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Replacing a 2012 VW Tiguan

The Right Car for Me | TrueDelta

Rons1941

I currently have a 2012 VW Tiguan and am not real happy with it. "German Engineering" seems to have failed here. I leaks, squeeks, has wind noise and the ride is a bit harsh.
I have looked at a few different models including the Ford Escape, the Honda CRV, and the Acura, to name a few.
I am 72 and my wife is 5 years younger. We make frequent 200 mile trips and desire a comfortable and quiet ride. I also like to have enough ZIP to pass oon 2 lane roads.
We like the SUV for a little higher ride.
If I were to choose right now I might pick the Acura RDX, but I need more input.
I'm almost afraid to buy another car after my Tiguan. I thought it would be my dream car but sometimes it feels like it's my nightmare. It's possible I got a lemon or my dealer may not be as good as they try to make you believe at finding problems. I had to do the research myself to find a reprogram for the Automatic Transmission when it was quite new. It shifted way to early and the motor lugged.

Priorities: Fuel economy / Ride smoothness / Quietness / Materials & workmanship / Reliability & durability

Preferred Bodystyle(s): SUV

Car Needs: Errands about town / Long trips / Fun toy

Primary Driver(s): Senior driver

Need minimum of 4 seats

Will consider new cars only

Maximum price: US $ 40000

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Response from mkaresh

1:19 pm April 17, 2014

Members have been reporting problems with vibrations in the RDX. Acura has developed a solution that appears to be working. So this seems a good fit for what you're looking for.

The CR-V is getting a bit old, and doesn't have much passing power. Enough?

The Escape is quiet and quick (with the 2.0T engine). The downside is that reliability has only been so-so. With the 2013s owners reported common problems with panel fits. The 2014s have been better.

The Subaru Forester XT (with a turbo engine) is worth checking out. It does most things very well. But it's not as luxurious or as stylish as the Acura. It's also a first year model. So far very few owners have reported repairs, but this could change down the road. One built recently should have initial bugs worked out, as these have been on sale for about a year.

Towards the upper end of your price range the Infiniti QX50 (which used to be the EX) is worth a look. It's much tighter inside than the others, especially the roomy Subaru, but is very luxurious. These have never sold well, so the actual price can be well below the sticker price.



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Acura RDX
Subaru Forester
Infiniti QX50

Response from willied

3:51 pm April 17, 2014

In addition to what Michael wrote, maybe a Ford Edge? Plenty of power from the V6, and it should be pretty reliable. Or a C-Max? That may not be your style, but it's a thought. Decent handling, good fuel economy, and enough power.

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Ford Edge
Ford C-MAX

Response from Member2612

6:13 pm April 17, 2014

Possibly worth looking into a Nissan Murano, Toyota Highlander or Hyundai Santa Fe. All three SUVs seem to be pretty reliable. With the Nissan you get quite a bit of power, but their cars tend to have relatively rougher rides. CVT transmission might take a bit getting used to, but it is smooth and will get you power exactly when you want it. Toyota will give you a smoother ride at the expense of power. Hyundais have come lightyears in terms of quality and workmanship, and tend to pack their cars to the brim with features.

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Hyundai Santa Fe
Nissan Murano
Toyota Highlander

Response from Rons1941

2:07 pm May 6, 2014

Good information and ideas from all 3 that responded. The Ford Edge is a good idea but I have been turned off by a couple experiences with Ford. Still looking ... I will remember to listen for "quitness" in the Accura, which I picked up on, on the owner reviews.

Still looking but not highly hopefull of finding the greatest car no matter what the price. Must be getting old! Nothing seems to be ideal anymore. My Tiguan experience is the greatest dissapointment and thus a hinderance for even trying to find the best.


Thanks for your responses

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Response from willied

3:07 pm May 6, 2014

You're going to find issues with basically any car, unfortunately. Just choose the one that you like the most after considering everything and be done with it. Good luck!

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Response from Rons1941

5:11 pm May 8, 2014

I have been looking ... It's interesting that the Ford Edge has come up from a couple other sources. I gotta go look closer in person. Meanwhile I will do a build on line for price and such.

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Response from mkaresh

7:30 pm May 8, 2014

Among my concerns with the Edge is that it is a very old design at this point, dating to the 2007 model year. I think it will be completely redesigned for the 2016 model year. Handling and fuel economy aren't a match for newer competing designs.

But if you drive it and like it, that's all that really matters.

You can configure an Edge here on TrueDelta. We have pricing among the "more" links below each photo.

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Response from Rons1941

5:57 pm May 12, 2014

OK - i checked out the edge. I really didn't care for the size. only me and my wife most of the time.

So back to the Acura and I have alreaddy been pre-approved for loan. My only hurdle will be 2014 verses 2015. Looks like I can get a bigger discount off the sticker on the 2014 (obviousely). I don't see any difference in the two models. Probably no changes untill 2017 so no issue there.

So i will be off to the dealer as soon as my schedule allows. I will keep you all informed of progress and issues.

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Response from mkaresh

11:12 pm May 12, 2014

The RDX is a good size, not as tight as the compact Infiniti but not as large as most others. Let us know how it turns out!

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Response from Rons1941

3:04 pm June 30, 2014

O.K. so this is the end of this conversation / thread. I did indeed purchase a 2015 Acura RDX AWD with Tech package in white. Parchment or Tan interior. Bought on June 2 and now has a bit over 1000 miles. One 350 mile road trip to WI and back.
I really like the ride and handeling. The sound system is good. The Tech package has a bit of a learning curve. I am trying hard to evaluate just at the Acura and not compare systems (especially techy stuff) with past vehicals. As was said earlier - "You're going to find issues with basically any car, unfortunately". I would have to say that the VW was easier to learn. But with all it's ride and noise faults it really doesn't matter.
So as I said earlier - I will give my impressions of the vehical after I have had a few months to really get the feel of it. That will likely be in a different place on the WEB page. Michael - where will it go?

This is my first Japanese based vehical in my life and things are just different!

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Response from mkaresh

8:36 am July 7, 2014

To write a review, go to the "Why (Not) This Car?" review section. You could then post a link to the review here--the tool bar includes a button to insert links.

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