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CD_Editor
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« on: May 12, 2009, 11:14:14 am » |
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 Test Drive:   The top-of-the-line VW Routan Execline "is wallowing in kit" and VW fans "will feel at home in this cabin," says reviewer Peter Bleakney. The VW's driving dynamics are better than the Chrysler Town & Country it's based on, he says. More: View the photos | All the Test Drives
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ktm525
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« Reply #1 on: May 12, 2009, 12:12:58 pm » |
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"Wallowing in kit?" Last time I looked, the name of the website was Canadian driver. Lipstick on a pig. At least with the Dodge it isn't pretending to be something it is not. VW depending on Chrysler corp for a vehicle.  Build the Microbus. |
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Zombie
Auto Obsessed
 OfflineVehicle: 08 WRX - 5 Door
Gender: 
Location: ottawa, on
Posts: 931
Brainszzzzzzzzzzzzzz
 
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« Reply #2 on: May 12, 2009, 12:43:24 pm » |
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What exactly makes this VW again?? Oh that's right because it sucks just like the rest of there lineup.  |
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In a world where the dead are returning to life, the word "trouble" loses much of its meaning.  |
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Rupert
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« Reply #3 on: May 12, 2009, 02:00:06 pm » |
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It's obvious that neither of the above respondents own a caravan. I have the latest and am very happy with it. It has a great quiet ride and handles nicely. I want the stow and go, it being more convenient than lifting seats in and out. I am prepared to live with slightly less comfort in the second row seats. I can't see anything that is better with the VW version and prefer the rear door treatment on the Dodge. The tow package on the 3.8 L SXT is outstanding and with Nivomat load levelling spring/shocks gives a great ride loaded or not. I don't think that any of the other vans even offer this kind of package and note that it is included on the VW. I am very pleased with the 6 speed transmision but although the shift lever is well placed and works well it does not feel like a quality device, maybe the VW is better. Better joints and stearing...are these so expensive that we all can not have them. That being said I did not notice any problem with the Dodge ones. |
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ktm525
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« Reply #4 on: May 12, 2009, 02:13:17 pm » |
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It's obvious that neither of the above respondents own a caravan. I have the latest and am very happy with it. It has a great quiet ride and handles nicely. I want the stow and go, it being more convenient than lifting seats in and out. I am prepared to live with slightly less comfort in the second row seats. I can't see anything that is better with the VW version and prefer the rear door treatment on the Dodge. The tow package on the 3.8 L SXT is outstanding and with Nivomat load levelling spring/shocks gives a great ride loaded or not. I don't think that any of the other vans even offer this kind of package and note that it is included on the VW. I am very pleased with the 6 speed transmision but although the shift lever is well placed and works well it does not feel like a quality device, maybe the VW is better. Better joints and stearing...are these so expensive that we all can not have them. That being said I did not notice any problem with the Dodge ones.
Perhaps I wasn't clear. The Dodge version is a capable vehicle. While I don't own one I have rented one a couple of times and have loaded family and all their crap into it. The rental had the small engine so I will reservre judgement on that. The ride/handling/braking were solid, even when max. loaded. What I can't understand is why people would pay a premium to have a VW badge on the front. Makes no sense. If you want this particular vehicle you should go Dodge all the way. |
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rrocket
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« Reply #5 on: May 12, 2009, 02:29:20 pm » |
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Routan is being discontinued anyways...at least in the Windsor plant.... |
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How fast is my Supra? I sh*t on Cessnas from a roll....
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footlong58
Auto Obsessed
OfflineVehicle: 2010 Nissan Sentra SE-R
Gender:
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 900
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« Reply #7 on: May 12, 2009, 05:21:47 pm » |
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$50,000 for a minivan...
Outrageous...
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ktm525
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« Reply #8 on: May 12, 2009, 05:31:40 pm » |
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$50,000 for a minivan...
Outrageous...
WTH? |
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Zombie
Auto Obsessed
OfflineVehicle: 08 WRX - 5 Door
Gender:
Location: ottawa, on
Posts: 931
Brainszzzzzzzzzzzzzz
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« Reply #9 on: May 12, 2009, 05:51:36 pm » |
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It's obvious that neither of the above respondents own a caravan. I have the latest and am very happy with it. It has a great quiet ride and handles nicely. I want the stow and go, it being more convenient than lifting seats in and out. I am prepared to live with slightly less comfort in the second row seats. I can't see anything that is better with the VW version and prefer the rear door treatment on the Dodge. The tow package on the 3.8 L SXT is outstanding and with Nivomat load levelling spring/shocks gives a great ride loaded or not. I don't think that any of the other vans even offer this kind of package and note that it is included on the VW. I am very pleased with the 6 speed transmision but although the shift lever is well placed and works well it does not feel like a quality device, maybe the VW is better. Better joints and stearing...are these so expensive that we all can not have them. That being said I did not notice any problem with the Dodge ones.
My disgust is with VW attempt at making this a premium mini van. And that is a FAIL. Why pay more for whatever extras they are offering? They didn't manage to make the car any better so why charge more. I like mini vans, I find them to be useful and comfortable. |
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In a world where the dead are returning to life, the word "trouble" loses much of its meaning.
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footlong58
Auto Obsessed
OfflineVehicle: 2010 Nissan Sentra SE-R
Gender:
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 900
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« Reply #10 on: May 12, 2009, 06:47:33 pm » |
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$50,000 for a minivan...
Outrageous...
WTH? |
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dr_spock
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« Reply #11 on: May 12, 2009, 07:29:06 pm » |
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It's probably too upscale to sell well in this environment. Some people are buying them nonetheless.  |
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dorin
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« Reply #12 on: May 12, 2009, 08:48:52 pm » |
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It's probably too upscale to sell well in this environment. Some people are buying them nonetheless. Holy crap! They sold almost 5000 Routans in the first 4 months of the year? More Routans than Tiguans and almost as many Routans as the Tiguan and Touareg put together? WTF?  |
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sdfh
Guest
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« Reply #13 on: June 03, 2009, 09:39:40 pm » |
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The Routan is the same price as the Caravan when compared in "apples to apples" trim levels.
The Routan has 1) thicker anti roll bars, 2) stiffer springs, 3) tighter steering ratio, and 4) some better interior materials ESPECIALLY the leather.
None of the above would be known unless you go see it and drive it in person, instead of seeing and driving it though the magic of the web.
Plus, maintanance is included for 3 years.
With that said said, it still does not have the heart and soul of a real VW.
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vdk
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« Reply #14 on: June 04, 2009, 12:41:53 am » |
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And for what is worth maintenance in Canada is not included on VWs. |
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Shnak
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« Reply #15 on: June 04, 2009, 02:32:26 pm » |
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The Routan is the same price as the Caravan when compared in "apples to apples" trim levels.
The Routan has 1) thicker anti roll bars, 2) stiffer springs, 3) tighter steering ratio, and 4) some better interior materials ESPECIALLY the leather.
None of the above would be known unless you go see it and drive it in person, instead of seeing and driving it though the magic of the web.
Plus, maintanance is included for 3 years.
With that said said, it still does not have the heart and soul of a real VW.
That's exactly it... the Chrysler Grand Caravan with the 4.0L engine costs pretty much the same as the base Routan... And the Routan offers a different outside styling, much better interior and the other mechanical bits you mentionned. Of course the Routan comes out thousands more expensive when you compare the base 3.3L Grand Caravan to the Routan... they don't have anywhere near the same level of equipment or powertrain. Like you said, it's still no VW, but that isn't the reason to buy a Routan... the reason to buy a Routan is it's great value for the money compared to the Grand Caravan 4.0L. |
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ktm525
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« Reply #16 on: June 04, 2009, 03:01:08 pm » |
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You must be kidding. The incentives on the Grand Caravan/Caravan are so good that the VW isn't even on the radar in terms of value.
April Sales:
Grand Caravan/Caravan 4266
VW Routan 89
The market has spoken and it doesn't seem to find "value" in the Routan. |
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Mitlov
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« Reply #17 on: June 04, 2009, 10:32:55 pm » |
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDZSxFLcMVgEvery time Brooke Shields calls this "German engineering," God kills a kitten. Please, Brooke, think of the kittens. |
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"Geography has made us neighbors. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners. And necessity has made us allies. Those whom nature hath so joined together, let no man put asunder. What unites us is far greater than what divides us." -- John F. Kennedy, addressing Canadian Parliament.
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vdk
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« Reply #18 on: June 04, 2009, 11:41:35 pm » |
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LOL. Dodge/Chrysler used to be under Daimler though. German engineering?  Ultimately, the Routan has been a total failure for VWs. They sold 15 in Toronto, one for each dealer. And that was it.* *The above statement does not reflect the actual number of Routan sales in the City of Toronto. |
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Shnak
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« Reply #19 on: June 05, 2009, 08:42:37 am » |
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You must be kidding. The incentives on the Grand Caravan/Caravan are so good that the VW isn't even on the radar in terms of value.
April Sales:
Grand Caravan/Caravan 4266
VW Routan 89
The market has spoken and it doesn't seem to find "value" in the Routan.
Well I won't argue that the Grand Caravan can be had for cheaper, but with the incentives VW has for the Routan (0%/60mo, but I'm sure rebates too), it's certainly worth the extra money over the Grand Caravan with the same powertrain. That's my opinion, and certainly not shared by many accross Canada it seems. And to be honest, I'd have a pretty difficult time buying this Routan... I'm not big on re-branding projects like this one... If I'm gonna buy a vehicle made by Dodge, I'll buy with with the Dodge badge on it... |
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