, except that the wrence broke while I was changing the tire All of this stuff was 150+ to fix AND 2 weeks to get into the service dept.. I bought the car 2+ years old with under 40k miles and sold it at 45k. The Transmission failed shortly after the trade in ($1500)... My story is echoed by other people I know who have owned 99 and newer VW's (and Audi's) of all types - Golf, new passats, Jetta's, Beetle's Same sh*t too, doors, transmissions, etc., from people who bought new and used. I was prepared to write mine off as just a bad car until I started hearing other ownership experiences I have not heard anything *specifically* about the Toureg but I would expect the same problems to exist, the nickel and dime game that adds up. So *I* will never own another VW/Audi car. I will say that when the "Grand Tuetonic Lemon" was working it was a *great* car to drive, but a sh***y one to own.
The Touareg will bleed you dry on repairs. The RX will be reliable but will suck your soul to nothing. The 'reg is a good car when it works. The RX is just so soul crushing that you'll want it to break more. Seriously, you (or your dad) picked basically the two worse lux CUVs out there. Honestly, I'd buy the VW in V10 TDI mode. I'd rather have it broken (which is will be) than the RX working.
VW on this one... never thought i would say vw over lexus but this vw has that lexus beat all around INCLUDING styling +1
I didn't....... Get a tribeca, they are cheap as hell right now, even loaded to the gills, they only have two common problems, front swaybar busings and front endlinks. We absolutley love ours....if those are the ONLY two he is looking @, then the lexus wins. I have a hate for VW as well, working in the automotive industry you get to see what cars are piles of **** and which ones arent.
If it's between the Lexus and VW, get the Lexus. I have a buddy that works for VW, and lets just say he has great job security.
My dad has had an 04 Tuareg V8 for well, the past 5 years without instance. I want him to replace it with a new forester xt though, so...no comment.
This. Our daycare lady's husband is a master tech for VW. He strongly recommends never owning one. SUVs are generally for the fail IMO. Our next family car will be a Merc E-series wagon w/ 4Matic. Used.
4matic Mercedes. Competing with VW/Audis for shop time. While I acatively lust after E63/55 wagons, to deal with that many potential issues, it better be fast.
Correct me if I am wrong but the RX is a re badged Highlander, or at least thats what I have been told/see for myself.
Buick Enclave Acura RDX Subaru Forester or Tribeca Ford Flex Literally anything that isn't the Lexus or VW (or a Porsche Cayenne, which is the same car) Or you know, a car. CUVs tend to suck anyhow. Same platform, but that is like saying a 350z and an Infiniti m45x are the same car. They both suck though.
We have an RDX and LOVE it, but if I had to choose between a VW and a Lexus, the Lexus wins hands down.
Uh like how about a Acura MDX or a Honda Pilot. I have a 05 Pilot and its actually one of the best vehicles I have purchased. I get great gas mileage for such a big SUV. For me it was the biggest Asian Import with the most comfortable 3rd row within my budget.
RDX will be great(except the price is way high). Dad loves the forester but a bit small and the tribeca is ok but dont like the side and rear of the vehicle. Must be an import.
I wouldn't get the VW. The are expensive to maintain and the transmissions are questionable. Also nothing like spending 700 dollars per axle for brakes.
funny you should ask, I work on Lexus (for their ad agency) specifially on the new RX350. I like them, they are nice cars, but not trucks. We refer to them as crossover vehicles despite their SUV size. It was the vehicle that invented the luxury mini truck market and is still by most accounts the best. still is the best selling Lexus by quite a large margin. also the RX is NOT a rebadged highlander. the highlander came later and is based on the same platform but they really aren't even close to similar. The RX is sold as a toyota in japan called the toyota harrier but that was discontinued this year. The only thing it shares with the highlader is the chassis. we really get rave reviews from the owners, its really the only lexus I have never heard an owner complain about having a dissatisfaction with in some way, even small.
