Time to Replace The Company Wheels - Help me Decide

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I'd go with the TDI. It'll be the quietest of the bunch, have the best ride, best handling, best steering (tracking ease when you do 60k a year is a big deal) The fuel economy will put more in your pocket as per the taxable benefit you mentioned..I think...not sure of your deal.
Also has great visibility (another feature that fends of fatigue) Good seats. Just a real driver's car. And since you'll only have it for 2 years, you won't endure potential service or maintenance ramifications if it has carried some of the old VW blood along with it which includes but is not restricted to: wiring issues, body hardware failures, interior switch gear issues etc etc. On that topic though, VW is claiming much greater reliability than in the past, especially with main stream bread and butter machines like the Golf. Furthermore, the high miles you do are the diesel's element. You chance of having premature engine/turbo issues etc go way down. Factor in the good sound system and other stuff you already like about it, combined with the many driving strengths it has on the road, they should overrule the lower seating position in relation the road.

One thing to make sure of and is often overlooked, whatever you decide on, make sure you drive them all at night and make sure the low and high beams are up to snuff and that dash lighting doesn't irritate you. I learned that one the hard way with an old Matrix. Lo beams SUCKED and couldn't see the speedo etc due to crappy red lighting. They say red is best for night driving...bollocks...not on all of 'em..

Oh, same with A/C and heat. Don't assume they are up to snuff. One might have great heat but crap A/C etc. Again..the Vdub won't disappoint, but check for yourself.

I sorta assume your company dictates an auto? Again..the VW 6 speed is a treat compared to that CVT on the Rogue. Hard to believe I'm (was) a Nissan fan, eh? Same with Honda..I don't think Nissan or Honda are as good as they used to be.
 
I work for a financial group that has several divisions so, the fleet selection for vehicles varies depending on what division you work in. The insurance division has the option of a Subee with AWD but, my division (retail financing) doesn't have the Subee or allow for AWD. Not sure what the rational is but, that's the cards I'm dealt. So, no checking out the Subee for me because then I'd know what I'm missing.


I love to drive. Not because I have to drive. But, the vehicle does need to support my family when duty calls. I'd probably look at the sedans if our personal vehicle was already a SUV but, it's a sedan.

So, I'm left to choose a vehicle that can pass the miles away for work and step up and do family duty when needed.

I'm leaning towards the VW. But they have issues themselves. The DSG can have fits and the fuel pump has been known to grenade and not covered by warrenty as dealers claim it's due to poor quality diesel fuel being pumped in the tank. Owner's fault. Then it's a hassle to sort it out even if I don't have to worry about it coming out of my pocket, it's just the circus of dealing with it, IF it ever happens. And it has.

Thanks for the link regarding Nissan reliability issues. I'm kind of aware of some issues regarding the CVT and other gremlins. Honestly though, a lot of colleagues have Nissan Altima's and Rogues and never have an issue so far. Splash some gas and oil changes and some brake maintence and the odd bearing replacement. Compared to the VW, Nissan has been bullit proof and I would say the majority of my colleagues go with Nissan.

In reality, the only problem having a vehicle with reliability issues for me is, down time as it gets repaired. The expense of the repair never is out of pocket and after two years, I hand over the keys before wear and tear really becomes an issue.

At the time I got the Escape two years ago, it was the only one to have Blue Tooth (SYNC) as the others trim level didn't have it available. My colleagues just purchased aftermarket blue tooth speakers for their sun visor and it does the trick.

All the vehicles have blue tooth now so, it's not a factor for me. I am on the phone A LOT when I drive. My vehicle is my office for the most part.

I never really considered the Rogue but, this year the trim level allows for heated seats and the rear view camera. I was impressed with how quiet it was on the highway. And when parked, I did check out the audio system and found it much better than the Ford's. So, it did make a favorable impression.

So right now, it's between the VW and Nissan. The Nissan has factory window tint which is a plus when the kids are travelling. The VW won't need as many fuel stops but, I'll have to pay out of pocket for the window tint. (The company doesn't endorse or pay for window tint unless it comes from the factory) However, they don't say anything if you do it yourself. Kinda of like the trailer hitch and towing. It's kind of a grey area.
 
SunnY S said:
"none of the above"


Why won't they let you choose from some cool vehicles like the CX-5, RAV4, or CR-V?
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LOL, let the debate begin
 
nesobriquet said:
I'd go with the TDI. It'll be the quietest of the bunch, have the best ride, best handling, best steering (tracking ease when you do 60k a year is a big deal) The fuel economy will put more in your pocket as per the taxable benefit you mentioned..I think...not sure of your deal.
Also has great visibility (another feature that fends of fatigue) Good seats. Just a real driver's car. And since you'll only have it for 2 years, you won't endure potential service or maintenance ramifications if it has carried some of the old VW blood along with it which includes but is not restricted to: wiring issues, body hardware failures, interior switch gear issues etc etc. On that topic though, VW is claiming much greater reliability than in the past, especially with main stream bread and butter machines like the Golf. Furthermore, the high miles you do are the diesel's element. You chance of having premature engine/turbo issues etc go way down. Factor in the good sound system and other stuff you already like about it, combined with the many driving strengths it has on the road, they should overrule the lower seating position in relation the road.

One thing to make sure of and is often overlooked, whatever you decide on, make sure you drive them all at night and make sure the low and high beams are up to snuff and that dash lighting doesn't irritate you. I learned that one the hard way with an old Matrix. Lo beams SUCKED and couldn't see the speedo etc due to crappy red lighting. They say red is best for night driving...bollocks...not on all of 'em..

Oh, same with A/C and heat. Don't assume they are up to snuff. One might have great heat but crap A/C etc. Again..the Vdub won't disappoint, but check for yourself.

I sorta assume your company dictates an auto? Again..the VW 6 speed is a treat compared to that CVT on the Rogue. Hard to believe I'm (was) a Nissan fan, eh? Same with Honda..I don't think Nissan or Honda are as good as they used to be.
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Yes. Gotta have auto trans so any employee can drive it. Great points about exterior and interior lighting and the HVAC systems. I typically dim the dash lighting as I find most folks have them set to max brightness. I prefer the contrast to blend so I can see better into the darkness at the side of the road. I read the heater on the VW isn't great but, the heated seats compensate. The Rogue's AC worked well today. The VW wins as the overall driver's car for sure. And I do like having something a little different. TDIs have a strong following, even given some of their faults. The power delievery is pretty good. I'm going to check one out this weekend to see if I'm right with my impressions. And I'm going to try and keep and open mind with the Journey but, I'm just considering that like the time I spend in the Romper Room. Time well wasted. lol Just kidding. Appreciate the feedback from everyone.

PS. I'm not sure 100% how it works with the deduction for the taxible benefit but, they use the lease cost of the vehicle and it's a flat deduction each pay. They only make an adjustment if my personal use of the vehicle exceeds 50%. How much fuel and other costs don't factor in. At least from what I can tell.
 
nakkers said:
I'm leaning towards the VW. But they have issues themselves. The DSG can have fits and the fuel pump has been known to grenade and not covered by warrenty as dealers claim it's due to poor quality diesel fuel being pumped in the tank. Owner's fault. Then it's a hassle to sort it out even if I don't have to worry about it coming out of my pocket, it's just the circus of dealing with it, IF it ever happens. And it has.
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The HPFP (high pressure fuel pump) on the TDI is a known issue in the USA, but Canadian fuel standards are different (better lubricity) and there have been very few failures in Canada. VW initially put up a lot of resistance to repairing the common-rail fuel systems, but lately (given the ongoing NHTSA investigation - they're under pressure and NHTSA has been publicly critical of how VW handled early warranty claims) they've been replacing faulty HPFP's without much issue. I heard of someone recently (within the last couple of weeks) who had VW repair the fuel system on a 2009 TDI with over 140,000 miles on it - no charge.

Since you would be getting a new one, you'll be getting the latest revision of the HPFP and there have been at least three such revisions. This problem will likely go away.

My dad has a 2011 Golf TDI DSG and it has been fine. The DSG transmission feels different than a normal torque-converter automatic - it feels more like a very expertly driven manual but with near-instantaneous gear changes. Some people can't deal with it feeling "different". The DSG has also been refined over the years. Dad's 2011 has much better shift programming than the 2006 TDI-DSG that he had before. The early ones (2006) had an issue with an internal temperature sensor that led to replacement of the mechatronics module. Haven't heard much of this lately.

I have a 2006 Jetta TDI manual, which is at 384,000 km and counting. It has been very good. Aside from scheduled maintenance and tires and brakes, the only expensive non-scheduled maintenance has been wheel bearings - it needed all four corners at around 200k +/- 20k. We've had several VW's in the family and they have all been fine. I'm quite aware that there are some people who have had bad luck with them. It's luck of the draw but the cars either seem to be really good, or really bad. The good thing in your situation is that with the 2 year lease deal, you'll know by the end of that lease whether you got a keeper or not.

One thing with German cars in general - you MUST follow the maintenance schedule. If the Germans say "thou shalt use oil conforming to VW 507.00" - which they do, for the engine in the new ones - then you had better use oil conforming to VW 507.00 and no substitutes. If they say thou shalt use engine coolant G12+ (which they do), then thou shalt use coolant G12+ and nothing else. DO NOT take the car to a quickie lube for an oil change and fluids top up. They won't have the right oil, they won't have the right coolant, they won't use a torque wrench, they'll probably rip off the plastic belly pan (which is there for aerodynamics but it also cuts down on road splash and grime going up into the engine compartment), they've been known to undo the gearbox oil drain instead of the engine oil (dunno how - it's pretty darn apparent which one is what) and they won't have the right gearbox oil to fix that booboo, either. Fail ...
 
Out of your list, VW Golf

id suggest Impreza or Forester for out of your list though since both have space, and forester is a great family car with tons of space (and awd and fun to drive/safer)
 
Brian P said:
The HPFP (high pressure fuel pump) on the TDI is a known issue in the USA, but Canadian fuel standards are different (better lubricity) and there have been very few failures in Canada. VW initially put up a lot of resistance to repairing the common-rail fuel systems, but lately (given the ongoing NHTSA investigation - they're under pressure and NHTSA has been publicly critical of how VW handled early warranty claims) they've been replacing faulty HPFP's without much issue. I heard of someone recently (within the last couple of weeks) who had VW repair the fuel system on a 2009 TDI with over 140,000 miles on it - no charge.

Since you would be getting a new one, you'll be getting the latest revision of the HPFP and there have been at least three such revisions. This problem will likely go away.

My dad has a 2011 Golf TDI DSG and it has been fine. The DSG transmission feels different than a normal torque-converter automatic - it feels more like a very expertly driven manual but with near-instantaneous gear changes. Some people can't deal with it feeling "different". The DSG has also been refined over the years. Dad's 2011 has much better shift programming than the 2006 TDI-DSG that he had before. The early ones (2006) had an issue with an internal temperature sensor that led to replacement of the mechatronics module. Haven't heard much of this lately.

I have a 2006 Jetta TDI manual, which is at 384,000 km and counting. It has been very good. Aside from scheduled maintenance and tires and brakes, the only expensive non-scheduled maintenance has been wheel bearings - it needed all four corners at around 200k +/- 20k. We've had several VW's in the family and they have all been fine. I'm quite aware that there are some people who have had bad luck with them. It's luck of the draw but the cars either seem to be really good, or really bad. The good thing in your situation is that with the 2 year lease deal, you'll know by the end of that lease whether you got a keeper or not.

One thing with German cars in general - you MUST follow the maintenance schedule. If the Germans say "thou shalt use oil conforming to VW 507.00" - which they do, for the engine in the new ones - then you had better use oil conforming to VW 507.00 and no substitutes. If they say thou shalt use engine coolant G12+ (which they do), then thou shalt use coolant G12+ and nothing else. DO NOT take the car to a quickie lube for an oil change and fluids top up. They won't have the right oil, they won't have the right coolant, they won't use a torque wrench, they'll probably rip off the plastic belly pan (which is there for aerodynamics but it also cuts down on road splash and grime going up into the engine compartment), they've been known to undo the gearbox oil drain instead of the engine oil (dunno how - it's pretty darn apparent which one is what) and they won't have the right gearbox oil to fix that booboo, either. Fail ...
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Thanks Brian. I've got a colleague in Milton and another in Moncton. Both of them tell me they would get another VW without quesiton. One is looking to purchase the old one for his wife to replace their Volvo.

One issue that prevented me from getting one two years ago was VW doesn't have a central fleet system to offer fleet pricing nationally which hindered the process for me. It's up to the individual dealer. Anyways, this year it seems things are different and I've got a contact at Woodbridge VW that doesn't mind selling at fleet pricing.

Even though I have a dealer willing to sell at fleet costs, I'm not sure if they have a model at the specs needed. Most carry the Highline with the moon roof. They may have the Comfortline spec'd the way I'm allowed to have but, then I can't be choosey with the color. Not a big deal, Most are Silver, Grey or Black. I just can't do white. I hand washed vehicles at one point in my life and developed a distain for white. If I order, it could take a few months.


Your feedback is very much appreciated as my information was researched off the web that is mostly American based and from my colleagues experiences. The Moncton fella had a fuel pump go and had to get it replaced. This was in 2010. Dealer gave him a bit of a hard time but, it got sorted. I was just concerned of any potential lingering effects. You put my mind at ease.

I don't want to put a curse on myself but, for the most part, I'm pretty fortunate when it comes to vehicles and reliability.
 
IV. said:
AWD
minor mods get you 500HP
carries 5 plus a big trunk
seriously I discovered what Subaru AWD is about and damn these cars are just insane.
The base model Imprezza is impressive.

Boxster engine too, very smooth

ings-n-spec-bodykit-subaru-impreza-wrx-sti-001_100190928_m.jpg
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I have a 2010 impreza. What a HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT. It has no balls, burns gas and the tires they come with must be crap because the winter driving handling SUCKS!

I gave up a 2007 TSX for this, the worst move ever. It handles so much better around corners and I've never once had the gas pedal hit the floor for power.
 
IV. said:
it's not AWD boxster engine now is it.
Subaru's don't sound like little fart cans :D
just go back to playing with your fisher price Iphone
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Ok listen up, class is in session:

1. Its called a boxer, Porsche didn't build it, it didn't come out of a Boxster.
2. The reason it doesn't sound like it has a fart can is because it has unequal length headers.. you can put those on a Civic and get the same sound
3. Its a souped up econobox
4. Relax bro, its just a Subaru

/end class
 
mmmnaked said:
Ok listen up, class is in session:

1. Its called a boxer, Porsche didn't build it, it didn't come out of a Boxster.
2. The reason it doesn't sound like it has a fart can is because it has unequal length headers.. you can put those on a Civic and get the same sound
3. Its a souped up econobox
4. Relax bro, its just a Subaru

/end class
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I thought your chauffeur needed to show you what it looked like? :p

point 2. true, but the flat 4 engine will be giving part of that sound as well. whats also technically a nuance is that porsche uses flat engines as well (it helps greatly in lowering the center of gravity)

/end class with substitute teacher.

@OP: I hope you enjoy the vw
and to be honest, i prefer having to wash a white car vs a black car... (black cars swirl so easy and every detail (dust or what not) show up a looooottt more than black cars. But that my opinion, silver = the least dirty car ever :D
 
rutakin said:
I have a 2010 impreza. What a HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT. It has no balls, burns gas and the tires they come with must be crap because the winter driving handling SUCKS!

I gave up a 2007 TSX for this, the worst move ever. It handles so much better around corners and I've never once had the gas pedal hit the floor for power.
Click to expand...

What color and model is yours? Are you selling it?
Pm me the details.
thx
 
rutakin said:
I have a 2010 impreza. What a HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT. It has no balls, burns gas and the tires they come with must be crap because the winter driving handling SUCKS!

I gave up a 2007 TSX for this, the worst move ever. It handles so much better around corners and I've never once had the gas pedal hit the floor for power.
Click to expand...

So you are comparing a $30k vehicle to a $18k
oh and this little bit you left out...a difference of 31hp

Yeah, let me compare just how slow a 600ss feels compared to a 1000ss

As for handling:
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[TD="class: value left"]front-wheel drive [/TD]
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[TD="class: desc"]The Impreza 2.5i's drivetrain is well-equipped for driving off-road or in poor weather, but the TSX is not
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help_14.gif

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[TH]Horsepower[/TH]
[TD="class: value left"]201 HP @ 7,000 RPM [/TD]
[TD="class: vs"]vs[/TD]
[TD="class: value"]170 HP @ 6,000 RPM[/TD]
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LePhillou said:
point 2. true, but the flat 4 engine will be giving part of that sound as well.
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No. It ONLY has to do with the length of the headers and collection of exhaust. The firing order is evenly spaced just like any other 4 cyl engine, the difference is that the both cylinders on one bank fire, and then the other 2 on the opposite bank fire. If each cylinder had an equal length header attached to a common collector the engine would sound like any other 4 cylinder.

TYVM
 
mmmnaked said:
No. It ONLY has to do with the length of the headers and collection of exhaust. The firing order is evenly spaced just like any other 4 cyl engine, the difference is that the both cylinders on one bank fire, and then the other 2 on the opposite bank fire. If each cylinder had an equal length header attached to a common collector the engine would sound like any other 4 cylinder.

TYVM
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... So like a fart can?
 
VW. A friend, who did aftermarket auto warranty inspections and would put 250K+ Kms on them, in the course of his ownership, swore by his Jettas. Liked the Golfs too. If a guy who sees the worst failures of vehicles likes them, then I say go with it. He did say it was important to keep as close as humanly possible to the maintenance schedule though.
 
Thanks for all the input and honestly, it validated my thoughts as well.


The VW would be my choice hands down. I think the fleet manager would be happy with me too.

However, I do have another opinion in the household and it's the one that matters the most. I'm going to with Rogue. Going from the Escape to the VW's lower seat height was a tough sell to the missus. I showed her the difference in quality, the cargo room in the VW.


At the end of the day, the Rogue beats the Escape in terms of features and driviability so, even though I'm compromising on my pick, the secondary choice isn't all the bad and missus is happy.


I guess I should have mentioned that in the beginning.


PS. We did go to the Dodge dealership and was totally ignored when I mentioned it was a fleet purchase. I was told to come back when the fleet manager is in Monday. I told them I hadn't made up my mind on choice yet and had other dealers to choose from. Sorry, can't help you out.

Volks and Nissan tossed us the keys after making a copy of my driver's license and told us to have fun.

PSS. The VW did seem to let in a bit more road noise and while leg room was plenty, it did seem a bit on the narrow side from the missus perspective too. Basically, she just didn't like it even after I told her how much I preferred it.

Yes, I'm a kept man.


Cheers.
 
After all that debate you ended up doing what your wife says?

I am so greviously disappointed.

Oh well at least you don't have to bother picking which clothes you wear to work in the morning.
 
Freestyle72 said:
After all that debate you ended up doing what your wife says?

I am so greviously disappointed.

Oh well at least you don't have to bother picking which clothes you wear to work in the morning.
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ouch
It could have been worse, she could have said the Nissan Juke:D
 
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Freestyle72 said:
After all that debate you ended up doing what your wife says?

I am so greviously disappointed.

Oh well at least you don't have to bother picking which clothes you wear to work in the morning.
Click to expand...


Happy wife, happy life? I'm all talk in front of the computer but, when it comes down to it, I'm a wuss.
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