There you go skewing the data again and hiding. Did you think folks would not read the article to understand how you might reach conclusions, or probably more important to them, how THEY might use the information for better perspective or decision making or in another case confirm their own preferences?
The article talks about dissimilar and 3 segments of hybrids, EV AND diesels. EV and hybrids experienced the greater %'s losses compared to relatively fewer diesel models. It really does not even mention VW's US market "following its own drummer" strategy which is one and a major reason for its well documented less than stellar sales results. I have even posted why ( I think) this is a consumer opportunity for diesels (and also its gassers). You fail to mention most of VW sales ARE GASSERS, some outliers: hybrids and EV's. So those are HUGE and major omissions. When you omit 2/3's MORE..... I think it easier for you to have said/say it's just your bias/es and your nickels. Hey, I am ok with that. So thanks for the " transparency" .
I bought the 2009 VW Jetta TDI, the year yearly total sales fell off (app 40 %). the proverbial CLIFF !! It was so BAD that the IRS even offered a $1,500 tax CREDIT to buy the 2009 VW Jetta TDI. Given the deal, it was cheaper to buy than the 2003 Jetta TDI, (which @ the time was pretty cheap. It also had $236. diesel premium). The IRS tax CREDIT? SWEET !!!!! Incidentally as I recall TDI's were 25/27% of VW's total US market production. There were also some other turn in your gas guzzler for even better more modern gas guzzler programs,
I am also thinking of just changing the M/T fluid @ 250,000 miles. But that might be too soon. The UOA test costs app $25. The fluid costs less than $50. Decisions decisions.
Hah! Yes, and that's really the crux of my concern with the fluid! I changed out the OEM fluid at ~2500 miles as part of its interior Alaska winterization process. I then changed it at approximately 44K miles (less than three years ago) because I didn't feel I was getting good enough cold-flow out of that particular oil. So, this last oil, with just shy of 40K on it, is really young oil for gear oil in general, and *really* young for full synthetic gear oil in particular.
Whatever is going on in that transaxle is not due to neglect of the lubrication. The UOA is not something I would generally do for gear oil (I do regular UOA for engine oil changes), but it will tell me whether the oil itself is healthy. And, if it's not, that's a pretty good indicator that something is going wrong in there to put way too much stress on the lubricant.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
So for example, the clutch AND M/T gives me the anecdotal AND subjective feelings both will last past 400,000 miles. So even when I get very OBJECTIVE numbers from UOA's of either the engine or MT transmission , I can not refer to VW oem data to know (before breakdown) what % wear it is at AND from the most likely components. So my SOTP feelings are to effect repair just BEFORE break down. hopefully much later than sooner. (past 500,000 miles)
So given your experiences, you are probably right to have done a UOA and be concerned and probably should effect repair pretty close to NOW, way BEFORE breakdown. In effect, you are getting a 2nd opinion. I think unfortunately the data will triangulate.
Nothing substitutes for OBJECTIVE numbers. So when I visually compared DSG oil @ 65,000 miles (40,000 miles OEM recommended change interval-) new vs old), there were almost no visible differences. VW DSG also has an DSG oil filter. The guru also said it looked like almost every one of those he had changed @ the 40,000 recommended interval with one proviso, mine looked cleaner. After calibration and rebuttioning up, there were ZERO change to shifting patterns. So the data, sans objective UOA numbers triangulate/d.
I received the report this afternoon! The analysis notes, "Thanks for the notes. You said you were hearing a humming noise from this transmission, and we did find a very high level of aluminum here. Aluminum can sometimes be from an oil pump or something like that, or maybe the transmission case is made of aluminum and there's something rubbing against it. Iron (steel) was also slightly high, though averages are based on ~25,000 miles of oil use for this type of transmission, so this reading isn't far enough out of line to call a definite problem at steel parts. Silicon could be abrasive dirt or residual sealer. Let us know what you find!"
Aluminum was 164 ppm (vs. 8 ppm on the "universal averages" list). The case of the transaxle is aluminum, but I don't know what aluminum parts are contained within. The health of the oil (viscosity, contamination, flashpoint, etc) was excellent. I think the next step is a trip to the shop with concerns and UOA in hand.
Edit: I just reviewed the maintenance schedule and at no point in the 150,000 miles listed is replacement of gear oil there. It recommends inspection of the fluid every 30,000, but that's it. So, it seems practical that the fluid manufacturer's minimum interval of 100,000 miles is far, far greater than the length of time I ran either fill of oil on this machine. Perhaps my error is over-maintaining it?
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
Yes ! Hopefully they have made the necessary corrections and improvements. It does not enhance the reputation of the WHOLE European fuel injection systems (components, HPFP). VW had (800/241,000 or .003195 % )=less than 1/3 of 1%. I wonder what %'s the other oems are experiencing.
Interesting the article Mercedes Benz on the new MB GLE line ( 300-D) SUV .
Is it really that hard to admit TDI's have a 30%+ plus advantage over gassers? ...EVIDENTLY ?? !!
FOR EXAMPLE: 7 speed A/T is common to both GASSER/DIESEL MB 350 -23.5 mpg /250 BT -34.5 mpg. While an 11 speed in theory SHOULD boost mpg (bragging rights) does Ford really think it changes the diesel advantages or Ford F-150 fans won't notice, care or switch ? NO!/NO!???
(longest time in inventory with 71 days avg) Gassers top the list of
"10 Cars American's Really Don't Want To Buy". Thomas C. Frohlich, 24/7 Wall St. 1:37 p.m. EDT April 11, 2015 (Non diesel biased) talking head also says hybrid segment in trouble.
For the mileage you do, 1 to 5 year old vehicles makes even more sense that the NEW examples you cite.
You could say I have been there done that. Last time I bought a used car, it was certified, it had issues. My preference is to break in the car myself, get the extra warranty and just have the piece of mind.
ANY car should be able to do 100,000 miles. In your case, 16.67 years is a no brainer.
True, if you are into keeping cars along time. I prefer to getting a new car every few years. Cars keep getting better and better. Just look at the improvements in safety, gadgets, performance and economy.
Now if you HATE DIESELS, add up all the excuses and they absolutely makes no sense at all ! It makes sense to me ! Why go EV @ all? Even used, the acquisition costs are @ least 2x to 3x a gasser? I saw a 40k EV @ Costco that seemed the equivalent of a 13k Civic ! To switch due to lower fuel/electrical prices? It is almost nonsensical, especially in your case.
I really did not say I would be getting an EV anytime soon. Still, the Leaf is competitive price wise with our Crosstrek at about $25k with the Fed rebate. It is not 2x the acquisition cost! What 40K EV did you see? What about the tax credit??? Here is a SV Leaf for sale in Florida.
$35,080 MSRP $9,085 Discount* $25,995 INTERNET PRICE
And, as I mentioned the $100/year running cost results in a quick payback. The downside is that it would be strictly a city car and range in the winter would likely be about 50 miles. The dimensions of the Leaf & Crosstrek are interestingly almost exactly the same so size wise it would be a good fit.
We have one gasser going on 21 years old. My short term goal is 30 years old.
Again, I have no interest in keeping a vehicle 20 or 30 years. Ten years is about my max. Life is too short.
I noticed that you did not comment on the drop in diesel sales. A 40% drop in sales from 3/14 to 3/15 is huge. Unless fuel prices rise a bit this summer, diesel sales will remain low. Maybe the new 2016 Passat will help VW.
The philosophical differences are noted. Yours are your nickels, like you have never seen/heard me post/say that. 4,600 miles a year for 10 years max would be 46,000 miles. A diesel would just barely be broken in. In that mileage I would have done 2 oil changes with 14,000 miles of useful life remaining. It makes no sense for YOU to SWITCH (from your current ride) to a diesel new OR used.
You put very few miles on more and expensive cars and like the toys. We put more miles on fewer cars. My take are the toys are generally nice, but not worth the costs. It is hard to recapture any of the costs on resale.
..."I noticed that you did not comment on the drop in diesel sales. A 40% drop in sales from 3/14 to 3/15 is huge. Unless fuel prices rise a bit this summer, diesel sales will remain low. Maybe the new 2016 Passat will help VW. "...
The drop in diesels sales actually supports the point I made: that can have positive opportunities for DIESEL consumers ! The article you posted did not support YOUR original premise/s. I have also been saying all along, diesels sales ARE outlier. It sounds like now you agree with me ! Indeed the article is MORE about cheap fuel prices crashing hybrid/EV sales so called "GREEN" alternatives. Other articles indicate real "issues" for hybrid and EV sales. One I have read said deep TROUBLE.
Do you think 2016 Passat (diesel 's I presume?) sales will GROW diesel % sales for VW appreciably, let alone the over all % ? To say you would be wrong would be a gross understatement. VW TOTAL product sales is app 2.5%
How do you think/propose with 5% or lessof the PVF diesel, with less than 2.5% being CARS, stays so low against 95% + gassers/etc (for any number of years)? If sales are 16.5 M this year, VW sales @ app 2.5% market share would be app 412,500 units. IF app 25% are diesels, THEN that equals app 103,125 diesel units. You can do the math against 16.5 M.
Now, if you are projecting Golf SW sales have the POTENTIAL of being 85% TDI's (that has been true of JSW's), that might be a TMI discussion. BUT, I did not get that impression, from you, at all.
Conversely, (IF I had a diesel) and suddenly dropped to 4,600 miles per year on a car it would make no sense at all to go to a gasser, hybrid, EV. (50 mpg=92 gal, 41 mpg=112gal)
I really did not say I would be getting an EV anytime soon. Still, the Leaf is competitive price wise with our Crosstrek at about $25k with the Fed rebate. It is not 2x the acquisition cost! What 40K EV did you see? What about the tax credit??? Here is a SV Leaf for sale in Florida.
$35,080 MSRP $9,085 Discount* $25,995 INTERNET PRICE
It is worthwhile to note that the referenced tax credit is an "up to" amount, not a guarantee. You're not going to get it if you don't owe the Feds at least that amount to start. Perhaps many folks would, but I know I would not. I might get half.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
And whether you're driving around town or on the highway, there's no hiding the fact that the CVT's top priority is to minimize fuel consumption. The downside is that acceleration is adequate at best, and you'll need to plan ahead for passing and merging. We've also found that the CVT's hair-trigger responses to gas pedal inputs can increase engine speed unnecessarily and exacerbate noise from under the hood.
Call me "old school" but none of the following individual items would induce me to buy the "NEW" model, let alone pay extra for the items, options/packages.
standard with a rearview camera and a 6.2-inch touchscreen with smartphone-app integration. A 7-inch touchscreen is available, as is Subaru's EyeSight safety package with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and a forward collision mitigation system with automatic braking. Keyless entry and ignition is newly available on the Limited trim.
Funny, the 15 GOLF Sport Wagon TDI's MSRP's are CHEAPER ? !
My sister likes the Crosstrek a lot. She hasn't driven one though. She likes VWs although she had so many issues with her '00 New Beetle, I'm not sure that she's ready to forgive VW yet.
Interesting story on family infighting and efforts to oust VW's CEO (shades of Ford?) in the WSJ this morning. Registration link unfortunately.
The CEO's bet in Chattanooga to revive VW's US market hasn't paid off. Yet anyway.
Well, 7 B CAN take a while to return !! ?? The union issues do not help either. German UNION ownerships will actually have to become more "business" oriented. Keep in mind, VW added 100,000 + American 12 Passat units (gassers/TDI) (SOTP) for app 25% growth in its first year!!! HUGE ! This has been largely dismissed by American press. Easy to see IF they are able to add ANOTHER 100,000 unit product/s LINE to the plant @ Chattanooga, TN, that would be ANOTHER huge leap forward.
Also, VW has gone, are going from the 7 year product life cycles, to the 5 year life cycles, in addition to the MLQ platform implementation. The MLQ platform now includes 6 Golf's: 1. Gassers 2.TDI 3. Hybrid 4. EV. 5. Sport Wagen 6. Type R
This will make Prius line (etc) SO obsolete!! ?? Corolla line also.
So... ALL metrics are or seem to be moving targets.
Also, the mentioned balance sheets of VW, Toyota, GM might be (TMI) indicators of the more MACRO factors. VW's 2.5 % market share in US markets are VERY interesting positions. But hey, they make GREAT money per car! One IMPORTANT goal will almost have to be making even MORE money and % per car. Otherwise, why invest the $$'s monies in the first place? But even if VW targets and is able to get 5 % US market share, that would be 100% GROWTH for "juggernaut" status !! This would be app 800,000 to 850,000 units (from app 400,000+ units). It would of course come at the expense of Toyota, GM and many others.
Sounds more like a family member trying to muddle in the company. The current CEO seems to be doing okay with all those moving targets (and labor is one of his big supporters, along with the state).
Seems he is using an "EXpENSivE" crack cue later !!!! I use a cheap calculator. Puns & jokes intended.
More seriously, that RAM 3.0 L TDI sounds way more consumptive of DEF than the 3.0 L, 12 VW Touareg TDI.
(12 VW Touareg TDI) Pretty consistently, the DEF lamp comes on @ app 13,500 miles and takes app 4.5 gals to fill. (for $21.55) (2 ea- 2.5 gal (320 oz per) DEF containers, using his price of $11.97 ea. )
This basic data can get whatever expression one wants.
'Tis broken! I thought I would try to use Edmunds' true pricing tool for the Ram Ecodiesel since I haven't in a while (and it looks a little different now), but the tool fails! I thought it had some good upgrades, sorta leading the person through a logical series of steps (e.g., cab type, engine style (ULSD vs. UG), bed length, drive type, features, wheel size.... all pretty simple. Finally, it comes up and says I have the option of a Laramie or an SLT, these are the prices, which do you want? Upon choosing, I expected I would then choose color and other bits, but at this point it comes up with a 404 Not Found. Boo!
For recreation (that's re-creation, not recreation) purposes, these were my choices:
Crew Cab Diesel 4x4 6.4 Bed Heated Seats No Nav Digital Audio 17" Wheels (I think this is the point where you chose the available model, and either choice nets 404 error)
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
I don't know how anyone keeps up with trucks. Everyone always talks about wanting to spec every option, but when you get into axle ratios and the like, my eyes blur over.
Lot's of folks on this diesel thread complain about the so called diesel $$ premium. Gasser trucks/options/packages can easily out money ANY any diesel premium. !! 75% of the 95% GASSER PVF are large cars to so called "light trucks".
Well, IF you are not towing, racing from stop light to stop light, mind the lower mpg or have a special want/need in mind, get the higher gear ratio rear axle. It lt also makes me wonder when light truck oems will go to 8 speed + A/T's. Ram is already there and with the TDI option.
I don't know how anyone keeps up with trucks. Everyone always talks about wanting to spec every option, but when you get into axle ratios and the like, my eyes blur over.
That cracked me up, Steve, even though it wasn't *exactly* the point of my previous post...
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
Let the author re-check the formulas and see where he went wrong. I get $ .0058, or a tad more than half of one cent per mile driven: DEF. So if 960 oz were used in 6,858 miles = .14 oz per mile or 914 miles per gal. (which is correct) ($5.30 per gal DEF)
(12 VW Touareg TDI posts 2,998 miles per gal, MB GLK 250 B/T posts 6,050 miles per gal)
So for example, the article implies the DEF tank's capacity is 7.5 gals. It is unclear to me why jamming in 7.5 gals was important. To try to trigger a NO start?? To me: fill it @ low DEF lamp light, measure the DEF left in a pyrex measuring cup or WING it, do the fractional math, post and move on.
Let the author re-check the formulas and see where he went wrong. I get $ .0058 or a tad more than half of one cent per mile driven: DEF. So if 960 oz were used in 6,858 miles = .14 oz per mile or 914 miles per gal. (which is correct) ($5.30 per gal DEF)
(12 VW Touareg TDI uses 2,998 miles per gal)
So for example the article implies the DEF tank's capacity is 7.5 gals. It is unclear to me why jamming in 7.5 gals was important. To try to trigger a NO start?? To me: fill it and measure the DEF left in a pyrex measuring cup, do the fractional math, post and move on.
My math mirrored yours (e.g., appx 0.0058/mile). The author noted that his goal was three-fold: 1., run the DEF tank "empty" so as to witness and record the behavior of the vehicle; 2., Use only 2.5-gal DEF containers; 3., Avoid any partials that he would then have to store in the garage.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
For the mileage you do, 1 to 5 year old vehicles makes even more sense that the NEW examples you cite.
I noticed that you did not comment on the drop in diesel sales. A 40% drop in sales from 3/14 to 3/15 is huge. Unless fuel prices rise a bit this summer, diesel sales will remain low. Maybe the new 2016 Passat will help VW.
One model does not reflect the entire genre. Hybrids are not selling well at all with the gas glut. And an EV in CA is a joke with our electricity at 39 cents per KWH and rising. My last month was $105 and I was into the the top tier.
U.S. Clean Diesel Car Sales Increase 25% in 2014; Overall U.S. Car Market is Up 4%
Washington, D.C. – U.S. clean diesel car sales have increased 25 percent during the first six months of 2014 while the overall U.S. car market has increased by 4.2 percent, according to data compiled by Hybrid Cars.com and Baum and Associates.
The 2014 clean diesel sales total includes six months of consecutive sales increases, including double digit increases in March (+ 39.5%), April (+ 60.4%) and May (+26.8%). June 2014 was the 43rd monthly increase in clean diesel sales in the past 47 months, with 31 of those months registering double-digit increases.
It is worthwhile to note that the referenced tax credit is an "up to" amount, not a guarantee. You're not going to get it if you don't owe the Feds at least that amount to start. Perhaps many folks would, but I know I would not. I might get half.
Something I have tried telling my poor friends. And it is not good except the year you buy. It is a tax break for the upper middle class. I believe in CA you still pay sales tax on the sell price. The tax credit comes with your tax filing.
And whether you're driving around town or on the highway, there's no hiding the fact that the CVT's top priority is to minimize fuel consumption. The downside is that acceleration is adequate at best, and you'll need to plan ahead for passing and merging. We've also found that the CVT's hair-trigger responses to gas pedal inputs can increase engine speed unnecessarily and exacerbate noise from under the hood.
That is my impression of all CVTs. No possible way I would own one. I really liked the Subaru until I drove one and had my ear drums blown out by the screaming engine on a long up hill run. Give me an 6-8 speed REAL auto transmission. Love those smooth shifts and optimum use of power.
Leave it to Chrysler/FIAT/GM to screw up the diesel image. 914 miles on a gallon of AdBlue is just crazy. No wonder Jeep does not cover all service the first 48,000 miles like my Touareg TDI. I would be real surprised if I am using a gallon every 3500 miles. My first 10k mile service and the 1500 mile warning had not come on. That means I can expect at least 2500 miles per gallon. Even the half cent per mile of the Ram is hardly a deal killer. Just poor emissions engineering by Fiat/Chrysler on that engine.
For the mileage you do, 1 to 5 year old vehicles makes even more sense that the NEW examples you cite.
I noticed that you did not comment on the drop in diesel sales. A 40% drop in sales from 3/14 to 3/15 is huge. Unless fuel prices rise a bit this summer, diesel sales will remain low. Maybe the new 2016 Passat will help VW.
One model does not reflect the entire genre. Hybrids are not selling well at all with the gas glut. And an EV in CA is a joke with our electricity at 39 cents per KWH and rising. My last month was $105 and I was into the the top tier.
U.S. Clean Diesel Car Sales Increase 25% in 2014; Overall U.S. Car Market is Up 4%
Washington, D.C. – U.S. clean diesel car sales have increased 25 percent during the first six months of 2014 while the overall U.S. car market has increased by 4.2 percent, according to data compiled by Hybrid Cars.com and Baum and Associates.
The 2014 clean diesel sales total includes six months of consecutive sales increases, including double digit increases in March (+ 39.5%), April (+ 60.4%) and May (+26.8%). June 2014 was the 43rd monthly increase in clean diesel sales in the past 47 months, with 31 of those months registering double-digit increases.
These quotes further shows Avalon02wh's premise/s to be probably not even close. It is amazing he is also ignoring BIG " trouble" in hybrid/EV lands. In fact, he was trying to indicate EV competitive payback with Subaru Crosstek. The last I checked the Golf Sport Wagon TDI MSRP was cheaper !! It got better mileage also (43 vs 34 mpg)
..."Today, the clean diesel choices include 27 cars and SUVs, nine vans and 10 pickup trucks. We expect that number to nearly double in the next 18 months, and we expect that more models in more brands will only generate higher sales in the future. ...
...“While diesel cars and pickup trucks make up only three percent of the overall U.S. vehicle market, most analysts predict continued growth in the U.S., with many believing the diesel market will double by 2018.”....
There is no doubt in my mind oems will have no real issues selling their TDI inventories.
In the context of @ 2018 MY, PROJECTED doubling of the diesel PVF, from 3% to 6%, is VERY bullish. It will be interesting to see where hybrid/EV will be, then.
So just in terms of DIESEL %'s, most oems will have a VERY difficult time exceeding VW's over all DIESEL (25%) %'s, let alone some models' diesel %'s of 85% i.e., JSW. So for one counterpoint, who knows or cares about the diesel Chevrolet Cruze diesel % ? Who knows also that Chevolet's diesel car is far better made than its gasser, yet it still takes lumps for "diesel" costing more.
Congruent with Gagrice's postings AND VW's low market share @ 2.5%, it is really all about VW increasing its US market share, secondly diesel shares, both volumes and %'s, while in the macro, making even greater per car AND % profits. Given regulators full court press on mpg to the 2025- 54.5 mpg goals, diesels will probably be in the forefront of that effort.
(2014 banner year sales, 16.5 M @ app 2.5 % (412,500 units), @ diesels units of app 25 %, or 103,125)
Indeed the article posted by Avalon02wh indicates VW's hybrid/EV units seem almost destined to NOT buck the HUGE DOWNWARD hybrid/EV trends in VERY ROBUST markets!
I would guess the regulators dictated to VW that it was mandatory to offer gasser/hybrid/EV even though most to all of VW's model lines already exceed mpg ranges way into the future, even if do not sell wel in US markets and robust market to boot.
TMI ( moderate mpg Prius is mandatory to sell the far less mpg and FAR more numerous and profitable popular Toyota large cars and light trucks)
USLD @ $2.99 is $.02 cents more expensive than RUG !
MG.08, PUG.18 cents MORE expensive than ULSD !!
On the 4 th set of tire rotations, diesel cars, I have anecdotally SEE 5,000 mile tire rotations are the best. Well, more due to the cheap tire depth gauge ! The 2003 Jetta TDI tires are now @ 75,000 miles.
"The number of diesel car, SUV, full-size pickup trucks and vans in operation reached 7.4 million in 2014 – an increase of 360,121 over 2013.
Western states like Wyoming (11.0%), Montana (8.3%) and Idaho (7.1%) have the highest percentage of diesel vehicles. In fact, all of the Top 10 states with the highest percentage of diesel vehicles are west of the Mississippi River."
One of the real beauties of a long range diesel vehicle, is picking and choosing where you buy fuel. We are on the homeward bound leg of a 2500+ mile trip. It only required 4 fuel stops. With the flexibility of long range and Gas Buddy, you can look far ahead and pick and choose stations. For example along the Oregon Coast most are selling diesel at $3 plus. The 76 in Bandon, OR is $2.49. He said they have to refill their tanks twice a week. That means good fresh diesel and a good price. I filled in Roseburg a week ago at the 76 there that has the best price I could find in the state at $2.33 cash. I am at 621 miles on this tank from Bandon, and it looks like best mileage of the trip at just over 31 MPG. Will fill in the morning about 50 miles down the I5 for $2.64. About as cheap as you can find in CA.
I did spot a lot of Sportwagen TDIs in Oregon. It is rare to see a Touareg of any sort.
Steve, a big difference between CA and those other western states is likely the make-up of those percentages. I suspect WY, MT, and ID numbers consist of a far higher percentage of HD pickups than CA.
Not many Touaregs, Gary? Well, it's an awful lot of scratch for one of those... So, that just makes you all the more unique out there on the highway.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
One of the real beauties of a long range diesel vehicle, is picking and choosing where you buy fuel. We are on the homeward bound leg of a 2500+ mile trip. It only required 4 fuel stops. With the flexibility of long range and Gas Buddy, you can look far ahead and pick and choose stations. For example along the Oregon Coast most are selling diesel at $3 plus. The 76 in Bandon, OR is $2.49. He said they have to refill their tanks twice a week. That means good fresh diesel and a good price. I filled in Roseburg a week ago at the 76 there that has the best price I could find in the state at $2.33 cash. I am at 621 miles on this tank from Bandon, and it looks like best mileage of the trip at just over 31 MPG. Will fill in the morning about 50 miles down the I5 for $2.64. About as cheap as you can find in CA.
I did spot a lot of Sportwagen TDIs in Oregon. It is rare to see a Touareg of any sort.
I continue to be very impressed with your mileage. I would be hard-pressed to get that kind of mileage out of my Subaru which has four cylinders and 175 hp. You don't see many touregs. Load them up and they course the same money as an ML X5 Q7 Porsche Cayenne. People spending Over $50,000 on a luxury SUV are many times looking for the badge. Kudos to you for looking past that and funny and a great vehicle that you're so happy with.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
My mileage seemed to go down a bit when I got the Michelin tires. Handling and ride is better. Around town I am in the 24-25 MPG range. The Michelins are an inch taller, so I may have my calculations off. I have noticed when going by the speed indicator at 65 it reads 67 MPH. So I take that into consideration. Probably putting more miles on than the Odo shows.
It was less a money issue and more what I really liked driving. Not to mention the VW sales person was happy going over an hour test drive. The MB and BMW dealers had a short little route that really did not show off the vehicles. VW was more interested in selling me a vehicle. I have no regrets.
"The number of diesel car, SUV, full-size pickup trucks and vans in operation reached 7.4 million in 2014 – an increase of 360,121 over 2013.
Western states like Wyoming (11.0%), Montana (8.3%) and Idaho (7.1%) have the highest percentage of diesel vehicles. In fact, all of the Top 10 states with the highest percentage of diesel vehicles are west of the Mississippi River."
It is really good to see a set of diesel numbers in print, in one place and not so far in arrears. For cutting, pasting and piecing together a host of data from all over, in arrears and projecting, I seemed to have come pretty close in numbers and %'s. The 2014 PVF of 257 M (7.4 M= 2.88%) seems to be odd, being as how the 2012 #'s were 265.6 M.(NHTSA figures)
I'll take a ride and handling over better gas mileage any day.
Yes, tires and/or rim combinations can have direct/indirect effects on a whole list of variables: both diesel and gasser. In the above example, tire (only) choices can have WIDE ranging mpg affects/effects: from barely measurable .25 mpg to 6 mpg. Ride and handling AND SOTP experiences can be all over the map: aka goals and compromises.
Given what I know of Gagrice's VW Touareg TDI tire configuration (19 in and slightly taller and wider tire) and how he seems to drive it, 31 mpg is excellent.
I remember the Taylor's? after setting the (84+) mpg record on the 12 VW Passat, changed (much later) to super low rolling resistant tires and added app 6 mpg better. It was not a CERTIFIED full measured tank, so it was not counted in any official record.
I am not sure if this tidbit of information was passed over?
The Touareg, refreshed for 2015, delivered 535 units: 273 of these were TDI® Clean Diesel models, amounting to 51 percent of sales.
Not a big number, unless you look at the profit factor. Looks to me like the dealers cannot get enough diesels for the demand. Last two times into my dealership. NO T-Reg TDIs in stock.
Slow diesel day news ! I hope Gagrice is having an enjoyable TDI road trip !
2003/2009 VW TDI's trunk struts (@ 187,000/91,000 miles) have lost their "STRUT" ! : The 94 TLC gasser has new "rear window" struts awaiting installation also. i am sure they all (3 pr) should have been changed a good while back, but all have been doing their jobs, albeit with less "strut", hence the delay.
The 94 TLC gasser has new "rear window" struts awaiting installation also. i am sure they all (3 pr) should have been changed a good while back, but all have been doing their jobs, albeit with less "strut", hence the delay.
The gas struts for the rear tail gate in my 2007 Sequoia were lousy from day one. Any time the temp fell below 45 degrees they would not go up all the way. Tried to get Toyota to replace. Naturally by the time I drove to the dealership they were warmed up and worked fine. Just little things like that really annoyed me about Toyota. Hitting my head on the tailgate that did not go all the way up did not endear me to the Sequoia. Power gate on the Touareg works perfect any temperature. German engineering is far more advanced than Japanese.
The 94/96 TLC's (oem) parts bin are real mixed bags. The "rear window " struts SEEM to be in the LCD category. (lowest common denominator ) So given the Toyota's time frames 1994/1996 to 2007, indicates not much was improved, given Toyota's reputation for high quality, reliability and durability. I am seeing the same general trend with the Honda Civic's (oem) parts bin. The consistent news is that one starts to know the drill for replacement parts, such as: brake pads, rotors, tires, alignments and other quirky things.
On the other hand, VW's "consumables" overall SEEM to have higher quality, durability AND reliability.. Given VW's time frames 2003 to 2012, quality has been consistently high, despite VW's vilification on quality, reliability and durability. Go figure.! ?
Longer term, I am particularly impressed with (3- 03, 09, 12) VW's ability to hold oem and adjusted alignment specifications. All 4 seem to hold alignments easily to 100,000 miles+ PLUS. This is pretty interesting considering they are run on some of the worst commutes and roads in the NATION.
On the MB, so far the quality is excellent. It was delivered with no flaws. It remains flawless. I will be able to comment on the reliability and durability better when the GLK 250 BT hits 100,000 to 150,000 miles.
BUT... A Car Dealer’s Scientific Guide to the 10 Worst Used Vehicles
Steven Lang, Yahoo Autos April 17, 2015all gassers
BUT... A Car Dealer’s Scientific Guide to the 10 Worst Used Vehicles
What is more significant than being gassers is the fact that Mazda had 3, Land Rover 2 and our Domestic Luxo barges are not worth buying used. Mini Cooper is what it is. Cute but trouble prone. Though I have a friend that parked hers at 210k miles with a blown engine. Still looks like new. Just not cost effective to replace the engine. Bought a Scion xB to replace it.
Comments
..."http://www.autoblog.com/2015/04/06/march-2015-green-car-sales/ Noticed that VW diesel sales are down – 2015, 13,676 & 2014, 18,692 The numbers suggest that the only time people are buying diesel cars is when fuel prices are high. "...
There you go skewing the data again and hiding. Did you think folks would not read the article to understand how you might reach conclusions, or probably more important to them, how THEY might use the information for better perspective or decision making or in another case confirm their own preferences?
The article talks about dissimilar and 3 segments of hybrids, EV AND diesels. EV and hybrids experienced the greater %'s losses compared to relatively fewer diesel models. It really does not even mention VW's US market "following its own drummer" strategy which is one and a major reason for its well documented less than stellar sales results. I have even posted why ( I think) this is a consumer opportunity for diesels (and also its gassers). You fail to mention most of VW sales ARE GASSERS, some outliers: hybrids and EV's. So those are HUGE and major omissions. When you omit 2/3's MORE..... I think it easier for you to have said/say it's just your bias/es and your nickels. Hey, I am ok with that. So thanks for the " transparency" .
I bought the 2009 VW Jetta TDI, the year yearly total sales fell off (app 40 %). the proverbial CLIFF !! It was so BAD that the IRS even offered a $1,500 tax CREDIT to buy the 2009 VW Jetta TDI. Given the deal, it was cheaper to buy than the 2003 Jetta TDI, (which @ the time was pretty cheap. It also had $236. diesel premium). The IRS tax CREDIT? SWEET !!!!! Incidentally as I recall TDI's were 25/27% of VW's total US market production. There were also some other turn in your gas guzzler for even better more modern gas guzzler programs,
Whatever is going on in that transaxle is not due to neglect of the lubrication. The UOA is not something I would generally do for gear oil (I do regular UOA for engine oil changes), but it will tell me whether the oil itself is healthy. And, if it's not, that's a pretty good indicator that something is going wrong in there to put way too much stress on the lubricant.
So given your experiences, you are probably right to have done a UOA and be concerned and probably should effect repair pretty close to NOW, way BEFORE breakdown. In effect, you are getting a 2nd opinion. I think unfortunately the data will triangulate.
Nothing substitutes for OBJECTIVE numbers. So when I visually compared DSG oil @ 65,000 miles (40,000 miles OEM recommended change interval-) new vs old), there were almost no visible differences. VW DSG also has an DSG oil filter. The guru also said it looked like almost every one of those he had changed @ the 40,000 recommended interval with one proviso, mine looked cleaner. After calibration and rebuttioning up, there were ZERO change to shifting patterns. So the data, sans objective UOA numbers triangulate/d.
Aluminum was 164 ppm (vs. 8 ppm on the "universal averages" list). The case of the transaxle is aluminum, but I don't know what aluminum parts are contained within. The health of the oil (viscosity, contamination, flashpoint, etc) was excellent. I think the next step is a trip to the shop with concerns and UOA in hand.
Edit: I just reviewed the maintenance schedule and at no point in the 150,000 miles listed is replacement of gear oil there. It recommends inspection of the fluid every 30,000, but that's it. So, it seems practical that the fluid manufacturer's minimum interval of 100,000 miles is far, far greater than the length of time I ran either fill of oil on this machine. Perhaps my error is over-maintaining it?
GASSER HPFP issues, not only VW diesels ! Me thinks this might be the tip of the iceberg, involving way more units.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/nissan-bmw-recall-vehicles-fix-134241464.html
Interesting the article Mercedes Benz on the new MB GLE line ( 300-D) SUV .
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/new-mercedes-gle-at-the-ny-auto-show-2015-04-11?siteid=yhoof2
Ford's 11 speed A/T patent?
http://jalopnik.com/ford-just-got-a-patent-for-an-11-speed-transmission-1697042643
Is it really that hard to admit TDI's have a 30%+ plus advantage over gassers? ...EVIDENTLY ?? !!
FOR EXAMPLE: 7 speed A/T is common to both GASSER/DIESEL MB 350 -23.5 mpg /250 BT -34.5 mpg. While an 11 speed in theory SHOULD boost mpg (bragging rights) does Ford really think it changes the diesel advantages or Ford F-150 fans won't notice, care or switch ? NO!/NO!???
(longest time in inventory with 71 days avg) Gassers top the list of
"10 Cars American's Really Don't Want To Buy".
Thomas C. Frohlich, 24/7 Wall St. 1:37 p.m. EDT April 11, 2015 (Non diesel biased) talking head also says hybrid segment in trouble.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2015/04/11/cars-americans-dont-buy/25602781/
You could say I have been there done that. Last time I bought a used car, it was certified, it had issues. My preference is to break in the car myself, get the extra warranty and just have the piece of mind.
ANY car should be able to do 100,000 miles. In your case, 16.67 years is a no brainer.
True, if you are into keeping cars along time. I prefer to getting a new car every few years. Cars keep getting better and better. Just look at the improvements in safety, gadgets, performance and economy.
Now if you HATE DIESELS, add up all the excuses and they absolutely makes no sense at all ! It makes sense to me ! Why go EV @ all? Even used, the acquisition costs are @ least 2x to 3x a gasser? I saw a 40k EV @ Costco that seemed the equivalent of a 13k Civic ! To switch due to lower fuel/electrical prices? It is almost nonsensical, especially in your case.
I really did not say I would be getting an EV anytime soon. Still, the Leaf is competitive price wise with our Crosstrek at about $25k with the Fed rebate. It is not 2x the acquisition cost! What 40K EV did you see? What about the tax credit??? Here is a SV Leaf for sale in Florida.
$35,080 MSRP
$9,085 Discount*
$25,995 INTERNET PRICE
And, as I mentioned the $100/year running cost results in a quick payback. The downside is that it would be strictly a city car and range in the winter would likely be about 50 miles. The dimensions of the Leaf & Crosstrek are interestingly almost exactly the same so size wise it would be a good fit.
We have one gasser going on 21 years old. My short term goal is 30 years old.
Again, I have no interest in keeping a vehicle 20 or 30 years. Ten years is about my max. Life is too short.
I noticed that you did not comment on the drop in diesel sales. A 40% drop in sales from 3/14 to 3/15 is huge. Unless fuel prices rise a bit this summer, diesel sales will remain low. Maybe the new 2016 Passat will help VW.
You put very few miles on more and expensive cars and like the toys. We put more miles on fewer cars. My take are the toys are generally nice, but not worth the costs. It is hard to recapture any of the costs on resale.
..."I noticed that you did not comment on the drop in diesel sales. A 40% drop in sales from 3/14 to 3/15 is huge. Unless fuel prices rise a bit this summer, diesel sales will remain low. Maybe the new 2016 Passat will help VW. "...
The drop in diesels sales actually supports the point I made: that can have positive opportunities for DIESEL consumers ! The article you posted did not support YOUR original premise/s. I have also been saying all along, diesels sales ARE outlier. It sounds like now you agree with me ! Indeed the article is MORE about cheap fuel prices crashing hybrid/EV sales so called "GREEN" alternatives. Other articles indicate real "issues" for hybrid and EV sales. One I have read said deep TROUBLE.
Do you think 2016 Passat (diesel 's I presume?) sales will GROW diesel % sales for VW appreciably, let alone the over all % ? To say you would be wrong would be a gross understatement. VW TOTAL product sales is app 2.5%
How do you think/propose with 5% or lessof the PVF diesel, with less than 2.5% being CARS, stays so low against 95% + gassers/etc (for any number of years)? If sales are 16.5 M this year, VW sales @ app 2.5% market share would be app 412,500 units. IF app 25% are diesels, THEN that equals app 103,125 diesel units. You can do the math against 16.5 M.
Now, if you are projecting Golf SW sales have the POTENTIAL of being 85% TDI's (that has been true of JSW's), that might be a TMI discussion. BUT, I did not get that impression, from you, at all.
http://www.edmunds.com/subaru/xv-crosstrek/2015/suv/st-200721400/review/#leaderboard-reviews-3-anchor
Lackluster acceleration; CVT produces tiresome engine noise; substandard sound systems; hybrid model doesn't justify added cost.
And whether you're driving around town or on the highway, there's no hiding the fact that the CVT's top priority is to minimize fuel consumption. The downside is that acceleration is adequate at best, and you'll need to plan ahead for passing and merging. We've also found that the CVT's hair-trigger responses to gas pedal inputs can increase engine speed unnecessarily and exacerbate noise from under the hood.
Call me "old school" but none of the following individual items would induce me to buy the "NEW" model, let alone pay extra for the items, options/packages.
standard with a rearview camera and a 6.2-inch touchscreen with smartphone-app integration. A 7-inch touchscreen is available, as is Subaru's EyeSight safety package with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and a forward collision mitigation system with automatic braking. Keyless entry and ignition is newly available on the Limited trim.
Funny, the 15 GOLF Sport Wagon TDI's MSRP's are CHEAPER ? !
Interesting story on family infighting and efforts to oust VW's CEO (shades of Ford?) in the WSJ this morning. Registration link unfortunately.
The CEO's bet in Chattanooga to revive VW's US market hasn't paid off. Yet anyway.
Also, VW has gone, are going from the 7 year product life cycles, to the 5 year life cycles, in addition to the MLQ platform implementation. The MLQ platform now includes 6 Golf's: 1. Gassers 2.TDI 3. Hybrid 4. EV. 5. Sport Wagen 6. Type R
This will make Prius line (etc) SO obsolete!! ?? Corolla line also.
So... ALL metrics are or seem to be moving targets.
Also, the mentioned balance sheets of VW, Toyota, GM might be (TMI) indicators of the more MACRO factors. VW's 2.5 % market share in US markets are VERY interesting positions. But hey, they make GREAT money per car! One IMPORTANT goal will almost have to be making even MORE money and % per car. Otherwise, why invest the $$'s monies in the first place? But even if VW targets and is able to get 5 % US market share, that would be 100% GROWTH for "juggernaut" status !! This would be app 800,000 to 850,000 units (from app 400,000+ units). It would of course come at the expense of Toyota, GM and many others.
That sounds like a decimal point error, but I don't trust my math to check. Even a nickel a mile sounds high though.
2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Long-Term Road Test
More seriously, that RAM 3.0 L TDI sounds way more consumptive of DEF than the 3.0 L, 12 VW Touareg TDI.
(12 VW Touareg TDI) Pretty consistently, the DEF lamp comes on @ app 13,500 miles and takes app 4.5 gals to fill. (for $21.55) (2 ea- 2.5 gal (320 oz per) DEF containers, using his price of $11.97 ea. )
This basic data can get whatever expression one wants.
Here are two expressions: (easy to check/verify)
1. $ .0015962 cost per mile driven
2. .0427 oz per mile
For recreation (that's re-creation, not recreation) purposes, these were my choices:
Crew Cab
Diesel
4x4
6.4 Bed
Heated Seats
No Nav
Digital Audio
17" Wheels
(I think this is the point where you chose the available model, and either choice nets 404 error)
Well, IF you are not towing, racing from stop light to stop light, mind the lower mpg or have a special want/need in mind, get the higher gear ratio rear axle.
(12 VW Touareg TDI posts 2,998 miles per gal, MB GLK 250 B/T posts 6,050 miles per gal)
So for example, the article implies the DEF tank's capacity is 7.5 gals. It is unclear to me why jamming in 7.5 gals was important. To try to trigger a NO start?? To me: fill it @ low DEF lamp light, measure the DEF left in a pyrex measuring cup or WING it, do the fractional math, post and move on.
One model does not reflect the entire genre. Hybrids are not selling well at all with the gas glut. And an EV in CA is a joke with our electricity at 39 cents per KWH and rising. My last month was $105 and I was into the the top tier.
U.S. Clean Diesel Car Sales Increase 25% in 2014; Overall U.S. Car Market is Up 4%
Washington, D.C. – U.S. clean diesel car sales have increased 25 percent during the first six months of 2014 while the overall U.S. car market has increased by 4.2 percent, according to data compiled by Hybrid Cars.com and Baum and Associates.
The 2014 clean diesel sales total includes six months of consecutive sales increases, including double digit increases in March (+ 39.5%), April (+ 60.4%) and May (+26.8%). June 2014 was the 43rd monthly increase in clean diesel sales in the past 47 months, with 31 of those months registering double-digit increases.
http://www.dieselforum.org/news/u-s-clean-diesel-car-sales-increase-25-in-2014-overall-u-s-car-market-is-up-4-
Something I have tried telling my poor friends. And it is not good except the year you buy. It is a tax break for the upper middle class. I believe in CA you still pay sales tax on the sell price. The tax credit comes with your tax filing.
That is my impression of all CVTs. No possible way I would own one. I really liked the Subaru until I drove one and had my ear drums blown out by the screaming engine on a long up hill run. Give me an 6-8 speed REAL auto transmission. Love those smooth shifts and optimum use of power.
Leave it to Chrysler/FIAT/GM to screw up the diesel image. 914 miles on a gallon of AdBlue is just crazy. No wonder Jeep does not cover all service the first 48,000 miles like my Touareg TDI. I would be real surprised if I am using a gallon every 3500 miles. My first 10k mile service and the 1500 mile warning had not come on. That means I can expect at least 2500 miles per gallon. Even the half cent per mile of the Ram is hardly a deal killer. Just poor emissions engineering by Fiat/Chrysler on that engine.
..."Today, the clean diesel choices include 27 cars and SUVs, nine vans and 10 pickup trucks. We expect that number to nearly double in the next 18 months, and we expect that more models in more brands will only generate higher sales in the future. ...
...“While diesel cars and pickup trucks make up only three percent of the overall U.S. vehicle market, most analysts predict continued growth in the U.S., with many believing the diesel market will double by 2018.”....
There is no doubt in my mind oems will have no real issues selling their TDI inventories.
So just in terms of DIESEL %'s, most oems will have a VERY difficult time exceeding VW's over all DIESEL (25%) %'s, let alone some models' diesel %'s of 85% i.e., JSW. So for one counterpoint, who knows or cares about the diesel Chevrolet Cruze diesel % ? Who knows also that Chevolet's diesel car is far better made than its gasser, yet it still takes lumps for "diesel" costing more.
Congruent with Gagrice's postings AND VW's low market share @ 2.5%, it is really all about VW increasing its US market share, secondly diesel shares, both volumes and %'s, while in the macro, making even greater per car AND % profits. Given regulators full court press on mpg to the 2025- 54.5 mpg goals, diesels will probably be in the forefront of that effort.
(2014 banner year sales, 16.5 M @ app 2.5 % (412,500 units), @ diesels units of app 25 %, or 103,125)
Indeed the article posted by Avalon02wh indicates VW's hybrid/EV units seem almost destined to NOT buck the HUGE DOWNWARD hybrid/EV trends in VERY ROBUST markets!
I would guess the regulators dictated to VW that it was mandatory to offer gasser/hybrid/EV even though most to all of VW's model lines already exceed mpg ranges way into the future, even if do not sell wel in US markets and robust market to boot.
TMI ( moderate mpg Prius is mandatory to sell the far less mpg and FAR more numerous and profitable popular Toyota large cars and light trucks)
USLD @ $2.99 is $.02 cents more expensive than RUG !
MG.08, PUG.18 cents MORE expensive than ULSD !!
On the 4 th set of tire rotations, diesel cars, I have anecdotally SEE 5,000 mile tire rotations are the best. Well, more due to the cheap tire depth gauge ! The 2003 Jetta TDI tires are now @ 75,000 miles.
"The number of diesel car, SUV, full-size pickup trucks and vans in operation reached 7.4 million in 2014 – an increase of 360,121 over 2013.
Western states like Wyoming (11.0%), Montana (8.3%) and Idaho (7.1%) have the highest percentage of diesel vehicles. In fact, all of the Top 10 states with the highest percentage of diesel vehicles are west of the Mississippi River."
I did spot a lot of Sportwagen TDIs in Oregon. It is rare to see a Touareg of any sort.
Not many Touaregs, Gary? Well, it's an awful lot of scratch for one of those... So, that just makes you all the more unique out there on the highway.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
It was less a money issue and more what I really liked driving. Not to mention the VW sales person was happy going over an hour test drive. The MB and BMW dealers had a short little route that really did not show off the vehicles. VW was more interested in selling me a vehicle. I have no regrets.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Given what I know of Gagrice's VW Touareg TDI tire configuration (19 in and slightly taller and wider tire) and how he seems to drive it, 31 mpg is excellent.
I remember the Taylor's? after setting the (84+) mpg record on the 12 VW Passat, changed (much later) to super low rolling resistant tires and added app 6 mpg better. It was not a CERTIFIED full measured tank, so it was not counted in any official record.
The Touareg, refreshed for 2015, delivered 535 units: 273 of these were TDI® Clean Diesel models, amounting to 51 percent of sales.
Not a big number, unless you look at the profit factor. Looks to me like the dealers cannot get enough diesels for the demand. Last two times into my dealership. NO T-Reg TDIs in stock.
2003/2009 VW TDI's trunk struts (@ 187,000/91,000 miles) have lost their "STRUT" ! : The 94 TLC gasser has new "rear window" struts awaiting installation also. i am sure they all (3 pr) should have been changed a good while back, but all have been doing their jobs, albeit with less "strut", hence the delay.
The gas struts for the rear tail gate in my 2007 Sequoia were lousy from day one. Any time the temp fell below 45 degrees they would not go up all the way. Tried to get Toyota to replace. Naturally by the time I drove to the dealership they were warmed up and worked fine. Just little things like that really annoyed me about Toyota. Hitting my head on the tailgate that did not go all the way up did not endear me to the Sequoia. Power gate on the Touareg works perfect any temperature. German engineering is far more advanced than Japanese.
On the other hand, VW's "consumables" overall SEEM to have higher quality, durability AND reliability.. Given VW's time frames 2003 to 2012, quality has been consistently high, despite VW's vilification on quality, reliability and durability. Go figure.! ?
Longer term, I am particularly impressed with (3- 03, 09, 12) VW's ability to hold oem and adjusted alignment specifications. All 4 seem to hold alignments easily to 100,000 miles+ PLUS. This is pretty interesting considering they are run on some of the worst commutes and roads in the NATION.
On the MB, so far the quality is excellent. It was delivered with no flaws. It remains flawless. I will be able to comment on the reliability and durability better when the GLK 250 BT hits 100,000 to 150,000 miles.
BUT... A Car Dealer’s Scientific Guide to the 10 Worst Used Vehicles
Steven Lang, Yahoo Autos
April 17, 2015all gassers
https://www.yahoo.com/autos/a-car-dealers-scientific-guide-to-the-10-worst-116647051962.html
All GASSERS ! 5 Japanese, 2 American, 2 English, 1 German.
What is more significant than being gassers is the fact that Mazda had 3, Land Rover 2 and our Domestic Luxo barges are not worth buying used. Mini Cooper is what it is. Cute but trouble prone. Though I have a friend that parked hers at 210k miles with a blown engine. Still looks like new. Just not cost effective to replace the engine. Bought a Scion xB to replace it.