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.
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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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.
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?
I fell in love with the 2016 Tiguan R... until I found out about the new upcoming 2017 model. I'm now in love with the 2017 and want no part in the 2016.
On the other hand, it looks like I'll have to wait more than a year for the 2017 to come out in the U.S., so I was wondering what you guys were considering when you ultimately decided on your Tiguan. Here's a list of what I considered, but haven't really found a great alternative for me.
Subaru Forester - I like the 2.0XT model but kind of pricey and interior is very bland. Probably the one I considered the most though.
Subaru Outback - prefer the boxier look of the forester. Too boring.
Mazda CX-5 - pretty good option and great price for grand touring, but not a fan of the new Mazda styling.
Honda CR-V - way too common and bland.
Ford Escape - not a fan of the styling and of ford in general.
Acura RDX - not bad but crazy styling and too expensive.
Audi Q3, BMW X3, MB GLK and GLA: too expensive and don't want the luxury badge anyway. Same with the crossovers from Lexus and Infiniti.
What are the best competitors that I'm missing?!
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 RepliesI 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.
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).
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 RepliesI have a mk4 jetta vr6 200,000 miles with a bigger pcv and a cold air intake ( universal) and silicone vacuum hoses and secondary water pump delete and exhaust. (Just a little info) I seem to have a lot of blow by and its been eating 2qts or so of oil between oil changes. I am using 20w50 castrol gtx high mileage and a locus and is still eating it (2qts). I do drive it hard and race so I figured it would be fine the thicker oil plus arizona heat. I am thinking maybe more lucas additive about 40% of lucas and 60% 20w50. Just trying to keep it running support the worn seal and compression and horsepower and of course oil lose. It is such a pleasure to drive and race.
View 3 RepliesI'm most likely picking up a 03 jetta glx vr6. Thing is the 6th gear is out. Is the entire transmission about to break or is it a common thing?
View 16 RepliesI have a 02 golf gti it has 3 inch turbo back catless exhaust k04 turbo front mount inter cooler hks blow off valve eurodyne tuning software i just did the sai/n249 valve/and pcv delete and I put a new n75 valve on it and my car still wont go over 7 psi. The tuning software is asking 18 but it just wont go over 7?
View 4 RepliesSo I've recently picked up a 2004 1.8t GTI. The check engine kicked in just weeks after purchasing and I had Autozone check the ecu for the code. As it turns out my CAT has gone and it's in need of replacing. I went to a shop for a second opinion and they confirmed the issue. Now to replace the stock CAT . Seems damn high even for a stock VW part.
I was looking into purchasing a performance cat at a lower price or just changing out the whole exhaust system from the turbo back. So my question is if I just change the CAT will I be able to stop on an aftermarket cat-back exhaust system, does it matter if its stock or not.
I recently picked up an 01 jetta and the day after i bought it the check engine light came on with a 3 codes. i erased the codes and than after a day of driving the light came back on with code p0171.
I did some research and figured i should get a new air filter and clean the MAF but i was waiting until pay day.
Today, about a week later, the ASR light came on and won't come off so i ran the obd again and now there is codes P0171, P0102 so i cleared them again to see if the ASR would should off. the check engine light is off for now but the ASR came right back on when i started the car.
LLast night I was driving. I got off the highway and pulling on to the main road in 2nd, I ripped on it and went into 3rd quickly. It basically kicked it out of gear, and didn't seem like I had any other gear besides 1st or 2nd. Got to a local gas station in 2nd, and I originally thought my linkage had come off. While trying to back into a spot to make life easier, there was no reverse. seems like the trans is binding up. Aligned the linkage anyway, when the car is off, it goes into every gear, but when it is on, it feels like 1st-2nd-nothing. If I roll the car backwards and then forward, I have 1st. Other than that, it will not engage. If I put the trans in reverse and then try to back up, it feels like the trans is binding. Same with 1st, unless the car is running. Traction control light will not turn off either, will have it scanned this week to determine that issue...
Ive seen most people have issues with the 1st-2nd shift fork and have this causing the reverse issues.
2005 GLI 1.8t
Driving to work, no problems (except for my horn which had stopped working a few weeks ago, and was blowing fuses) when my 2008 VW Jetta...just died. I think I heard a "thunk", like I ran over something, but that was maybe just a coincidence? Speedometer went down to 0, no "check engines" lights, electronics (radio, windows, sunroof) stayed on. Would not turn over at all - just silence. Tow truck driver turned it right on 45 minutes later and drove it on to the truck.
Towed to the mechanic and it took them about two days to replicate the problem. No codes were coming up so they had to wait until it happened again.They replaced the crankshaft sensor and power supply relay, charged me for everything but when I went to get in the car - it was dead.
So. 8 days on and they still don't seem to know what is going on. And the stress is doubled-down at this point because how I'm being treated. One of the mechanics keeps making jokes about how I'm "silly" for having a Volkswagen (ugh, there appears to be gender stuff going on, which totally bums me out) and has suggested that I just "buy a Honda. A pink one, even". Right.
I have a 1.8t and it has the dreadful low pressure issue, not quite sure if I have sludge or not but i've run some sea foam through it earlier to clean (I'm aware that sea foam is a solvent) and am going to drop the pan, clean it out and replace the pump and pickup and take care of all of it in one go. I plan on using the felpro 2.slow gasket instead of gasket sealant but my question is, how do I remove the tension off of the oil pump chain to remove the pump? i'm pretty new to Volkswagens so don't be to rough.
View 8 RepliesMy air conditioner is not getting cold. The fan is running, and the AC light is coming on when i turn the dial. Also, the compressor is working and the clutch is engaging. I checked the fuses inside the car and the fuse above the battery.
View 3 RepliesI was told I can use a mk3 O2a transmission in my mk4 12v, reason is because my transmission decided to blow up on me I just figured this because a mk3 transmission will be cheaper and easier to find.....I also heard something about swapping the shifter tower.
View 3 RepliesI need to know but I'm not near the car.
View 1 RepliesLet the car run for roughly 15-20 min still not at full operating temp 90 celuis, and when it is at 90 only blows warm air not hot hot air advice> water pump and timing belt have been done in nov as well as coolant flush.
View 5 Replies