jap or german

[a8 tech]

We all know the japs have the reliability issue sorted but why do we buy german.I hate jap crap but what do you think

[prolfe]

We all know the japs have the reliability issue sorted but why do we buy german.I hate jap crap but what do you think

I agree, that Japanese cars have been at the top of reliability surveys for the last 5 or 6 years, yet we still wander off to VAG, BMW and Mercedes.

Badge appeal will always play a big part, for me the quality of materials used and also the design helped me make my decision.

Anyone who's driven a VTEC will know how sweet they sound beyond 5000 revs. They also have never had a warranty claim on a VTEC engine since they were originally built back in the 80's

And if I could have one that was new and untouched, i'd love a Nissan Skyline R34.

Have to stick to my little A3 and dream of an RS4.

[The Stagg]

I had two Mazdas before the Passat, both over 120k on the clock. And I miss them both! The 1.8V6 in the MX-3 is fantastic above 3,750 rpm, and its a good looking motor too. German stuff is refined and comfortable and feels better made, the jap stuff tends to be more raw but ultimately more exiting (at my price range anyway) With hindsight i'd probably have kept my MX-3 and spent a few quid on the suspension I think!

[Col]

The problem is with Jap cars, by and large they look so plain.

Nissan for example have produced on one hand some real crackers 200, 300, Skyline, Pulsar GT etc and then on the other choose to market and plug some of the most boring ugly cars going.

Why do they do that ?

[The Stagg]

The problem is with Jap cars, by and large they look so plain.

Nissan for example have produced on one hand some real crackers 200, 300, Skyline, Pulsar GT etc and then on the other choose to market and plug some of the most boring ugly cars going.

Why do they do that ?

This is very true, and part of the reason i don't own one now. My Mazda 323f was a 94 model with pop up lights, it was great to drive and didn't really look like anything else. The replacement model was curvy and still looks good today, and i may still buy one, its also available with a V6. The last model was soo bland in comparison it looked like a Nissan Almera tribute... never a good thing!

[a8 tech]

This is good stuff.I think the quality of audi interiors is second to none and the ride of all vag cars is very high quality but you dont see meny pensioners in audi but if you look inside the jap cars there coffins on wheels,even the taxi drivers are into the v.a.g stuff now as the bluebirds have finally died off.

[KiwiA6]

Down here, Jap and Korean cars probably make up 90% of the vehicles on the road – apart from the Australian Ford Falcon & Holden Commodore.

The reason I like the Euro’s is simple – styling. Jap cars are simply boring. The difference between sitting in the drivers seat of my in-laws Nissan Maxima and my A6 is immeasurable. Sure, the Japs come with plenty of bells and whistles now, but it can’t touch the ergonomics of the Euros. With the Audi, everything control is where it feels the most right – with Japs, you can spend hours looking for a particular button!!

Ride and handling is another big point. Yes, the Japs are catching up, but for our roads, nothing can beat a blast in a decent Euro.

Luckily for us, Euro’s are becoming much more affordable down here since we started bring in large numbers of used cars from Japan. Most of the Euros on the roads here have first been driven in Japan, or Singapore. This works well for us, as we get a high specced model for excellent value. My own A6 was a Jap import 3 years ago. Euro’s are generally considered ‘posh’ hear – what you would consider a run of the mill car there would get envious glances from people driving Japs worth twice the price here!!

Japanese reliability has already been good, but I have had no problem with the 3 Discoveries, 1 Range Rover, the Rover 623 or the Audi either. That said, the 623 did have Honda running gear, but I found that the best of both worlds – Jap reliability with Euro styling. That was a nice wee car.

[MalcQV]

Since 92 until last year I have always had Mazda and/or Honda. I can't fault them. This is my first VAG. I like it but TBH have had more trouble with it than any of the Japanese cars, but as I have only had one VAG think it would be unfair to say they are less reliable.

I changed my 96 Accord just because I got bored with it. Had, had that and a 95 Accord before it for 8 years total. They really were faultless.

The engine note in the Pasty is better than the Accords though

[RickT]

They also have never had a warranty claim on a VTEC engine since they were originally built back in the 80's

.

Yes they have.. a mate of mine worked for Honda and has replaced a few lumps before now under warranty..

RickT

[mluton]

My last car was a Toyota MR2 Roadster. Previously to me owning it, it just sat in a garage for 18 months as the person was out of the country all the time.

It had no MOT, but passed without a fault. It also had a hard life from me for 2 years, passing another MOT without failure. Never had to replace any parts, not even discs and pads, servicing was only £110 every 10k.


A motor i couldnt fault in anyway, but had to change as it was impractical when i moved in with SWMBO.

Now i drive a VAG mobile.