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And that rush I hear is the fury of V-dub lovers trying to defend their bugs.
That CTS interior is awesome. It puts some Benzes to shame.
No vehicle is totally best, but there are some models are best in certain categories- for instance, Acadia best interior space in class. CX-9-.
Sorry, but you obviously haven't sat in a VW lately. The Touareg's interior is as nice as anything out there in its class as well as cars costing $20K more. That's not just my opinion, but the automotive press unanimously agrees as well. Real wood inserts, brushed aluminum, comfortable yet firm leather seating surfaces which are nicer than my wife's Enclaves seats, and all around quality materials on the dash as opposed to cheap and cheesy plastic found in most cars in its class.
As for "bugs", my 05 Treg has been as reliable (if not more) as the Toyota we traded for the Enclave, and more reliable than previous Grand Cherokees and Explorers. The question you ought to be asking yourself is, why does GM offer a 100k warranty? Because they have to!
I herad what you said, bud. What I'm saying is I don't want all those controls cluttering up my unit. All I want is the most necesary. Give me the toys on the remote. Honda doesn't win? Well that other stuff was oppinion, but heres the kicker. The Pilot has a standard 9 in. screen. I seriously doubt the Ford offers that size. Maybe they give you 8 in. All that and it doesn't block the rearveiw. It's on Aol autos if you don't believe me.
That is correct. However, comparing apples to apples you get more in a similarly priced Taurus X than you would in a Pilot. We cross-shopped the Pilot and Explorer but I wouldn't put the two in the same class necessarily.
Not true. When comparing the 3, the Pilot EX-L vs the TX limited when comparably eqquiped were 34280 vs 33945, and the TX didn't offer one option. The Explorer would have been 36850. So Honda wins that one.
The same goes for any other brand too.
Very true- which means the Pilot would be comparably priced to other vehicles, and you wouldn't have to spend 2500 more and get features you don't want. And I have friends that had a DVD player installed in their Odyssey at the dealer, so it can be done.
Sync isn't just for navigation? Wow- that makes it sound so much more sensible to me. i dodn't understand why they would offer a 2000 option on a 14000 Focus (yes they do it on the Civic, but this is Ford, not Honda).
1st - we don't want to hear about yours or anyones "unit", this is a family site...
&
2nd - haven't you heard size doesn't matter...
LOL and yes I know it was a juvineile answer but it was too much to pass up...
Glad he did, because I disagree completely. I don't hink there is anything hugely special about Volkswagen interiors- not even in that 75000 Phaeton.
Whoa now- I was just taliking about automotive electronics. Gosh!
Besides- smaller is definittely better- at least for a DVD player.
That is correct but you pay $400 for that one extra inch and you still lose functionality.
Not true. When comparing the 3, the Pilot EX-L vs the TX limited when comparably eqquiped were 34280 vs 33945, and the TX didn't offer one option. The Explorer would have been 36850. So Honda wins that one.
I don't think you are studying the lists of standard features well enough. A 4WD Pilot EX-L with DVD starts at $35,045. An AWD TX Limited starts at $32,935. Add a moonroof, DVD, and aux climate control and it is now $35,540, right in line with the Pilot. With those 3 options the TX has everything the Pilot has. However, the TX also has backup sensors, Sync, fog lamps, power passenger seat, adjustable pedals, and a few others the Pilot does not have.
The question you should be asking yourself is "why is VW in trouble right now?" Because they think they can charge 40k for a mainstream CUV (well, that's part of it). The Toyota Priues sells better than the entire brand. And you are a lucky owner because I hear horror stories about VW reliablitiy.
Truthfully, I like the Toureg. And while the starting price is ridicoulous, you can get an '05 for 20 grand! That's deprication that speaks for itself!
No you don't- and you gain 6 cuft of cargo space and passenger volume with the Pilot.
I compared 2wd models.
Add a moonroof, DVD, and aux climate control and it is now $35,540, right in line with the Pilot. With those 3 options the TX has everything the Pilot has. However, the TX also has backup sensors, Sync, fog lamps, power passenger seat, adjustable pedals, and a few others the Pilot does not have.
The Pilot EX w/ DVD is loaded and so you do get dual power seats. You also save 500 bucks, with which you can order a $300 back up sensor, and some fog lamps. You get some standard features on the Pilot that the TX doesn't even offer, and you don't have to go around searching for a TX with all those options, because they are standard on every EX w/DVD. Plus, there are some buyers won't don't want SYNC, which you have to pay extra for, don't you?
To tell the truth, if given the choice between the two, I'd pick the more spacious, powerful TX (because I wouldn't even consider buying the DVD system option), but thank God I'm not faced with that terrible decision. That's what it means to be stuck between a rock and a hard place!
I have to disagree about Phaeton. Have you ever seat there? If seat there on second row you will have tons of space for your legs. It's a like in Jaguar XJ.
Another option is not necessary need - NAV System. If you have verizon cell, they provide portable NAV system for 10 bucks a month with all option you can imagine. I have use couple times, it's very good, plus you can take with you at any city in US. It will tell you a restaurant, shopping, Starbucks and more and more.
One option/s in the car I ought to have, there a climate control, power seats, and auto regulator wiper blades.
True- it's hugely special in that it's- well- huge. Limo like rear seating. But the interior appearance is not anything big. I'd rather pay the same price and get an A8. But let's get back on topic.
What? There is nothing wrong with the occassional educational video on a long road trip. And the Simpsons movie can't hurt too much either. ( :P )
It's a cheaper to buy a head rest DVD( portable, hang over head rest).
But these DVD players can break, whereas one that came from the factory (with a vehicle that may have been purchased for a very good deal) can be repaired thorughout the vehicle's life.
If you have verizon cell, they provide portable NAV system for 10 bucks a month with all option you can imagine.
While I don't think nav screens are necessary either, if your argument is sensibilty, then it is definitely no a good idea to include the use of cell phones while driving.
I'd say we disagree on our vehicles' options, and how we use them.
If you're comparing the TaurusX & Pilot...You have greater cargo area behind the 3rd row of the TaurusX and much better legroom in rows 2 & 3.
I like how looks Pathfinder, but seating position to close to roof. I like second row seat, it disassembled as 33/33/33
How many long trip per month are you doing? Long trip it above 100 miles.
Simpsons is adult humor.
"But these DVD players can break,..................."
Buy extended warranty from Best buy or Circuit City, it will cost you about 20 bucks.
"While I don't think nav screens are necessary either, if your argument is sensibility, then it is definitely no a good idea to include the use of cell phones while driving."
Wallmart, Target and other retails are selling different kinds of cell phone holders for cars. Plus speaker phone announced a very loud and clear directions, if you missed your turn it will re-calculated direction automatically.
I'm not trying to argue about options and how to use one, I'm giving advice how to save a couple bucks, because resale price will not appreciate what you did paid for it.
In new world of Hi-tech we can replace some car options by alternative. Plus by these actions we can push automakers to make these options standard. Like it happened with airbags, power widow, alarm, air conditioner and many other.
and the factory setups have never had a problem...I think you missed the boat on this one. factory nav and dvd setups are just HUGE profit centers for the manufacturer's. what happens when factory nav breaks after the warranty runs it's course and its a $1-2k fix as opposed to the $150 fix of just buying another standalone system. adding $2-3k to the price of a car that you are financing when you can get both stand alones now for less than $400. do the math, do anything else with that money and you are coming out way ahead.
I really find them nothing more than a gee whiz toy that adds nothing to driving that a map and sense of direction can't solve. and yes I have been around them in rentals and such.
now you missed the boat as well, dvd & nav are a very long way if they ever are going to be standard as they make way too much money on them as options... they'd be fools to build that cost into a car's base price.
you make a very good point about resale though and only getting a incremental portion of the huge outlay back. I'd stay away from cars that have these in a used market as I would not want a dead screen when they break and I don't want to pony up the cash to fix it. and they will break...
And luxury toy for adults. Most 99% people driving to work every day using same road. So r u going to lost while you're driving to work? That's why I suggest to buy portable device or use Verizon nav. system.
These electronic stores can often times be a hassle. It's much easier getting these features from youre dealer. I did state in the post you replied to that I am not interested in in car dvd players, but some like to have these features, and you shouldn't force your oppinions (yes- oppinions) on them just because you can't afford these features. Also, having aftermarket features installed kills resale value. Now let's get back on topic.
Some don't like the hassle of messing around with electronic stores, if the vehicle with the price they want comes with these options, than it's so much easier. I feel that spending extra money on car dvd players is a waste, but if I ever do want one then the best way I feel to do it is getting one that came with the car. That way, I don't have to mess with wires or installments.
Anyway, this is getting off topic.
pot calling kettle black today or just finishing the year on a condescending note...
a pretty ballsy move assuming what others may/may not be able to afford. you might want to reign that in as vad may make more than all of us combined and just lets logic take over as opposed to dollars ruling on this one... I imagine most of us around here paying for internet service monthly to share our OPINIONS and owning $20-$40 CUV's can afford any of the options being debated.
As for aftermarket installation I hardly think a suction cup held GPS and a headrest strapped dvd monitor that both can be removed with NO damage is going to kill resale value in ANY REGARD...
Do you really need that high a horse to carry all of those opinions around on to force on others now???
then why post it if you "don't want to be quoted?
"but I just read that the VW Tiguan starts under 23g"
calling your own reading skills into question by not wanting to be quoted now?
"I wouldn't get near this, but I'm sure some teenage girl would love it."
taken up market analysis in your free time... IMO since we're just inferring opinions as opposed to forcing them on people or basing anything in fact, I haven't seen to many teenage girls driving these small CUV/SUV's.
I was talking about the extra 1 inch of DVD screen real estate not interior space. You do pay $400 more for that in the Pilot. Correction. It's actually $300.
The Pilot EX w/ DVD is loaded and so you do get dual power seats.
Nope. Only the driver seat gets power adjustment. See here.
You also save 500 bucks, with which you can order a $300 back up sensor, and some fog lamps.
Fog lights are $395 not including installation. Backup sensors are $682 before installation charges. Sure you can negotiate the price of both but I seriously doubt you could get both for under $500 installed. At least not in my experience with Honda dealers.
You get some standard features on the Pilot that the TX doesn't even offer, and you don't have to go around searching for a TX with all those options, because they are standard on every EX w/DVD.
Hmm, I found two. Side marker lights and a 115 V power outlet which only comes with the DVD trim. Other than those two the TX blows the Pilot away with its features at the same price point. See the Pilot specs here and the TX specs here.
Plus, there are some buyers won't don't want SYNC, which you have to pay extra for, don't you?
SYNC is standard on the TX Limited trim but it is a $395 option on the lower trims.
To tell the truth, if given the choice between the two, I'd pick the more spacious, powerful TX
Me too but my wife, who drives the family hauler, would not. That's why I know waaaaaay too much about both of them!
Buy extended warranty from Best buy or Circuit City, it will cost you about 20 bucks.
When your kid puts his/her foot through the sceen you lose that $20 too and have to buy a new one. The roof mounted units are pretty immune to physical damage. If they are phsically damaged by your kids then you have bigger things to worry about than them watching too much TV. :surprise:
I was just saying that you get more than an inch on the screen for 300 bucks. But for 300, it really doesn't matter. For 300, if the two are that closely matched, it should be about which one you like more based on looks, or who will offer you a better deal (Ford hands down).
I did know foglights were more than 200, but I thought after looking at the accord site that backup cameras were only like 400. I'm dissapointed that Honda doens't give you dual power seats on their top of the line model. But that 115V power outlet is a nice standard feature.
But they'll give your kids stiff necks!
For future reference, try giving these things a little thought from a different perspective and you will see that just maybe you have oversimplified things.
Second, if you ever use one you should know you're listening voice, not looking at the screen. Yet, portable units have real traffic update and re-route your way, but you have to pay extra.
Third:
So, verizon is good alternative for nav system, you can call at same time and it's mobile.( even if got in dead zone and come back,it still show your route.) But if you spend a couple more bucks for your phone you can get a PDA or Blackberry. These have bigger screen plus real google live traffic update.
So, conclusion built -in unit is not really practical compare with portable and Verizon service, and I'm still think it's expensive toy for adults.
Just try one time your verizon service, as nav system.
This forum wouldn't be the same without you analysing every bit of everyone's statements. Happy New Year.
taken up market analysis in your free time... IMO since we're just inferring opinions as opposed to forcing them on people or basing anything in fact, I haven't seen to many teenage girls driving these small CUV/SUV's
In the county I live in,16 year old girls that drive around like Paris Hilton in Benzes makes the ones riding arounf in their 25g compact SUVs look conservative. So I culd see a big market for the Tigaun with younger females (Jeep's target for the Compass).
Well they say "if ya got it, then use it." Yes- that was one of the bold unforgiving statements I shoot out every once in a while. It's not good to sink to the levels of others, but that was a statement Vad would make- in fact one he did make at one time.
As for aftermarket installation I hardly think a suction cup held GPS and a headrest strapped dvd monitor that both can be removed with NO damage is going to kill resale value in ANY REGARD...
I mean the ones you go to Best buy to get intalled. But suction cups can lose their suction, and those dvd straps are annoying to rest my head on. Also wires get tangled, and the whole situation can become a big mess.
Do you really need that high a horse to carry all of those opinions around on to force on others now???
The bigger the better (sorry- couldn't resist).
Low cost of the housing, so saving money on house you can spend on useless option (couldn't resist). Automakers make a lot money on this options. It's like pizza with extra topping, same taste, but high price.
I see. However I already proved to you visually and verbally that the Ford system offers more than the Honda system yet costs more. The extra inch of screen is nice but I don't see how they get off charging more for it. Ford increased its screen sizes from 7" to 8" last year without increasing the price so it can't cost Honda that much to put those in there.
I did know foglights were more than 200, but I thought after looking at the accord site that backup cameras were only like 400.
Fog lights are a lot more than $200 on a Pilot after installation. It's crazy what they charge for those! The camera is $464 before installation for the Accord but neither the TX nor the Pilot have a backup camera as an option or a listed dealer accessory. Remember that the nav system is required in the Accord to get the backup camera so it really ends up costing you roughly $2,600 plus installation. That ain't chump change!
I'm dissapointed that Honda doens't give you dual power seats on their top of the line model. But that 115V power outlet is a nice standard feature.
I agree on both points. The power passenger seat isn't standard on the TX Limited either but you can get it in a package and still undercut the Pilot's price while getting more.
If the pizza really tasted the same, customers wouldn't pay more than $5 for a cheese pizza. Toppings do change the characteristics, just as options on a car do.
I believe I proved to you the negative of this, as Honda gives you a larger screen (without increasing the price from its smaller predecessor) and you haven't given me any example of a feature on the Ford's that isn't on the Honda's.
Remember that the nav system is required in the Accord to get the backup camera so it really ends up costing you roughly $2,600 plus installation. That ain't chump change!
Not true- you can a the beeping system. That's whats 400 bucks.
The power passenger seat isn't standard on the TX Limited either but you can get it in a package and still undercut the Pilot's price while getting more.
What? That's dissapointing. Power passenger seats should be standard in all topline models of these cuvs.
Heh- more guessing I see. You don't know that I live in the mid west. Why don't you 1) get some facts and 2) stay on topic.
It's for a little personal project of mine. :shades: Thanks.
1)Honda CR-V
2)Toyota Rav-4
3)Ford Escape
4)GMC Acadia
5)Honda Pilot
(I know there is one or two between Escape and Acadia- just coudn't think of them)
1. Acadia/Outlook
2. Pilot
3. Highlander
4. CX-9
6. Veracruz
7. MDX
8. Tribeca
9. Outlander
10. Ford TX (I'm not sure if it real CUV, I think it's more oversize wagon).
Small CUV:
1. CRV
2. RAV
3. Santa Fe/Tucson (Escape-but it's more small SUV)
4. Edge
5. Murano
6. Equinox
7. Vue
8. RDX
9. RX
10. Sorento/Sportage
2.) Escape/Tribute (Popular, but not too carlike)
3.) RAV4
4.) Highlander (These are EVERYWHERE - and seem like little more than tall Camry sedans)
5.) Equinox (Fairly common in Birmingham, AL, but pretty crude and barely carlike)
I always felt that a crossover was a cross between a car and an SUV. Vehicles like the Pilot and Enclave are basically less-space-efficient minivans in my eyes. Others may disagree, and that's fine.