OT: VW atlas

[jh_on_the_cape]

Just wondering if anyone here has a new VW atlas and what you thought of it. My wife has a passat and I always said NEVER AGAIN VW but I like the Atlas 4-mo because it is what VW does right: good car with some Euro feel but at a great price. And it comes in red.
I was really thinking Honda Pilot, but this has me reconsidering. Thanks!

[BumbleBeeDave]

. . . a diesel model?

;)

BBD

[hollowgram5]

. . . a diesel model?

;)

BBDThat would be awesome, and it would probably be my next purchase if it we're a possibility. [emoji3]

[BikeNY]

My wife and I looked at it but decided it was too big. It is really nice though, but the fuel economy stinks. We are probably getting the new Tiguan, which is a HUGE improvement over the original one.

And no, you will likely never see another new VW diesel in the US:(

[saab2000]

I drove one. It’s big. Decent car with tons of room. But to call it European is a stretch. It’s made in Tennessee for the North American market.

It’s a good, large, raised minivan. Nothing wrong with it. The seats were easy to use and even passengers in the third row have decent space. I liked the flat surface when all the seats were folded.

[Birddog]

Have you read this?
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/volkswagen/atlas

[BikeNY]

Have you read this?
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/volkswagen/atlas

I find it amusing that the Atlas is classified as a midsize SUV.

[jh_on_the_cape]

This is comparable to the Honda Pilot. I saw the MPG and got excited but then realized that it was for the FWD not the 4motion. 4mo is more in line with other similar cars.

If you have seen both in person, would you say it is more euro feeling than a pilot? For instance, that nice heavy feeling when closing the door.

[Cat3roadracer]

Q7, correct?

[jh_on_the_cape]

Has anyone here ever purchased a used car online, but sight-unseen?

I am considering buying a used car, then flying to pick it up, take a little vacation with the car, then drive it home.

I supposed I could back out when I see the car, but at that point I am pretty committed.

I admit to being a little hesitant to do this!

[dbnm]

I recently test drove the 2017 Honda Pilot, Infiniti QX60 and the Acura MDX.

The Honda felt like a Honda.

The Infiniti was really nice but the dealer played games.

The Acura was packed with options and is super quiet.

We bought the Acura.

I could go further into details if needed.

I did not want the Atlas as it is a first year model and we needed a car now.

[shovelhd]

Has anyone here ever purchased a used car online, but sight-unseen?

I am considering buying a used car, then flying to pick it up, take a little vacation with the car, then drive it home.

I supposed I could back out when I see the car, but at that point I am pretty committed.

I admit to being a little hesitant to do this!

Yup. I flew to Naples FL to pick up a 1975 BMW 2002. Rust-free examples are very rare in the Northeast. I had mixed experiences. The body was great but the passenger side floor under the rear seat was rotted out due to a bad wing window seal. The engine had been doctored and started burning oil once I got home. If you do this, hire a local mechanic to look it over before you buy, and make this a non-negotiable part of the deal. If you don't buy the car, you're out the mechanics fee and travel expenses.

[saab2000]

Q7, correct?

It's not on the same platform as the Q7, which truly is a lustworthy sled.

I think the Atlas is roomier than the Q7 and maxed out on options, it comes in right where the Q7 starts. I have no proof of the roominess of the Atlas vs Q7 though. Just my impression.

Frankly, if a large crossover is appealing to anyone, the Atlas isn't half bad. But it's not a Q7, which I believe to be on the same architecture as the next generation VW Touareg (which won't be sold in the US I don't believe) and the next Porsche Cayenne. Those vehicles are really a different conversation. They're much more robust and premium and have massively larger towing capacity.

One thing I liked on the Atlas was the center console touch screen. It looks very nice and is quick.

[jh_on_the_cape]

Thanks that's helpful. The pilot makes sense, but as you said it feels like a honda and i am just excited about it. Other cars before I have been so excited about driving!

I recently test drove the 2017 Honda Pilot, Infiniti QX60 and the Acura MDX.

The Honda felt like a Honda.

The Infiniti was really nice but the dealer played games.

The Acura was packed with options and is super quiet.

We bought the Acura.

I could go further into details if needed.

I did not want the Atlas as it is a first year model and we needed a car now.

[jh_on_the_cape]

I can just see myself standing in front of a car seeing something that was not represented at the sale, but weighing on whether or not it's worth just flying back home...
I will probably not do it. Makes sense for a rare vintage car, maybe.

Yup. I flew to Naples FL to pick up a 1975 BMW 2002. Rust-free examples are very rare in the Northeast. I had mixed experiences. The body was great but the passenger side floor under the rear seat was rotted out due to a bad wing window seal. The engine had been doctored and started burning oil once I got home. If you do this, hire a local mechanic to look it over before you buy, and make this a non-negotiable part of the deal. If you don't buy the car, you're out the mechanics fee and travel expenses.

[jh_on_the_cape]

for some reason the Q7 is 2.0 engine with quattro while the atlas with the 2.0 is only fwd. you have to do the v6 to get 4mo.

It's not on the same platform as the Q7, which truly is a lustworthy sled.

I think the Atlas is roomier than the Q7 and maxed out on options, it comes in right where the Q7 starts. I have no proof of the roominess of the Atlas vs Q7 though. Just my impression.

Frankly, if a large crossover is appealing to anyone, the Atlas isn't half bad. But it's not a Q7, which I believe to be on the same architecture as the next generation VW Touareg (which won't be sold in the US I don't believe) and the next Porsche Cayenne. Those vehicles are really a different conversation. They're much more robust and premium and have massively larger towing capacity.

One thing I liked on the Atlas was the center console touch screen. It looks very nice and is quick.

[ofcounsel]

We considered the Atlas when we bought a new SUV last month. It was very nice, drove well. I currently have a 2015 VW E-Golf, so I was inclined to go with the Atlas. But we ended up with a Kia Sorento SX with AWD.

Turns out the Atlas was a little "too big" for my wife. She liked the size of the Sorento a bit more. On my end, ended up being happy with the Kia because it was better equipped than the Atlas for many thousands less. The MSRP on the Kia 42.5k, but we negotiated it down to $38.6k at the dealer, then took advantage of Kia Finance cash back incentives to make the effective cost of the vehicle a little over 33k.

Al

[likebikes]

40+k for a kia! :eek:

[alancw3]

not sure of your timeline but you might want to do some research on the forthcoming subaru ascent, a full size suv do out next year. i would also say the the honda pilot would be my choice.

[cetuximab]

. . . a diesel model?

;)

BBD

A few months ago, VW and Porsche announced they would not import diesels in the future.

End of an era.

[paredown]

Has anyone here ever purchased a used car online, but sight-unseen?

I am considering buying a used car, then flying to pick it up, take a little vacation with the car, then drive it home.

I supposed I could back out when I see the car, but at that point I am pretty committed.

I admit to being a little hesitant to do this!

I bought my Tundra off eBay--in an auction (before most listings turned into Classifieds) and had it shipped to me.

Like ShovelHD, my experience was a little mixed as well--the truck was low mileage (as stated) but it definitely had been hit in the front end (not disclosed--but fairly minor) and had some damage along the top of the box rails (still don't know how that happened?).

None of these things were deal breakers--it was a truck (and has been used like one) and had been incredibly reliable, and I may have bought it off a lot with similar issues, but the non-disclosure rankled.

If I were to do it again, I would not buy from a small seller as I did (he lasted for about another 5 minutes on the 'Bay until he was bad-repped out of business), and I would only buy from a seller with top ratings with a buyback guarantee.

All that said, newer cars are more like appliances (unlike a vintage car like a 2002), and brand, mileage, and some additional research should let you know if the average car like the one you are considering is a decent buy, and on average you will do OK.

[ofcounsel]

40+k for a kia! :eek:

Yep. That was MSRP, but not what I paid. That being said, the Kia has been the most surprisingly impressive car I've owned in a very long time.

[jds108]

Grand Cherokee offers a diesel, so 30 mpg is possible with a light foot.

I went that route a year ago when going through the mid size SUV options. I went with the Overland model so it's pretty luxurious, up to the point of having a leather covered dash...

I wanted:

moderate towing capability (i.e. a motor boat)
good mpg (and long range between fill ups, with kind of go together)
some off road abilty
luxury interior
be able to sleep in back in a pinch
cold weather comfort
good driving manners. It's not a sedan or a sports car, but it's firm enough when turning.


I bought a prior model year off the lot, so there was a big savings off msrp.

It has been good so far, so I'd do the same if I had to do it all over again.

[pjm]

Pretty sweet warranty on Volkswagens now.

[ceolwulf]

Has anyone here ever purchased a used car online, but sight-unseen?



I am considering buying a used car, then flying to pick it up, take a little vacation with the car, then drive it home.



I supposed I could back out when I see the car, but at that point I am pretty committed.



I admit to being a little hesitant to do this!



Have done this a few times. Older cars in Canada get used up fast. I got the cars shipped to me though.

I bought an Infiniti Q45 from a dealer in the southern US. “Everything works!” Well a few thousand in repairs later that was getting closer to true. Never again. Body and interior condition also much worse than the pix showed.

But I also bought from Japan, an MR2 and a WRX. Totally different story there - their used car auctions have inspection sheets that are scrupulously accurate. Both cars near perfect. You guys can only get from Japan older than 25 years though ...

I think CarFax offers a service where they send a pro to look at the car and send you a full detailed report? That would be very well worth doing.

[Birddog]

There is a service for inspections. Not sure of cost but you can check reviews.
https://support.wegolook.com/hc/en-us

[pasadena]

wow you scored! 33K on the back of a 42.5list
well done sir!

I'm considering the Stinger GT

We considered the Atlas when we bought a new SUV last month. It was very nice, drove well. I currently have a 2015 VW E-Golf, so I was inclined to go with the Atlas. But we ended up with a Kia Sorento SX with AWD.

Turns out the Atlas was a little "too big" for my wife. She liked the size of the Sorento a bit more. On my end, ended up being happy with the Kia because it was better equipped than the Atlas for many thousands less. The MSRP on the Kia 42.5k, but we negotiated it down to $38.6k at the dealer, then took advantage of Kia Finance cash back incentives to make the effective cost of the vehicle a little over 33k.

Al

[binxnyrwarrsoul]

Yep. That was MSRP, but not what I paid. That being said, the Kia has been the most surprisingly impressive car I've owned in a very long time.

I've poo poo-ed Kias since the brand's inception, until I was in the Optima. Very nice, if personality-less car. Fit and finish are really top notch, and it seems to have exactly the option/doo dads you'd want. Just came off of a two week rental in a Kia Sportage. Not my cup of tea, but again, very surprised how nice it actually was.

[jh_on_the_cape]

Thanks. I think I am going to get a 2008 Audi q7 with 109k on it.
Drove well, and it's dirt cheap. MPG sucks is my only issue.

Is that stupid? I like buying cars with 100k on them for cheap, accepting the fact that I will pay for a few repairs or expensive maintenance items, and driving to 200k miles. but the q7?

[pasadena]

Thanks. I think I am going to get a 2008 Audi q7 with 109k on it.
Drove well, and it's dirt cheap. MPG sucks is my only issue.

Is that stupid? I like buying cars with 100k on them for cheap, accepting the fact that I will pay for a few repairs or expensive maintenance items, and driving to 200k miles. but the q7?

Depending on the engine, you will have some major services due at 100k.
Suspension components usually will need replacement as the ball joints and/or air suspension give up around this point.

If those costs dont bother you, there usually is not much else that goes wrong besides the usual random things.

Otherwise, you can put the money into a lower mileage one. I guess it depends on what you find acceptable.

[jh_on_the_cape]

It does not have air suspension, that was an option.
ball joints and tie rods and stuff will have to be done. but it drove tight so I think I have some time on these.
And I am going to roll the dice and not do the timing chain.
this one has fresh brakes and battery. will need tires.

Depending on the engine, you will have some major services due at 100k.
Suspension components usually will need replacement as the ball joints and/or air suspension give up around this point.

If those costs dont bother you, there usually is not much else that goes wrong besides the usual random things.

Otherwise, you can put the money into a lower mileage one. I guess it depends on what you find acceptable.

[C40_guy]

Thanks. I think I am going to get a 2008 Audi q7 with 109k on it.
Drove well, and it's dirt cheap. MPG sucks is my only issue.

Is that stupid? I like buying cars with 100k on them for cheap, accepting the fact that I will pay for a few repairs or expensive maintenance items, and driving to 200k miles. but the q7?

Q7 is a lovely vehicle. I'm a long term Audi guy, typically buy them at around 100K. Seems like much of the debugging happens before that. :)

Air suspension, btw, is pretty robust on almost everything but the allroad. Very helpful if you're towing.

I can recommend a good private mechanic in Hyannis, around the corner from the Audi dealer. I've used him a couple of times now.

Sent you a PM.

[CDollarsign]

Q7 is a lovely vehicle. I'm a long term Audi guy, typically buy them at around 100K. Seems like much of the debugging happens before that. :)

Air suspension, btw, is pretty robust on almost everything but the allroad. Very helpful if you're towing.

I can recommend a good private mechanic in Hyannis, around the corner from the Audi dealer. I've used him a couple of times now.

Sent you a PM.

I had a 2004 allroad 2.7T and that car was a nightmare. Between burning oil and leaky airbags - not a fun vehicle to own long term.

[pasadena]

I had a 2004 allroad 2.7T and that car was a nightmare. Between burning oil and leaky airbags - not a fun vehicle to own long term.

That car was the worst Audi for reliability.
Oddly, as problem plagued as it is, most of the other models are pretty reliable

[CDollarsign]

It was super cool before all the problems... I would kill for a A6 wagon in the US.

[ceolwulf]

I'm really considering an older A6 wagon. The shortage of wagons on this side of the puddle is really unforgivable.

Otherwise possibly a JDM Legacy wagon or maybe I be brave (foolish) and get a Nissan Stagea.

I want a wagon though. I don't like SUVs but I want more usable space. Sedans are silly.

[josephr]

Have you read this?
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/volkswagen/atlas

I find it amusing that the Atlas is classified as a midsize SUV.

funny...they also rate a Buick over a Toyota! WTH??? :confused:

[palincss]

You might want to consider seeing if an Alltrack has enough space for your needs. It'll hold one of my bikes (60 cm, full fenders) with all wheels on just fine - not quite as much space as my E39 BMW wagon had, but only a couple of inches less - and I know I'd rather have a new Alltrack (in fact, I do have a new Alltrack!) than a used A6.

[bigman]

bought a caddy escallade on eBay
It was still under manufacturers warranty, would not waste my time to go see the car in Houston from NYC
Seller offered to reimburse me for trip if I bought it, I scoffed.
all was perfect, would do it again.

[FlashUNC]

German SUV? Unless its a Unimog, not interested.

[choke]

German SUV? Unless its a Unimog, not interested.Not even an original Geländewagen?

[FlashUNC]

Not even an original Geländewagen?

No way. Unimogs 4 Lyfe.

http://cars.trsty.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/1974-mercedes-benz-unimog-406-modifie-mercedes-unimog-trucks-zen-trucks-vans-pick-up-mercedes-benz-unimog-jeeps-cars-trucks-bik-unimog-406-photo-1974-mercedes-benz-classic-4x4.jpg

[choke]

No way. Unimogs 4 Lyfe. Eh, Unimogs are cool but I'd rather have a Pinzgauer.

[jamesau]

Other points for the OP to consider:
1) All 2018 VWs come with a 6-year, transferrable warranty.
2) The Atlas uses VW's MQB platform/architecture; this is what's used on Golfs and Passats. The Atlas is the largest vehicle that employs this platform. This suggests it may not be as heavy duty as other competitors in the segment.
3) Atlas is built in the US

About a 10 year old Q7...
I'm sure it's great when it's working. You should do serious homework on the particular vehicle you're looking at and that year Q7 in general to find out about the more common issues and costs.
Also, ask yourself if you need to depend on (trust) this vehicle for important trips for you and your loved ones. It's one thing to break down near home midweek on your way to get groceries. It's another thing if you're relying on it for a long-planned family vacation or weekend travel at night during subzero weather in the boondocks or bad parts of town.

Good luck!

[BikeNY]

I had a 2004 allroad 2.7T and that car was a nightmare. Between burning oil and leaky airbags - not a fun vehicle to own long term.

I had one of those Allroad 2.7Ts as well, in a 6 speed manual no less! It was a very fun and practical car, but the fuel economy and reliability sucked, as mentioned. It was based on the A6 of the time, so decent size and very luxurious. The newer Allroad is based on the A4 wagon, so smaller, but also better fuel economy. Honestly, I'd take the VW Alltrack over the Audi Allroad right now. Cheaper and available with a manual transmission.

Sounds like the OP is interested in a much bigger vehicle. If I was in the market for a car that big, the Atlas would be toward the top of my list. The warranty is a big plus as well.

I've had many Audi and VW vehicles over the years(10+), and have been very happy with all of them(except maybe the above mentioned Allroad). I'm currently driving a 2015 Golf Sportwagon TDI, unfortunately, the last VW TDI ever:mad:. The family car is an Audi Q7 TDI, lease will be up soon, and will be replaced with a new VW Tiguan.

I think I'm done with Audi. The new VW vehicles have more than enough features and luxury these days, I just don't need all the extra bells and whistles for double the price.

[Mikej]

I know its a v-dub thread, but since the All-trac was brought up, have you checked out an outback??

[FastforaSlowGuy]

My wife and i drive it back to back with the Pilot. Major let down. As others have said, it’s definitely not a Euro car. Compared to the 5-6 competitors we drove it felt plasticy inside and handled poorly. Way, way far away from the typical VW feel. Bummer because it looked great on paper.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jh_on_the_cape]

I went with a used Q7. It just feels so much nicer than the Pilot.

I also found the real world MPG of that gen Pilot is so much worse than the government numbers. So it was not that much better than the Q7.

Wish me luck!