Yeah, in general even new cars with knobs will have large screens.   Unfortunately today’s cars probably won’t age as well as cars from the 80's/90's.   I suppose the upside is that some manufacturers could offer over the air interface/skin updates.   Resolution will be fixed however.  

True, and as a wagon oficionado I almost went in that direction coming from a 2015 DSG GTI, but they are very different beasts. The traditional torque converter Aisin slush box of the Buck doesn’t always do a great job of putting the powed to the ground compared to the more direct DSG. I ended up with a 328i AWD…

Respectfully, we aren’t comparing a computer driven touchscreen to an analog switch.... we are comparing the touchscreen to a computer driven switch module which is hardwired to a circuit board. The computer is there regardless of either option. To me a single solid state screen seems more simple than all of the…

Touchscreens have shown themselves to be very reliable.... my main point. At worst they have some mild ghosting or lag over time, but rarely fail completely.

Seriously, comparing this to your Buick. VW has had versions of the 2.0T that have exceeded that number for years (Golf R) but they are going more for economy and reliability here). And touch screens are certainly more reliable and cheaper than a network of switches and buttons.  Replacing is likely a single wiring…

Steering wheel has tactile controls for volume.  With climate control you barely ever touch have controls beyond setting the temp once in awhile.  As for satisfying your fingers, VW can’t help you there.  

I had an MK7 GTI.  I used the steering wheel controls for volume, etc.... the knobs were redundant.   It was fine.  Other knob stuff is temp and fan, which I barely ever touch in a car with climate control.  

Sure, but the vehicular death rate now is half what it was in the 80’s, so more important are the people who DIDN’T live to tell the tail.  

And the fence apparently made from shipping containers?

Maybe, but this appears to have been made with scraps from his shed, and no trip to the store. 

Yeah. I resorted to Carmax because they would ship from other locations.  Didn’t get the warranty though because they wanted $4800!

The MQB chassis and 2.0t engine is used for much of their lineup and both are solid and proven.  

It will be super niche, even compared the the R as there isn’t much market for $40k performance wagons. They will spend money getting it crash tested, EPA tested, etc... At the end of the day they would rather sell you a Tiguan which probably has a higher profit margin.  The R gives them a halo car to stay an…

I think the leaking issues were overblown, just like everything else on VW vortex. You can do things like keep the seals lubricated to help prevent issues. I had a 2013 TDI Sportwagon and a 2015 GTI, both with the Pano roofs, and they were solid.

What did you end up doing?  I had the same conundrum and traded my MK7 GTI for a lightly used 328i wagon.  Definitely a step up in comfort and space.   The GTI was livelier to drive and sounded better, but the BMW is much more capable.  

I have owned a lot of wagons and hatchbacks and have debated the sloping roofline form factor on vehicles like this.... or hatchback sedans like the Stinger or Arteon. 95% of the time when I am loading up my BMW wagon, the cargo is below the windows where the sloping form factor is not a compromise. You are only…

I think you are correct. My wife drives a hybrid Lexus hatchback and has a long commute. I made the mistake of telling her there is a new Tesla crossover coming out and her eyes lit up. The 3 is selling well despite the fact that nobody buys sedans. The Y is going to be huge.

It is not trying to be an off reader. It is a CUV. The hottest selling segment in the market. People like the look and ground clearance.

I mean, it has twice the cargo space, more passenger space and has a giant hatchback instead of a trunk. That is pretty different?  Completely different body.   Sure it looks similar, just like the lineup from Audi, VW and BMW. To consumers brand identity isn’t a bad thing....assuming you like the brand.

Sorry if I struck a nerve. It was an off the cuff comment. The module is actually the “roof module” which controls the sunroof, sos, lights, microphone, etc.. on my car.... and the price was from my independent BMW mechanic who is typically far less expensive than the dealer. The car is a 328i wagon and tons of…