Newbie needs advice - Long!

tkln · 11-22-2009

Hi everyone...I'm hoping that I can get some advice on a possible purchase of a Touareg.

Some background info: I currently drive a 2007 V8 XC90 that I bought certified last year...prior to that, I leased several Jeep Grand Cherokees, the last one having the Hemi. I purchased the XC90 in a quest to be a bit more responsible but it hasn't worked. It's a fine enough car, and I feel like a spoiled jerk for wanting out, but it's just not 'me'. A family member at Christmas said it all last year when I pulled up - A Volvo??!!! Sigh. Thanks.

Have done a ton of reading about the Touareg, and really impressed by the TDI. I am a bit of a greeny in all areas of my life but my car.

So this struck me as the best of both worlds. Yesterday, I took a 2010 TDI and the 6 cylinder for a test drive. I was sort of shocked by the 6, I was not expecting to like it at all and I was impressed by how well it drove. The TDI was great, the torque was awesome.

In all reality, buying the TDI is a bit of a stretch financially, but I can do it, mostly because of the tax credit and deductions. If I went with the 6, I would probably lease it (I'm self employed so this is a tax write off too). I also have considered going with a certified 06-07-08 8cyl, which would probably be my cheapest option.

My main concerns with buying new are depreciation and repairs. I am not a DIY at all so any problems, it's going back to VW. Which is fine for the first three years, but then what...I know VW has gotten a lot better the last few years with problems, but I'm a bit nervous about the cost of maintenance. German is not cheap.

So do I buy the TDI new? Do I maybe lease a 6 and then purchase a certified TDI in three years? Do I just buy the 8? Anybody have some real world MPG on the 6 and 8? I would imagine they are probably the same, considering the weight of the car. I know the TDI does a lot better, just wondering if the premium would be worth it.

Thanks for any advice!!!
Lucy

nltomba · 11-22-2009

Go look on ebay and see how fast Touaregs depriciate. If that is not that important buy a V6 TDI. Leasing a TDI is close to a grand a month.
Buying is close to the same a month on payments.
An 05 or 06 V8 can be bought for much much less. Buy it and then buy a TDI CPO in a couple of years. Sure the V8 sucks more gas but you are done with most the depreciation, you are not stuck with the limitations of the lease and the driving experience is about the same. The V8 is faster than the TDI if that is important

rineman1 · 11-22-2009

I have a 09 TDI and avg about 21 mpg city/hwy. My best mpg hwy is 27. I have 6200k miles and the mpg should improve as the engine breaks in. I have no complaints with the TDI thus far. Diesel is cheaper than gas ($2.79 gal) and you cant beat the towing limit. I have a 18' Bass boat that I tow (2100 lbs) and you cant even feel it behind the Treg. If I had to pick one thing that I found hard to believe that VW didnt get right on the 09 was the fact that its not prewired for a brake controller. 7000+ lbs towing and no prewire for a BC ? Come on.........Good luck with your shopping and you have come to the right place for all your Touareg questions.

NorthVan997C2S · 11-22-2009

Why not look at a slightly used V10 TDI, I have no doubt
that after 1 drive you will be sold!

NorthVan997C2S · 11-22-2009

Why not look at a slightly used V10 TDI, I have no doubt
that after 1 drive you will be sold!

nltomba · 11-22-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by rineman1

I have a 09 TDI and avg about 21 mpg city/hwy. My best mpg hwy is 27. I have 6200k miles and the mpg should improve as the engine breaks in. I have no complaints with the TDI thus far. Diesel is cheaper than gas ($2.79 gal) and you cant beat the towing limit. I have a 18' Bass boat that I tow (2100 lbs) and you cant even feel it behind the Treg. If I had to pick one thing that I found hard to believe that VW didnt get right on the 09 was the fact that its not prewired for a brake controller. 7000+ lbs towing and no prewire for a BC ? Come on.........Good luck with your shopping and you have come to the right place for all your Touareg questions.

I think 2100 lbs is peanuts for any touareg,
You are right. It should be prewired for this vehicles.
I know the 04 is prewired.
However there is a very good solution for this. It is a wireless one. Costs about $300 if I remember. There is a forum member with a V6TDI that bought one I think it is a tekumseh?

strokethis2 · 11-22-2009

Sounds to me like you are a guy who is not going to be happy unless you get what you want/like (you have gone through a lot of looking/swapping & $$), so my suggestion is get what you will be happy with (probably cost you less in the long run if you can swing it). Love the TDI.

tkln · 11-23-2009

Well you are right in all that except that I'm a girl who isn't happy unless I get what I like.

I know I'd be more than happy with an 8, but I was figuring I could be a bit more responsible AND still have my fun with the TDI. How bad does the 8 do on gas? I'm averaging about 18-19mpg on the Volvo now...if I could do that with the 8, I'd be fine...but I know the Touareg weighs more than the Volvo...

colebert · 11-23-2009

My V8 runs from a low of about 13mpg to a high of about 22 mpg (just looking at the display) - I've never really recorded total miles on a tank of gas over time. My guess is that fuel consumption is not a top priority for the V8 owners. Also, at least in my case, the car requires premium fuel (as most V8's). The volvo V8 also requires premium fuel.

colebert · 11-23-2009

I forgot my point: You will spend a good chunk of money on fuel for the V8 - so maybe the 6TDI is a good choice if that is a problem.