Anyone with Consumer Reports? Car Question (Passat/TSX)

No idea, but I can't stand Consumer Reports. Also, the rumor is that the TSX will more than likely be discontinued soon.

 

I have had the Passat for a little over 2 months and have already put over 4000 miles on it with no problems. It's a great car. Best interior quality in its class. It also has the most interior and trunk space in its class. I have the TDI and get about 45 mpg easily on the highway going 70 mph. If you slow down to about 55-60mph, the car can easily get 50mpg which is incredible for a car this size. The TDI only has 140 hp, but plenty of torque so it's no slouch on the highway when you need passing power. There is also a 300 hp v6 as an option if you need more power. You can get a well equipped TDI SE for about 25k. I can't speak for long term reliability, but my family has been driving VW's since 2000 with no major issues besides regular maintenance. The TDI models also have great resale value compared to the gas models. I would go and test drive both, but if you need a quality family sedan with best in class interior space and MPG go for the TDI Passat.

 

I bought the 2012 Passat for my wife, and the 2012 Jetta 2.5 SE for me. To be honest with you, I love the Jetta way more. The amount of leg room is about the same in the front seat, with a somewhat smaller backseat. Either way, both cars are awesome!

 

Check out the 2013 Honda Accord

 

Both are rated pretty high (80 - Passat and 84 Acura) and both are recommended by CR.

Passat has only a average rating on acceleration and depreciation. The Acura has an average rating on ride.

Passat

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Acura

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are they combining the TL+TSX since there's an ILX now?

 

A couple of the big reasons a friend of mine said he'd never buy one again is the cost of maintenance and the repair turnaround time. Only a couple places can fix these babies if it's not the dealership, in which case you will get charged an arm and a leg for something simple like a sensor or a catalytic converter. Don't get me wrong, these are great vehicles... when they're working the way they're supposed to.

I would buy one, were it not for the cost of maintenance.

 

that's a nice car. i test drove the fully loaded coupe v6. it's got blind side cameras too.

 

I'd buy a 2013 Accord before I buy a TSX. I would take the projected reliability of either over a Passat.

 

The ILX is a sub-TSX in my opinion (it's basically a well-handling, dressed up Civic). The only news about the TLX (which is what everyone is guessing it will be called) is just that it will be the next TL. No idea if it will move downstream a bit to replace the TSX.

 

tsx still require or "strongly recommending" premium fuel?

dont think the leather in passat is real by the way, they're call "leatherette", a la jetta.

 

VW has been lacking in quality materials on Jettas, not sure about Passats, but probably the same.

 

Most people I know who have driven Volkswagens or Audis have said they fall apart after 70k miles and vow never to buy one again. I have no personal experience with a VW.

 

I own a 02 Jetta, and my buddy the latest model

the material they use inside does not last too long and is mostly hard plastic

doesn't even come close to the material Koreans and Japanese auto makers use for their interior

 

I believe it's recommended.

 

Yes the Jetta does have a cheap plastic interior, but the interior quality of the passat is something honda, toyota, and Korean car makers can only dream of.