rbridges

I just unloaded my corvette and am going to get the GX470 shortly. I was reading the car/driver comparison and they picked the volkswagen #1. I really like the specs, but haven't test driven it.

Call me snooty, but the Lexus name personifies a quality vehicle. I just can't see that in the Volkswagen. I hate to spend 40-50+K and not be happy with my next purchase. Any comments.

thanks

EGainer

I read that article as well, but I would take the GX over the toureg simply because of the reliability. I have too test drove the GX, and it seems to be the best choice (without testing the VW)

177mph

It certainly has the options and the chops to go off roading - but I too think that a 50k VW is not worth the cash. The lexus name holds more value. I did however consider the Volvo SUV, but the volvo name also holds it's own stigma... ( a guy with glassses who does 55mph all day) hee hee

tigmd99

Hey all,

The Touareg is NOT as impressive as it will lead you to believe. Here are the negatives:

1. All-independent suspension lack wheel travel/articulation needed for off-roading...remember, the Range Rover at least has the cross-linking shocks to help with wheel travel.

2. VW has all-independent, so it's ground clearance changes with terrain. In addition, don't forget that about the clearance of the CONTROL ARMS of the independent suspension! Those control arms are lower and may drag in off-roading.

3. CLUTCH-based center and rear differentials. Clutch-based is weak and high-maintenance. They tend to wear out quickly if used often...check out the rear differential on the Acura MDX, which needs to change differential fluid within 7500 miles! To be really reliable, you need a torque-sensing center diff and rear diff (aka Torsen). Torque sensing diff are GEAR-based, which requires no maintenance and lasts forever.

4. Electronic suspension are prone to have a mind of it's own. Remember, if the electronics fail, the Touareg is no more capable than a Jetta! Range Rovers are known to have this problem. My brother's Lexus LX470 also has this problem occasionally.

5. Unibody. Not as durable as a good-designed body-on-frame. Unibodies just do not hold up very long to prolong off-roading punishment. Same thing with towing. Yeah it can tow a lot...but for how long?? Why do trucks or heavy-duty SUVs have body-on-frame?? Because it needs it for towing!

6. VW reliability has not been a glowing reputation of VW.

My opinion.

modelaford

I also own a VW besides my GX. The VW company sucks big time, especially with stepping up to the plate with problems. They try to cover their tracks. Lexus has never done that in all the Lexus I have owned. VW mass airflow sensors for the TDI $450, and they know they have problems and a high failure rate but will not step up to the plate. Buyer beware!!!

laterldf

Well, so far, Lexus has NOT handled nor accepted that they have a transmission problem with the ES300's. I understand that the new RX330 is going to have that same 5-speed, which is a concern. later, ldf

tigmd99

Two points:

1. The 5-speed on the GX is VERY different from the 5-speed on the ES300.

2. Hasn't the ES tranny been fixed for '03??

EGainer

as far as I know, the transmission was fixed on the 03' es. so the rx330 wouldn't have any problems getting that transmission.