QUOTE(nebula87 @ Aug 6 2019, 01:33 PM)
I'm a CX-5 owner myself, but I wouldn't recommend you because of your 3 kids may not enjoy the ride since they already get used to seat like your Passat.
Rear seats Passat > CX-5 in term of space.
Mazda cars are driver-oriented. It may offers what Conti cars have. Good handling, classy interior&exterior, safety features and etc.
Go get a test drive, and see for yourself.
Protips: get a CX-5 2.5.
While I really want a driver's car, the back seat as you have pointed out is a bit of a disappointment, so I'll skip the CX-5.
QUOTE(^pomen_GTR^ @ Aug 6 2019, 01:50 PM)
well..if only u plan no additional kid later
probably u need to look into fc and servicing cost also for long term usage.. (beyond warranty period service/maintenance schedule)
Yes, no more kids after this, I've done my part populating the earth, will let the others have a chance.
So the criteria is to first survive the warranty years without much of any issues, and that track record will hopefully stretched out the remaining years.
FC & Servicing cost should be fine, I doubt any of them are costlier than what I have spent on my Passat
QUOTE(EnterYourName @ Aug 6 2019, 02:11 PM)
CRV got the steering rack and gear knob issue but then if u coming from VW, i think u should already get used to issues lol.
X70, my wife said is not really feel that wide sitting at the back, and the seat is quite straight up, the rear seat can't recline. However, the NVH in X70 really good but the FC is very bad.
CX-5 is a no-no for your requirement, is too small and poor legroom at the back.
Maybe u can consider the Sportage diesel, reasonably priced with 5 years free service, the space at the back is quite good too (not as good as CRV), with ample of torque and good FC being diesel.
Other than that maybe Tucson 1.6 Turbo is using dual clutch as well so u might not feel too much different from your existing passat.
I'm familiar with both issues and tow-trucks.
But I'll take note of those issues, shouldn't cost more than what I'm fixing now for my 6 year old Passat.
Agree that NVH is good in X70, perhaps we are all too distracted with the Nappa leather to notice not enough shoulder room space, they are still kids after all. Recline or not doesn't quite matter I guess, since there will be car seats.
QUOTE(voscar @ Aug 6 2019, 02:11 PM)
No consider D segment sedan such as Honda Accord 2.4?
Haven't really consider another Sedan. The conversation actually came about when my in-laws bought an X70, and we thought it would be of good value to trade in my old car for that SUV.
Also, my wife prefers (when she drives) a higher car, she use to drive a Sorento, and believes that the higher seating does give advantage in terms of visibility when driving. I am open for suggestions tho, if any of those actually tick all the boxes.
QUOTE(hyrano @ Aug 6 2019, 02:40 PM)
You're gonna have to sacrifice some things coming from a VW dual clutch transmission 1.8 turbo. Most of the low end entry level mid size SUVs are CVT gearbox for Japanese cars.
In terms of car size, you're looking for something around the size of X70, Xtrail, CRV right? Have you tried driving Subaru Forester? Similar size but AWD.
The new version of Forester is coming out this month so a lot of shops are offering massive discounts on their previous generation Foresters. Or else can wait for the new generation launch, but it's going to be somewhere between 140-170k price range. That car is great to drive and pretty roomy, also good NVH. But the pricing is a bit expensive and for a driver's car, can consider CX5 turbo already.
It's Subaru so maintenance will be a bit higher but the ride and build quality is solid for the price. The trims we get in Malaysia are pretty similar to the ones in foreign countries, and Subaru XV and Forester is very popular in the US/Australia.
As always just take the family for a test drive on one of them. Subaru cars are driver cars just like Mazda but I feel they emphasize a lot on safety, comfort and practical construction and design. Car feels solid.
Hi, yes I know that there will be some sacrifice. Haven't exactly look into Subaru, never really look to that brand as a "Family Car" brand. My preference is for City driving and not really "exploration" with the All wheel drive. But I'll take a look once the new model is out, perhaps take it for a spin, not really a fan on the looks though.