Topic: Looking to Buy a 2010 VW Routan

[DieselDawg]

Got some great feedback here back in 2002 when I bought my VW Passat Wagon. Family is much bigger now so I need a minivan, no ifs ands or buts. Looked at Chrysler T&Cs for all of the features but they feel mushy on the road. Been seeing a few VW Routan's on dealer and used lots with low miles, some with no miles. I understand they haven't sold well since they first came on the market. Also heard that VW asked Chrysler to stop making them for a while (too much inventory?). Now I've heard that 2011 may be the last year for the Routan. Anyway, I've got my eye on a 2010 Routan Execline sitting on a local VW dealer used lot. Appears to have no miles and window sticker list is $50K+. Before I go in to chat to the sales guy about it, I'm wondering if any of the seasoned vets here have any good info to share regarding Routans that might help me negotiate down from the sticker price. Are VW dealers looking to do deals on these vans to get them off their lots?

I know this particular dealer well and bring my VW repairs there. They've been fair to me over the years and did quite a lot of warranty and recall repairs without hassle.

Thanks in advance...DieselDawg

[rrocket]

If you want a taut handling minivan, look into the re-designed Sienna with sport package.  And IIRC, it's only $36K.

Beyond that, I know nothing of the Routan that you'd find helpful.

[inco]

I like the looks of it and it did drive nice the day we took it out. The only issue I can recall was that the 4.0 engine has a timing belt and that may prove to be an expensive replacement. Dealer likely has not had to replace any yet, so may be hard to determine cost, but worth looking into now rather than later.

To add salt to the wound so to speak, Chryco now has their new 3.6? Pentastar engine that they are using, leaving the 4.0 out in the cold perhaps.