If safety is a priority, the Forester would make it to the top of the list. It's a consideration but, I also have to make the best of the driving experience too. This is how things turned out.
The VW isn't available. I'm not calling around to every dealership in Ontario to try and track one down that meets the criteria. Comfortline, TDI with DSG and no upgrades such as audio, leather, sunroof etc. I did check around 4 different places and came up zilch. OK, so moving on to the three SUVs.
I want to like the Subaru. It just happens to be the worst driving experience of a new vehicle I've ever experienced. Poor steering, dated interior, a CVT that allows the engine to make a racket and seem to go no where. It also lets in a lot of road noise. It seems the least refined vehicle of the bunch. I'd say if I parked it in my lane way, no one would notice I got a new vehicle. It could be mistaken for a vehicle that was made in 2005. The back up camera screen is a postage stamp in size making it useless.
The plus side, great sight lines, great safety rating and AWD. It just drove like an appliance.
Keeping an open mind and still rooting for the Subie, moved on to Ford.
First dealer, sorry sir, I can let you see one but, you can't test drive it. We don't let fleet purchase customers to have a test drive. You can check out the Titanium model in the show room to see what kind of space and controls are like but, ignore the leather, moon roof etc. No, I'd like to drive an SE model with the 1.6 Ecotech, and equipped how it would be for me before making a decision. I'll just check out the Subaru or Nissan dealer down the road.......Sales manager didn't blink an eye. Have a good day sir.
OK, the dealer must not need the business. I know it's low margin but, I'm sure most dealerships like to have another unit notched in their belt. Let's check out another. OK, second dealership busy. No problem take your time. Don't mention fleet sale. Looking at an Escape, SE trim, 1.6 Ecoboost, cloth interior and FWD. Are you looking to purchase? No, haven't decided. Comparing with a couple of others. After an hour of standing around, I leave.
Let's go to Nissan. Sales associate greets me, asks me what I'm interested in. I tell him. They have a courtesy vehicle that is exactly what I'm looking for, I'll grab the keys. Makes photo copy of my license and says take our time and he'll be happy to answer any questions when we get back.
It's a quiet and isolated ride. I get back and tell them it's a fleet purchase. No problem. Have the fleet manager contact their Sales Manager and they will work out the details.
So, I'm going with a Rogue again. I had one in 2012 and it was a decent machine. It looks a lot better than before.
After 14 or 15 months, I'll be looking at a replacement again.
Thanks for everyone's input.
Cheers.
