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Tiguan vs. Forester vs. CR-V

115 messages,  Last post on Dec 01, 2011 at 4:11 PM

You are in the Volkswagen Tiguan Forum.

What is this discussion about? Volkswagen Tiguan, Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, Car Comparisons, SUV

Messages Page 12 of 12

#108 of 115 Re: Test Drives: Tiguan / Forester / CRV [bpollen] by highdesert50

Sep 10, 2011 (9:06 pm)

Replying to: bpollen (Jun 05, 2011 6:17 am)
Interesting perspective; it's a bit of apples and oranges comparison, though, as the Tiguan is more a crossover. I went through a similar comparison but when I got to the twisty roads, the Tiguan's abilities became apparent by providing a good balance of engine and suspension and yielding a significant grin factor. It's certainly no GTI, but in my instance the six speed manual tranny, the turbo's ability to compensate for altitude, and its ability to handle a dirt road and twisty paved mountain roads, provided an optimal solution. I had a normally aspirated Sube, but there is just no way it would be able to "hang" with the Tiguan on a twisty road nor maintain comparable stability at highway speeds. I believe the buyer really needs to decide on the application as there is considerable design difference between a more tautly sprung crossover and an suv, such as the Sube, designed for considerably slower, and more harsh surface conditions.

#109 of 115 Re: Test Drives: Tiguan / Forester by unitedflyier

Sep 18, 2011 (6:31 am)

Replying to: highdesert50 (Sep 10, 2011 9:06 pm)
I drove a 2009 Tiguan Sport and hated it. The interior colours and seat looked depressing and dull. The ride was also very choppy.
 
I recently went to see the new 2012 Tiguan SE and loved it. I only got to drive a 2011 TDI DSG as the 2012 was a manual. I loved the DSG, a great smooth shifting ride. It has a lot of the equipment I want but no rearview camera as they have supply problems. I'm not sure why but the 2012 looked so much better inside. The new cloth seats were comfortable and looked so much smarter than the 2009. As I will be driving long distances on roads regrettably I chose the Tiguan over the Forester. Subaru only offer a 6 speed manual diesel.
 
I also drove the Evoque Prestige diesel 6 speed auto and hated it. The ride was just too hard and shook me to bits over poor B roads in the UK. Not sure if the magneride would be better? The auto was also not as smooth as the VW and the cargo space was about the same size as the VW Golf. The Evoque also had some major blind spots.
 
I still love the Forester but for me the transmission was a deal breaker.
 
Anyway there is up to a 22 week wait the the Tiguan TDI DSG. It will make my 700 mile commute easier in the winter months.

#110 of 115 Re: Test Drives: Tiguan / Forester [unitedflyier] by shemazar

Sep 18, 2011 (9:29 pm)

Replying to: unitedflyier (Sep 18, 2011 6:31 am)
We just did the CRV / Forester / Tiguan hunt as well. I ended up picking the 2012 Tiguan. The deciding factors for me were:
 
- Exterior asthetics - the Forester already looks beyond dated imho, but the XT adds a bit of aggressive flair. In the end, though, the VW and the midnight blue was just stunning.
 
- Interior color combos - the one thing I despise about Subaru was that you can't pick your interior/exterior color combos. I got exactly what I wanted with the VW - I wanted a white forester XT with black leather interior, but it wasn't available. The suck thing is that if I'm paying 30k for a car, I want what I want!
 
- Interior quality - the Tiguan destroys the Subaru Forester interior. We looked at several used Foresters - for the sake of investigating how well the interior held up after use, and I didn't like what I was seeing in most of the used Foresters from 09 and 10 that I looked at. While I take very good care of my vehicles, it gives you a good indication of the quality by doing this. The interior also seemed bland and dull to me - nothing really stood out. Again, if I'm spending 30k, I want something that's going to be good quality and reliable INSIDE the car. I *know* Subaru's are solid mechanically elsewhere, but I live inside the car and want something that's not going to look beatup after a year.
 
- Transmission - prefer the 6SP transmission of the VW to the 4 of the Subaru.
 
- Warranty/Maintenance - Like the fact that the VW had the 3 years maintenance thrown in.
 
-Shemmy

#111 of 115 Re: Test Drives: Tiguan / Forester [shemazar] by unitedflyier

Sep 26, 2011 (5:36 pm)

Replying to: shemazar (Sep 18, 2011 9:29 pm)
Yes the Forester really needs a new transmission. Years behind.
 
Do you know anything about the XDS electronic diff lock option on the Tiguan? All I see on the site is it is meant to help with cornering?
 
Also the rearview camera is no longer an option because of the supply problems in Japan. If I get the RNS 510 or cheaper RNS315 nav option can I get a camera after market?

#112 of 115 Re: Tiguan's Reliability [vbbuilt] by bridgettemarie

Nov 05, 2011 (4:32 pm)

Replying to: vbbuilt (Apr 15, 2010 1:50 pm)
Strange that my comment disappeared. Balance due put down as downpayment but not deducted from agreed upon price. Numerous problems and the car is not even 2yrs old. Charged for oil and filter. Said belly pan is wear and tear and not covered by the warranty or the covered warranty. So much for buying the extended warranty which doesn't cover problems. This is the second VW I have had problems with.

#113 of 115 Re: Reliability [mpg7] by bridgettemarie

Nov 05, 2011 (4:37 pm)

Replying to: mpg7 (Dec 28, 2010 1:40 pm)
I disagree. Problems with two VW dealers. The vehicle would be good if it didn't have problems and had a competent honest service department.

#114 of 115 Re: Tiguan's Reliability [bridgettemarie] by steve_ HOST

Nov 05, 2011 (5:17 pm)

Replying to: bridgettemarie (Nov 05, 2011 4:32 pm)
You may have hit the Preview button instead of the "post" one.

#115 of 115 Re: Test Drives: Tiguan / Forester [unitedflyier] by yetiwagon

Dec 01, 2011 (4:11 pm)

Replying to: unitedflyier (Sep 18, 2011 6:31 am)
When I started my crossover hunt, the first dealership I visited was Subaru/VW. I was interested in the Forester because it offered AWD, a manual and decent trim under $25K. Every other manufacturer seems to think that Americans who drive sticks only do so because we are too poor/cheap to spring for the AT. Thus, they only offer the MT in the barebones trim.
 
Anyway, the VW salesman tried to sell me on the base '11 Tiguan, the only one that offers a manual. But it's FWD and only has 6.8" of clearance (compared to 8.9" on the Forester). No thanks. What's the point of buying a small SUV that isn't a snow beast?
 
Also, I had my previous car ('99 Integra) for 12 years, and at least 10 of those were problem-free. I wanted the same out of my next car. Yes, VW interiors are sharper but but I've heard too many VW service/reliability/cost horror stories.
 
I ended up buying the only 2012 manual premium Forester in all of metro DC and I haven't regretted it one bit. It handles beautifully and the visibility is impressive. I'm even falling in love with the Boxer's growl.
 
Yeah, the stereo is lackluster but I primarily listen to my iPhone and it sounds better than the radio itself. The dash is laid out logically, the seats are comfy, are power-adjustable (at least on the driver's side and I drive alone most of the time) and heated. The sunroof is bigger than a freaking gunner's turret (plus, it doesn't go up and over the roof, which will come in handy should I ever put crossbars up there).
 
Bottom line: I would have had to pay at least $3K more for a comparable Tiguan S 4Motion (with less room) and I would have been forced to get a *shudder* slushbox and pay for premium gas. (I'd be willing to pay extra for diesel -- bring the 6spd diesel Forester here already, Subaru! -- but not 89 or 91.) And I'm willing to trade the Tiguan's extra 30 horses for the stick.
 
P.S. Even if I could afford an Evoque and it turned out to be more reliable than the average LR, I just can't drive a car designed by Victoria Beckham. (And I'm a girl.)

Messages Page 12 of 12

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