The Routan Offers Features and Options for a Wide Range of Buyers
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Published August 24, 2010 by:
James J. Hilt
There are times when a sport utility vehicle just isn't big enough for a family of six, and you are forced to go with purchasing a minivan. In my four years of selling cars, I have noticed that most mothers frown on the idea of having to drive a minivan. The fact is that they just don't like them over the SUV. The number one complaint I hear is that they just don't like the way minivans look. That perspective held true until Volkswagen launched the Routan in 2009.
Image via WikipediaMy wife drove our four kids in a SUV, though we had minivans a few times over the years to her disliking, the last two years before we decided to lease a 2009 Volkswagen Routan. My dealership had an S model on the lot for several months when I called my wife and told her that I was seriously thinking about leasing this Routan S. She wasn't sure that she wanted a minivan. But after convincing her that is was in our best interest, I leased it and brought it home. I'll never forget the excitement on her face when I pulled up in the driveway. She told me that it looked awesome!
We liked the Routan so much that this past spring I traded our Routan S in for a Routan SE w/ Rear DVD, mainly for the upgraded features the SE provides. We went from having clothed seats to leatherette w/ heated seats, dual DVD players (an absolute must with having kids), back up camera, Sirius Satellite Radio, power sliding doors and rear tailgate, and power driver's seat, to name a few of the upgraded features. The sticker price on the S model was $25,300, and the SE w/ rear DVD was $33,400, a significant increase for the features but well worth it.
Volkswagen offers such great incentives on the Routan that it makes it seem a little more attractive than its rivals Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey. Volkswagen has offered 0.0% for 60 and 72 months and rebates of up to $6000 on several occasions since the 2009 model launched. The 36 month lease is also highly attractive for the low payments and for the bumper to bumper warranty and free scheduled maintenance for 3 years or 36,000 miles. The powertrain warranty is for 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
In closing, the Volkswagen Routan has everything one would want in a minivan. With over $15,000 disparity from the S model to the SEL Premium model, the Routan offers features and options for a wide range of buyers. On trips to Disney and Myrtle Beach, our two Routans provided driving enjoyment each time and, most of all, the Routan makes my wife proud to be a soccer mom.
