Should I stay or should I go ???? Help needed

[kgbAgent]

Hey Peeps

I have owned Subarus for 20 years and currently own a Liberty GT MY05 that I just paid the lease out on. For those that aren't followers of the Subby brand, the new models arrive in September this year in OZ. Reviews are a little sparse at present but apart from being bigger inside & out; turbo location shifted;bigger donk & revised suspension & cvt transmission - there are a few things that I dont like. These being the loss of the moon roof and the addition of pillars to the doors. Oh, and it is a NEW model that could carry some risks.

As a consequence someone suggested the R36 as an alternative. I have scanned all the websites / forums / you tube & so far like what I see. It appears a few ppl here have transitioned from a Subby to VW as well.

The main issue is getting hold of one --- even the dealers who had 1 had sold them so were pretty picky about letting you looking them over. There seem to be none in Melbourne to even test drive

From what I gather the R36 for the money is a much higher loaded proposition with all the goodies already on board.

What do you lot think --- is it worth the leap to the VW world ? I know that you are all biased so will take it with a small degree of salt. Would you buy a 70k car that you have never driven on spec ?

Cheers

[99gti]

I'm sure there will be one of the Melb gang with an R36 who will take you for a squirt. I'm amazed there are none you can test drive down there, but they do seem to be selling like hot cakes for such a premium car.

[Jayse]

Hey mate,
I was in the same boat but coming from Audi.
When i was looking into the R36 in June 08 there were NO cars to test drive.
I did heaps of research on the car plus others i was considering and ended up ordering the car sight unseen. Damn glad i did, it's an awesome car which compared to similar spec'd Euro rivals i was looking at came $40k under.
Like you said, quiet a few of the R36 drivers are ex liberty and i'm pretty sure they're rapt with the car.

Good luck with your choice mate.

Cheers,

Jayse.

[reverseworm]

hey kgb and welcome. the biased opinion on this site I am sure will be overwhelmingly supportive of the R36, but I do not recommend that you buy one without haven driven it first. Sure it is a great car, but it may not be for everyone and $70k is a lot of dough in anyone's language. 99gti is right - I am sure someone will give you a drive if you cant find a dealer with one (which is really surprising).

[gead]

welcome...my previous ride was an 06 Liberty GT Tuned by STi, a car which i absolutely loved...the move from Subaru to Volkswagen seems to be a common one, and i don't think you will go wrong....things like the excellent build quality, and the equipment levels have it all over Subaru. As you have probably found out through research, there is not much else out there performance wise for similar money. Having said that, the R36 doesn't give you the same sense of OMFG whoosh that the turbo subaru's do...but you don't get the lag either

the new liberties also look like a dogs dinner, whereas the r36 is a little more understated...

In fact, at the Passat R36’s price point of $64,990 (the wagon costs $2000 extra), there’s precious few cars that can hold a candle to its straight line go and un-stickable handling. In fact, the competition really boils down to just one Japanese contender – the STI-tuned Subaru Liberty GT. The Liberty is almost a perfect match for the R36 on price, but unfortunately it possesses neither the Passat’s trick twin-clutch gearbox, nor the style and panache of the R36. Nor is it as refined, or as comfortable.

Taken from a good article that you may have already seen...

http://www.themotorreport.com.au/8645/2008-volkswagen-passat-r36-road-test-review/

whereabouts are you based?

[Luminary]

I did have the opportunity of a test drive but even without it, based on the reports etc. I was convinced it was the car for me. The test drive only confirmed it.

I could easily have spent another $40k on a BMW and still I feel not captured the package that is the R36. The seats alone are amazing let alone anything else.

I think you're already onto a winner by having put it on your shortlist.

[Pana]

Although I didnt have a Liberty before the R36 (MY05 WRX), I am so glad I changed to VW rather than buying a new Lib GT.

[99gti]

Come on you Melbourne lot, take him for a buzz around the block.

[Rocket36]

I'm a bit of an impulse buyer when it comes to cars. Since january 2007 I've bought three $70k cars just cause I liked them at the time. The R36 is BY FAR the best value for money/performance/quality. And I won't be upgrading it any time soon (unless I win the lotto of course).

Do it!

I personally guaruntee you won't be disappointed.

[pj's]

kgb welcome. My experience after three Subarus ( My98 WRX, My02 Liberty B4 and a reflashed My 05 Liberty GT) suggests that the R36 Sedan or Wagon is a much better option as it out performs and handles both the Libertys. It is by far a better looking car as well. Cheers pj

[apom]

absolutely must drive one. Everyone is passionate on their car for a reason (if they are car nuts) but you will only know if its the car for you if you drive it! I was unconvinced until i drove one... then I was absolutely hooked!!!

[KWICKS]

At the time the Liberty was the best price/looks/performance combination available. Today that has shifted to the Passat R36. I drive a 3RB Liberty and wife Golf GTI, but she would love the Liberty to go for an R36 when it is time. The R36 is bigger and heavier than the current Liberty (maybe not the new one which I understand has grown).

Tell the dealer to get serious and find you a test drive.

[wowser]

I am also a liberty convert coming from a 04GT to a Passat CC 3.6l. I must say that I too have been impressed with the new passat models. The level of comfort is way above the GT and also finish is far superior. On a handling level maybe I am not used to the new vehicle yet, but the lighter GT was more chuckable than the new vehicle. Maybe just need more practice.

[wowser]

Forget to mention much more grunt.

[kgbAgent]

welcome...my previous ride was an 06 Liberty GT Tuned by STi, a car which i absolutely loved...the move from Subaru to Volkswagen seems to be a common one, and i don't think you will go wrong....things like the excellent build quality, and the equipment levels have it all over Subaru. As you have probably found out through research, there is not much else out there performance wise for similar money. Having said that, the R36 doesn't give you the same sense of OMFG whoosh that the turbo subaru's do...but you don't get the lag either


Yeppers .... the equip levels are superb tho I have heard the odd mutter about VW build quality. I hope that did not apply to a premium product tho. There is no choice other than the Liberty in that $$$ bracket

the new liberties also look like a dogs dinner, whereas the r36 is a little more understated...

The new one does look odd but the new Impreza STI has grown on me now


Taken from a good article that you may have already seen...

http://www.themotorreport.com.au/8645/2008-volkswagen-passat-r36-road-test-review/

Yep saw that - one of the better ones as was this http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring...r36-review.htm

whereabouts are you based?

Footscray ... the new yuppie/dinky ghetto