Safe to buy 2013 Routan.
tmanson
Member Posts: 3
Looking closely at a 2013 VW Routan but a little afraid of buying a car that is no longer in production. What are some of the factors I need to keep in mind here? Of course the folks at the VW say it's no problem at all.
Thanks for the advice.
Tom
0
Comments
A VW salesperson told me a couple of weeks ago that the Routan is still being made for fleets. But even if true, it's gotta be winding down fast.
Personally, I'd just get a Caravan or Town and Country. There's tons of them out there, but maybe not many leftover "new" 2013 ones.
The salesman told me this was a fleet vehicle and that 2013 was the last it will be made as even a fleet. The van had 5500 miles but comes with an extra 2yr/24000mi warranty. It's an SE with navigation and rear DVD. Asking $25900, which is about the same as a new 2014 Town and Country after all the Chrysler rebates. With the small differences between them I'd have to say the VW does seem a little nicer.
We haul stuff more than people so the Stow'n Go seats are real appealing. I understand that you can modify the Routan for the Stow'n Go for the middle row. The back seat does stow.
Haven't looked at a Routan, but few companies do interiors better than VW. The reviews say the Routan isn't quite up to VW's usual standards though.
With the lack of a price difference, I'd still go with a new T&C. But you're the one who has to drive it.
Resolution of the story. Turns out the new TnC was not similar in price to the lightly used 2013 Routan. The Chrysler/Dodge dealer advertised prices that aren't real. The salesman who was very nice said he felt terrible but the dealership owner does that to get people in the door. Well, it worked! I went in the door. But I walked right out angrily. In the end, I liked the TnC enough--especially the Stow n Go--that I found a 2 year old used one at a good price. The Routan was nice, but I was just too nervous about buying a less common brand that was out of production.
Just took the first road trip in the TnC this weekend. Very nice!
Sounds good, congrats. We're pretty close to buying a Grand Caravan I think.
Please take a few minutes and write a review about your Dealer Experience and the bait and switch.