I really wanted a CX-5, but like so many other cars out there, the manual transmission forced the underpowered engine and poverty trim. Since I was going FWD to get an MT anyway, (no interest in any Subaru anymore) I settled on an Accord Sport. My next car will almost certainly be used...BMW, Audi, Chevy SS...as long…

The first thing I would do is set aside $1000 for a set of winter tires and wheels; that is the number one thing you can do to prevent crashes when they happen most often: winter. Then I would look for a used Volvo XC90; not an enthusiast choice but probably the safest choice. I have come to the sad realization that…

Our local Mazda dealer in Fairbanks had a pair of 2015 Mazada 6 Tourings for sale with manual transmissions....advertised as automatics. They had the audacity to put a $1000 “dealer markup” on the sticker. I decided to stop in a few months ago to ask them if they were serious. The sales guy told me (with a straight…

They used to sell unique combinations unavailable anywhere else. Manual transmissions, diesels, wagons. Sometimes all three together (I own one). I’ve owned at least 6 VWs over the last 30 years, but now that their unique features have disappeared (I predict the Alltrack will replace the wagon entirely when the next…

I’ve driven the Tiguan but ended up snatching up one of the last TDI Touaregs before the stop sale. Very different cars. I appreciate (and use) the 7700# towing capacity as well as the 26 gallon fuel tank.

Interesting. Here in Alaska, an awful lot of vans are converted to 4x4, all by aftermarket companies. Quigley, Quadvan and others convert E-series, Transit, and Express vans. They charge about $13,000. Mercedes recently offered 4x4 as a factory option on their vans. It would be nice to see Ford and GM follow suit.

This exactly. The most frustrating part for a new driver is getting the car moving in the first place. Old TDIs did this. New ones are notorious for stalling if RPM dips slightly.

Those are Porsche Cayenne wheels, so definitely VW group.