Car question; Explorer or VW Atlas?
 

http://britishexpats.com/forum/usa-5...y-like-895817/

I refer to my thread a while ago where we discussed the merits of going with a Ford as suggested by IAS against a more difficult transaction for a European brand. I was quite convinced that an Explorer Sport was the way to go.
However, the down payment is quite substantial, so IAS have suggested the VW Atlas as a possible alternative.

Price aside, which would you prefer?

I haven't driven either yet, but we have arranged an Explorer as our rental car during our 'look see' visit it two weeks.

Re: Car question; Explorer or VW Atlas?
 

State troopers use Ford Explorer's extensively. So get a nice looking one, and people will think you're an unmarked police car. So, i'd take it on that alone to be honest.

Re: Car question; Explorer or VW Atlas?
 

With cars a lot comes down to personal preference.

We drove a lot of SUVs when we came over 2 years ago and went with the explorer sport. I know a lot of others on the forum have one also.

For us it's still hands down the best car we have owned. However we didn't get it though IAS we did it through a ford dealership/ ford leasing program as it was cheaper and we got the actual car we wanted.

If you can find someone in a local dealership who is knowledgeable then it's fairly easy to do. However dealers here are not all equal. Expect full on used car salesman.....

Re: Car question; Explorer or VW Atlas?
 

The VW is a brand new model from a company that doesn't have a history of making large SUVs, so expect some bugs and teething issues.

VW didn't have a good reputation in the US for reliability even before the diesel engine fiasco, so expect the VW to depreciate more rapidly than the Explorer.

Take the Ford. :nod:

Re: Car question; Explorer or VW Atlas?
 

Personal preference - I'd favor the VW. Only because i think the explorer looks like crud and they just blend in.

See if you can get a look at one at VW dealership when you're over for your visit. You won't know until you drive them both, or at least see the similar spec models.

Re: Car question; Explorer or VW Atlas?
 

The VW atlas is fairly new. I thought it looked better than the explorer in terms of seats for a family of 5. Also get VW foreign business/expat program for a quote, ask dealerships about that

Re: Car question; Explorer or VW Atlas?
 

I think the fact that the Atlas is a brand new car and therefore relatively untested is a compelling argument. Whereas I know that the Ford is a popular, long-standing model and there are loads of favourable reviews ...and you guys have convinced me ;-).
The worst criticism about the VW is that it's underpowered, which would drive me nuts and the seats aren't very comfortable - which would drive Mr Jazz nuts.

Re: Car question; Explorer or VW Atlas?
 

VW is not new, from a mechanical/drivetrain perspective.

Explorer is thirsty

http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/o...psklum4ily.jpg
(My daughter's Explorer)

Re: Car question; Explorer or VW Atlas?
 

Remember my comment about unmarked police cars? Though, I should clarify, they are still appallingly bad cars. Cheap interior, weak engines, complete lack of handling (as is common with most American vehicles) and so forth. Both are crap cars that I would never touch.

Re: Car question; Explorer or VW Atlas?
 

Yep! :lol:

Re: Car question; Explorer or VW Atlas?
 

But you're an American now - haven't you put on 200lbs and bought a big ol' Caddy yet? :unsure:

Re: Car question; Explorer or VW Atlas?
 

Modern Caddilac's are for young black men I've realised. Literally every one I see is driven by a black person. Oh, and Bill O'Reilly. The irony.

Re: Car question; Explorer or VW Atlas?
 

Mr Jazz makes he laugh - he doesn't enjoy cars really, but he wants a caddy just to say he has one in the drive.

's not gonna happen.