Bye bye VW

[Sunny43.5]

Well after a month or so contemplating which van to buy to replace our 2012 T5.1 we made the decision , we were looking at the Hyundai Staria Load base model as a template for converting to be able to carry our daughter in her wheel chair in the back . As all our three previous VW vans from 2000 up to now were based on bare bones models we have done a complete 180 degree turn with our latest purchase , I found a 2023 Hyundai Staria Highlander in Melbourne ex Hyundai Aus company vehicle . It only has 15000 kms on the clock and was nearly $20 k below current new price . I flew to Melbourne and drove it back to Brisbane last weekend , well I was more than impressed yes its very new with loads of modern tech in comparison to our current VW . The drive home was extremely fun and relaxing with adaptive cruise lane keep and a plethora of other safety driving aids . As its a top of the range its already trimmed out inside so no having to line the inside like our other ones , electric sliding doors both sides 8 seater [ all but one of the rears will be removed for the wheel chair ] and twin sunroofs . The only down side if I was picky is its about 100mm taller than our current VW as it was lowered so will need to be careful with underground carparks , its also about 300mm longer but that gives us much more space inside . The best part is its AWD with 2.2 turbo diesel and 8 speed auto with paddle shifters none of that DSG nonsense which never seems to know what gear when approaching roundabouts or going down hills does . So I might still pop back here to see whats happening as I have enjoyed reading stories and venting my spleen about some of VW,s designs , thank you to all those who have commented on my posts and have had great suggestions particularly the one where someone posted about the "Robustness Kit " which save us from a catastrophic possible engine destruction some years back . Regards Howard PS anyone interested in a one owner 2012 T5.1 169000kms let me know service history and incredibly well fitted out inside for camping or disabled use .

[Kiels3927]

When I bought a secondhand T6 Multivan a year or two back, the salesman recommended that I consider a Staria but my wife adjudged it pug ugly, so we didn't go there. Sounds like I might have made the wrong call.

[The_Hawk]

We ended up in a Mazda CX-8 after having the T5.2 for 12 years and 225,000km. The new ones, while nice enough, seemed a little under-equipped and boring in comparison.

[Lucas_R]

Congrats on the new car. There is a Staria in dark blue near my house and they are pretty cool looking (very futuristic) and definitely suit being in the darker colours in my opinion. No doubt it is a huge upgrade compared to a 2012 model vehicle. My wifes parents have this same engine (and possibly same gearbox??) in a 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander and it is very smooth and quiet, interior is very nice, and coming from the VW, no doubt it feels like a rocket in comparison.

My in laws had a gearbox failure at about 90,000km's (their car has an 8 speed dual clutch transmission - not sure if the Staria has the same??) which was a $28k repair....thankfully they were just within their warranty period. Funnily enough it failed about 2 weeks after a major service when they supposedly changed the gearbox oil.....i wonder if they never refilled it or used the wrong oil etc etc.

[Sunny43.5]

When I bought a secondhand T6 Multivan a year or two back, the salesman recommended that I consider a Staria but my wife adjudged it pug ugly, so we didn't go there. Sounds like I might have made the wrong call.

Yes I agree the design is polarising at first but we now love it , huge glass which gives great views all around , but what I do like is when you indicate to change lanes there are two digital display right in front of the driver one is tacho and the other speedo but when you turn to change lanes one or the other turns into a video screen showing right down the side of the van . Along with all the various other safety things it didnt take long to win us over . Photo taken at Parkes Radio Telescope on the way home from Melbourne , I thought the location was pertinent as they describe the Staria as a "Starship " Note the front was peppered with dead bugs that were attracted to the lights after two hours of night time driving took ages to clean them off on arrival home .

[Lucas_R]

Its a huge glass area - id be booking in quick smart for some ceramic window tinting mainly for some privacy but obviously for the benefits of keeping the suns heat out of the car.

Holy moley the bugs took a liking to the front of your car on the trip home!!

Im familiar with the cameras appearing in the dash display when you indicate as my in laws Hyundai Santa Fe has the same feature. Its pretty nifty for sure.

[Sunny43.5]

Yes tinting the windows is a priority , but interesting is that each of the four rear glass panels has a pull down blind standard !

[Lucas_R]

Ahh good yes the blinds are a good idea for privacy. Can you drive around with them pulled down? Assume you can still see through them?

[Sunny43.5]

Yes they are still pretty transparent , but still going to tint them for privacy for our daughter in her wheelchair .