Why so much hate from Consumer Reports?

[schmidty86]

So I just got my April Issue of Consumer Reports, the Auto Issue, and they seem to have a lot of bad things to day about the Touareg. It was rated as one of the least satisfying to own in terms of its cost of maintenance and repair (the Lincoln MKX was most satisfying), it was rated the most expensive midsized SUV to own over 5 years, sharing the category with the Jeep Commander and Ford Explorer among others (the Hyundai Santa Fe was the cheapest to own), it was given the worst rating for reliability and total owner cost, and finally they said the '04-'06 are the "worst of the worst" for reliability in used cars and to avoid them at all costs.

Now I've had an '04 V8 for about 3 months and have been pretty satisfied so far except for the gas mileage (but I knew about that before I bought it). What does everyone think about it?

[OrangeOkie]

Originally Posted by schmidty86

. . . What does everyone think about it?

I read all of these type reports and still bought an '05 V8 CPO with 35K miles with a 6yr 74K mile bumper to bumper warranty. You can't even mention the Lincoln, Ford, Jeep, nor the Hyundai in the same sentence with the Touareg. They aren't even close to the capability and class of a Touareg IMHBAO. I've also read just about every thread on here about the folks who had some serious problems out of the box, but those problems affect only a small percentage of the vehicles sold, so with a good VW warranty, I don't see a problem.

[schmidty86]

I agree completely, I bought mine CPO as well and made sure I got the warranty. There is no questions those other rides aren't even close to the level of luxury and performance (on road and off).

[OrangeOkie]

Motor Trend's 2004 Sport/Utility of the Year

[OrangeOkie]

Here is a Car Fax report on a 2004 V10 w/55K miles for sale on ebay. Do
you notice notice anything interesting with this vehicle service history?
Does a V10 have a 10K mile recommended service interval like the V8?

09/15/2004
7,178
Service Facility
Vehicle serviced
Miscellaneous service performed
Electrical system serviced

10/25/2004
10,050
Service Facility
Vehicle serviced
Miscellaneous service performed
Electrical system serviced

12/20/2004
14,498
Service Facility
Vehicle serviced
Miscellaneous service performed
Transmission serviced
Electrical system serviced

02/07/2005
18,148
Service Facility
Vehicle serviced
Miscellaneous service performed
Electrical system serviced

01/12/2006
33,853
Auto Auction
Sold at auction in Pennsylvania
Listed as a fleet vehicle

[Mike's Panzer]

You have to read a little into those Consumer Reports, they love old lady cars. New stuff scares them, they do road tests in parking lots. They can't believe Ford is dropping the Crown Vic. If you want plain Vanilla, CR is the book for you.

[TREGinginCO]

CR has a history of pounding pretty hard on VW in general. True... the '04 model year was a nightmare (overall)... but the reliability of these things has gotten tremendously better each year.

[biorig]

A couple of years ago, I subscribed to Consumer Reports, and what I learned is that I disagreed with MOST of their ratings. I bought a few items based on their recommendations and was very disappointed. Their rating of digital and video cameras were off base (IMHO) and we aren't thrilled with the washer/dryer purchased on their recommendation. Neither my '02 Audi A6 or '06 Touareg were rated very high, and I have been very pleased with both. They tend to highly rate Toyota, Lexus and Acura. I find the Toyota brands completely without any road feel and the Acura (especially the new MDX) butt ugly. Needless to say, I don't subscribe to CR anymore!

[dploy]

I have an employee who bought a new Santa Fe and it has been nothing but trouble. It feels cheap inside and clanks whenever you close the door...after 6 months he wants rid of it and will prob loose lots of $$.

[nickm]

Save the $5 bucks consumer reports wants for their magazine and go buy yourself a base model Toyota Camry...that is after all the pinnacle of automotive design and perfection in their eyes.

I love my wife, but it wasn't her reliability and vanillaness that attracted me to her...Same decision process on my Touareg. If it doesn't turn you on, then why bother....right?