MT reviews Midsized Sedans

[Raza]

Inspections are a waste of money. The amount of accidents caused by malfunctioning cars alone is pretty small.

Most likely.  But with the amount of cars I see everyday that have no business being on the road in their condition, it makes me feel a little bit better that at least they had good brakes and tread depth at some point that year.

[280Z Turbo]

Is this the typical attitude? You don't want to fix something that's broken because the car still drives?

I'd say a leaking head gasket is a big problem waiting to happen. One of these days your car will break down because the head gasket completely broke apart causing fuel and oil to spill all over the engine bay causing damage.

If you've got fuel leaking from the head gasket, you've got bigger problems.

[280Z Turbo]

Most likely.  But with the amount of cars I see everyday that have no business being on the road in their condition, it makes me feel a little bit better that at least they had good brakes and tread depth at some point that year.

Michigan doesn't have problems until snowfall. And that's more about driver innattetion/stupidity than anything else.

[cawimmer430]

If you've got fuel leaking from the head gasket, you've got bigger problems.

I wonder if TBR drives a 1979 Cadillac Seville 350cid Diesel.

Head gasket problems galore! 

[Raza]

Michigan doesn't have problems until snowfall. And that's more about driver innattetion/stupidity than anything else.

Dude, it's like a seatbelt on an airplane.  I know it's not going to do anything, but it's makes me feel better to know it's there.  Just let me have this.

[MX793]

Dude, it's like a seatbelt on an airplane.  I know it's not going to do anything, but it's makes me feel better to know it's there.  Just let me have this.

The belt in the plane is there to keep you in your seat during bad turbulence or a rough landing.  It does its job fine.

[TBR]

Is this the typical attitude? You don't want to fix something that's broken because the car still drives?

I'd say a leaking head gasket is a big problem waiting to happen. One of these days your car will break down because the head gasket completely broke apart causing fuel and oil to spill all over the engine bay causing damage.

Yes, that is my attitude. It's a 9 year old car worth $5,000. I fix things that are safety and reliability issues, but something like this just isn't yet. For example, I just replaced one of the front axles because the CV boot ripped.

And, actually, what will happen is the oil will get milky and then I'll take it in to get it fixed.

[TBR]

They pop the hood while the engine is running and do an inspection of the engine bay. If there's a problem with the engine, they might discover it. They won't fix it - that's your job - but they'll make you aware of the problem and depending on the severity of the issue write you out a warning/fine.

So how is that at all relevant to my original post? I know I have an oil leak.

[CALL_911]

+1 to TBR. That shit's stupid.

[cawimmer430]

Yes, that is my attitude. It's a 9 year old car worth $5,000. I fix things that are safety and reliability issues, but something like this just isn't yet. For example, I just replaced one of the front axles because the CV boot ripped.

And, actually, what will happen is the oil will get milky and then I'll take it in to get it fixed.

Why didn't you say so? If I had known the repair costs cost more than your car is worth then I'd get why you'd cheap out on maintenance.

That '79 Seville 350 diesel must be awesome! 

[cawimmer430]

So how is that at all relevant to my original post? I know I have an oil leak.

Oh god, you're killing baby seals! POLLUTER!!! 

[TurboDan]

I don't think most people in America would let a leaking head gasket go.

I tend to think Americans are mostly lazy on maintenance items like tires, brakes, etc.

[Char]

If I had to buy one, the Accord would easily be the top of my list, probably followed by the Fusion and Altima. The VW would never be a consideration.

[Raza]

If I had to buy one, the Accord would easily be the top of my list, probably followed by the Fusion and Altima. The VW would never be a consideration.

Was your dog murdered by a Volkswagen or something? 

[Char]

Was your dog murdered by a Volkswagen or something? 

And then it  killed my cat, and then made me watch. It was pretty sick.

[Raza]

And then it  killed my cat, and then made me watch. It was pretty sick.

That explains your level of absurdity. 

[AltinD]

Yes, you simply don't kill one's cat and make him/her watch ... it'ss not the bitch we're talking about

[Eye of the Tiger]

Was your dog murdered by a Volkswagen or something? 

I am guessing it is a VW = Hitler thing.

[SVT666]

VW wouldn't be on my list either.

[GoCougs]

I am guessing it is a VW = Hitler thing.

You gotta give it to them though - they really knew how to dress.

[GoCougs]

The Passat would be interesting with its optional V6 and DSG. Not sure I'd take it over the Camcord - if that DSG worked like it did in the GTI that could sway me...

[Raza]

VW wouldn't be on my list either.

I wouldn't buy it in this company either.  I'd either get the Fusion or the new Accord, only with a stick.  But I'm far from the typical midsize sedan buyer, and the Passat has clear strengths with them.  They out-Camry'd the Camry.  Not good for people who want a fun daily driver, but it works for most people and for the company.

[SVT666]

I wouldn't buy it in this company either.  I'd either get the Fusion or the new Accord, only with a stick.  But I'm far from the typical midsize sedan buyer, and the Passat has clear strengths with them.  They out-Camry'd the Camry.  Not good for people who want a fun daily driver, but it works for most people and for the company.

Fusion or 2014 Mazda6 for me.

[2o6]

I don't think any of them hold any real appeal for me. Too big, too disconnected.

[TurboDan]

VW wouldn't be on my list either.

Even as a former Passat owner, don't think the current one would be on my list either. But Char's hatred of VW is bizarre. I'm generally thought of as a Toyota hater, but even I like some of their models. (4Runner, Hilux, Land Cruiser, IS).

[TurboDan]

I wouldn't buy it in this company either.  I'd either get the Fusion or the new Accord, only with a stick.  But I'm far from the typical midsize sedan buyer, and the Passat has clear strengths with them.  They out-Camry'd the Camry.  Not good for people who want a fun daily driver, but it works for most people and for the company.

I'd buy the Fusion or the Accord coupe over it. Probably not the Accord sedan. I could never bring myself to drive a Camry.

[Madman]

Fusion would be my first choice but I wouldn't say no to a Malibu or Optima, either.  The rest don't do anything for me.

[sportyaccordy]

I wouldn't buy it in this company either.  I'd either get the Fusion or the new Accord, only with a stick.  But I'm far from the typical midsize sedan buyer, and the Passat has clear strengths with them.  They out-Camry'd the Camry.  Not good for people who want a fun daily driver, but it works for most people and for the company.

Plus they still have the A4 killing CC.

In this class I would go for the Accord. Probably the coupe. Reviews claim it recaptured that early 90s "Hondaness". Just the light springy eager dynamics the company was built on. Can't say no to that. Especially with that scrambling V6.

[AltinD]

I saw another US made B7 Passat on the road last night. I really felt bad for the owner, in addition to threwing up a little in my mouth

[2o6]

I saw another US made B7 Passat on the road last night. I really felt bad for the owner, in addition to threwing up a little in my mouth

There's barely an interior quality difference between yours and that one.