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What Treg to get for first buy

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#21 ·
handel007 said:
Ahh I see...Been treating you ok?

"Any other considerable diff between 07 and 08?
Another thing I have noticed when looking at carfax, alot of sunroofs and headliners have been replaced. Is this normal for those T1's? How about T2's? Would that be enough to scare me away thinking there may be other problems lurking? If a Treg has lots of maintenance records, meaning things have been repaired or replaced, is that a bad sign?"
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as far as i know sunroof in T1 and T2 are same, i think this problem more depends about what conditions you have where you drive and park your car, if its dusty and its raining often and on top of this you dont have garage 4 drains can get clogged, and thats causing the problems after :)
 
#22 · (Edited)
Get a T2 (2007-2010) with the newer V6 diesel, the one with 240 HP. Set the gear lever to sports mode, wait until the traffic light turns green, floor it, and it just kicks ass... How do I know? Because I have done it on mine... :D The 240 HP V6 TDI has slightly more muscles than the "older" 225 HP version. And more torque...

More seriously, over here at the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, the V6 TDIs generally enjoy the reputation of being least troublesome, maintenance/repair-wise. I'm sure the V10 would be a beast to drive, but I believe it would also be a beast regarding the spent euros/km (or dollars/mile).

Whatever version you get, be sure to get the options that you really need to have. In my opinion, they deserve at least as much attention as the engine configuration. Retrofitting something later can become really costly and time-consuming!

For instance, before my T-Reg, I wasn't used to driving a car with such large outer dimensions, thus the parking sensors option has proven most valuable especially on tighter parking lots.

Also the RNS510 is nice device for both navigation and storing and playing back your musical library during a long journey, plus it is nicely integrated into the steering wheel controls, multi-function display, etc.

If you're a Hi-Fi enthusiast, get a model with Dynaudio sound system. I am, and, while I generally enjoy the "Sound Package 1" on my car, I sometimes yearn for the Dynaudio... I'm sure my possible next T-Reg will have it. :roll:

I test-drove a Q7 with air suspension before getting my Touareg, and I together with my family just felt that the ride was too "soft" for our taste. It was comfortable alright, but not just our cup of tea. I got a T-Reg with steel suspension and I like the feel much better. But I guess this is more like a personal preference.

Also if you have children, some children can get "sea sick" with cars having too soft suspension. Although our family has not experienced anything like that, we didn't want to take the risk and opted against air ride...

Another example was the spare wheel carrier retrofit, of which you will find more information by searching my previous posts. If you absolutely need to have a full-size spare, find a model which has the carrier from factory (which are quite rare, in fact). Then again, you can't have a rear view camera or electric tailgate if you have the spare carrier (unless you fit a third party camera later - see comments about retrofits above :wink:).

Of course, it's always a compromise. Finding a well-maintained, suitable T-Reg with proper engine config and mileage (and color! :)) is already difficult enough, so one probably has to give up with at least some of the options...

Just my two EUROcents. :D
 
Discussion starter · #23 ·
Thanks for all the advice guys, I really appreciate it!!
Thanks to nooby's advice, I checked out a 2006 v10 for the first time.
I was floored, my jaw dropped. I was a little hesitant at first because of the 130k miles on it, but was getting sold with each car I passed. After coming back from the test drive, I saw the thing I did not want to see -- the engine started smoking!! My TReg expert in Denver says the v10's are a nightmare to fix should something go wrong. I guess I will have to pass on this one--Bummer. I then drove a 2004 V8, not bad actually, but not the same.

So, I have a question about the V8 vs V8 FSI. Are all V8's FSI from 2007 going forward in USA? I have seen alot of "V8" for sale, but only a few FSI on 2007 models and higher, and am wondering if they are the same, but just not including the "FSI" in the description. I checked wiki, but could not make heads or tails of it.
 
#25 ·
handel007 said:
Thanks for all the advice guys, I really appreciate it!!
Thanks to nooby's advice, I checked out a 2006 v10 for the first time.
I was floored, my jaw dropped. I was a little hesitant at first because of the 130k miles on it, but was getting sold with each car I passed. After coming back from the test drive, I saw the thing I did not want to see -- the engine started smoking!! My TReg expert in Denver says the v10's are a nightmare to fix should something go wrong. I guess I will have to pass on this one--Bummer. I then drove a 2004 V8, not bad actually, but not the same.
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OMG... Smoke after test drive... The timing could not have been worse. Or better, depending on if you ask the potential buyer or seller...;)

Are you sure it was exactly the engine? Or did the smoke rise from underneath the car (around where the driver's seat resides)? If latter, it could have been the exhaust smoke from the auxiliary heater / Webasto provided that the weather was cold... It functions as an additional heater during cold weather when driving to warm the engine and cabin more quickly, and it keeps running for about 10-15 seconds after you take the key out of the ignition. The exhaust smoke can sometimes look pretty fierce especially if there is considerable amount of soot built up inside the heater.

The Webasto smoke even caused me to call the dealer and confirm the issue when I was not yet that familiar with my car.

Of course, it could have been something more serious as well.

handel007 said:
So, I have a question about the V8 vs V8 FSI. Are all V8's FSI from 2007 going forward in USA? I have seen alot of "V8" for sale, but only a few FSI on 2007 models and higher, and am wondering if they are the same, but just not including the "FSI" in the description. I checked wiki, but could not make heads or tails of it.
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I can't comment on the US market Touaregs, but I highly recommend to check out the 240 HP version V6 TDI as well. Of course the cylinder count is two more down from the V8, but it believe it gives pretty good bang for the buck...;) And it should be more hassle-free maintenance wise.
 
#26 ·
Njord said:
Sadly sometimes Treg steel suspension doesn't replace anti-seasickness pills. =; :(
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Right... ;) Another reason was I just preferred the steel springs based on the test drive. Just like some people don't care about the color as long as it is black... :D

Plus should the air suspension need some repairing, it will add to the maintenance costs as well. I guess for more frequent extreme off road driving, the air ride gives some more ground clearance which could be more important to some drivers...
 
#27 ·
handel007 said:
Thanks for all the advice guys, I really appreciate it!!
Thanks to nooby's advice, I checked out a 2006 v10 for the first time.
I was floored, my jaw dropped. I was a little hesitant at first because of the 130k miles on it, but was getting sold with each car I passed. After coming back from the test drive, I saw the thing I did not want to see -- the engine started smoking!! My TReg expert in Denver says the v10's are a nightmare to fix should something go wrong. .
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:twisted: Yup, the V10 is great to drive but a total bitch to fix if the engine is fooked!!

Do try a 3.6 if you can find one.
 
Discussion starter · #28 ·
Naturist said:
OMG... Smoke after test drive... The timing could not have been worse. Or better, depending on if you ask the potential buyer or seller...;)

Are you sure it was exactly the engine? Or did the smoke rise from underneath the car (around where the driver's seat resides)? If latter, it could have been the exhaust smoke from the auxiliary heater / Webasto provided that the weather was cold... It functions as an additional heater during cold weather when driving to warm the engine and cabin more quickly, and it keeps running for about 10-15 seconds after you take the key out of the ignition. The exhaust smoke can sometimes look pretty fierce especially if there is considerable amount of soot built up inside the heater.

The Webasto smoke even caused me to call the dealer and confirm the issue when I was not yet that familiar with my car.

Of course, it could have been something more serious as well.



I can't comment on the US market Touaregs, but I highly recommend to check out the 240 HP version V6 TDI as well. Of course the cylinder count is two more down from the V8, but it believe it gives pretty good bang for the buck...;) And it should be more hassle-free maintenance wise.
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It def was engine smoke, coming from front passenger side, and it was not cold. YIKES!!!! I will keep looking
 
Discussion starter · #29 ·
So I have found the mystery car that I have been looking for.
My wife and I drove this car in Germany last year, looks like a touareg, drives like a touareg, smells like a touareg. And maybe it is one. But it is actually called a Life Model.

My friend at the VW dealership here in Denver, CO is German and she told me all about it. Here is the link to the Youtbe Ad for the vehicles.
Also a PDF on the model

 

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#31 ·
You're 'avin' a larf, sunshine!

I know a Life Model when I see one - it has blue eyes, blonde hair, a nice pointy pair of norks, a great ass and she's stark naked!!

Just off to put some more lead in my pencil . . .
 
#32 ·
Dude. Like I said earlier it is a Tiguan. A Tiguan.

It is really nothing like a touareg, did you not notice when you test drove.

And it very very definitely does not come with a V10 Diesel engine, or a V8 petrol, or a V6 TDI or a V6 petrol

Good luck with your search

Paul
 
#33 ·
handel007 said:
Hi all, I am wondering what Treg to purchase for my first buy.
Should I steer clear of a certain year? I am thinking 2007 would be good.
I heard those do not have timing belts, and the earlier ones do, requiring more replacements, upkeep, etc..
Should I count out 2006 or earlier models because they have timing belts? How often do they need to be changed, do they go faster with chains?

I think the 2006 and higher models have backup cams. Is that correct? I like the idea of backup cams, or at least parking sensors. I have seen most 2004,2005 do not have parking sensors.
Love the idea of air suspension. Does the air suspension fail often? If it does will it render the car useless, or can I still drive it?
I live in the mountains, should I buy TDI? I have heard it is very expensive if it breaks. I will not consider gas v6 because of the power loss. V8 seems fine so far and I def love the power.

Am I the only one who is holding out for the perfect interior/exterior color combo? Black/Teak
Thanks everyone!
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Well first of all Good Luck! I personally have owned 2 Tregs. 1st one was a 2005 Black V8 with Steel Suspension not the Air. Loved it! I like the T1 roof rack set up a little better. Having said that my second one IS a 2008 Black V8 with Air Suspension. Hence the different roof rack. But it works and still looks fine. I have fallen in love with the Air Suspension and personally like the front end better on T2. Both have the Heated Seats front and back, Heated Mirrors, Memory Driver Seat. "I think the 2005 had memory passenger as well." The 2008 has Nav with Backup Camera. Love love the Nav and Camera! The stereos in the Treg is world class IMO. But my other truck is a 2002 Ford F250 Diesel 4X4. The 2008 has a power trunk. Thats a great feature. When I bought this I was dreading the Timing Belt but put money aside to do right away. However the great folks here on the Forum said no need. Woohoo. I definitely like the extra 44 hp too! This time I got the Beige interior vs the Anthracite in the 05. I love this vehicle. The V8 for me is welcomed. I already have a Diesel and enjoy the gas prices but the light and nimbleness that a Gas motor would offer. Usually a Diesel weighs quite a bit more. I know the V10 weighs a lot more but not sure on V6TDi. Good Luck!
 
#34 ·
No need to do the timing belt on a V8 at 80,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first, would be the most stupid piece of advice anyone could give to a new V8 owner. . . unless you and they bought the V8 with a timing chain which is perhaps what you meant to say!
 
Discussion starter · #35 ·
Well I did it!
Got my first TREG. 2008 V8 with AIR and NAV,
It's a beauty --

Got a few questions for everyone.
I have looked through the owners manual but cannot find the answers.

1. 2 buttons behind the steering wheel. I figured out the left one, but what does the right one do? I assume heated steering wheel, but I don't think I have that.
2. Is there a way to have the mirrors auto fold in, when ever the car is stopped and turned off? Is there a way to have them auto fold out when I start up the car?
3. The check engine light has come on a few times already. Tech says it's nothing, mostly false alarms, etc.. Is there a way for me to check it without having to take it in each time?
4. Is there a way to completely turn of the instrument panel lights (radio buttons, volume knob, gear shift panel, etc..) at night, instead of just dimming them?
5. The headlights button has three options, off, on and auto. But there is another option all the way to the left that I cannot seem to turn the dial to. If I turn to the off position, I can press in the dial but it does not turn in any direction, it just presses in. What's up?
6. I have tried programming my garage door opener using the method described in the owners manual to no avail. Is there a trick to syncing that?
7. Is there a way to switch to MPH instead of the display reading at KPH?
8. I live in Denver. Is there a way to adjust the fuel to air mixture so that I can drive at high altitudes without losing power?
9. How do I know if I have bluetooth, or the ability to make calls? The nav menu mentions something about nav w/tel

Thanks everyone!
 

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#36 ·
handel007 said:
Well I did it! Got my first TREG. 2008 V8 with AIR and NAV, It's a beauty -- Got a few questions for everyone. I have looked through the owners manual but cannot find the answers. 1. 2 buttons behind the steering wheel. I figured out the left one, but what does the right one do? I assume heated steering wheel, but I don't think I have that. 2. Is there a way to have the mirrors auto fold in, when ever the car is stopped and turned off? Is there a way to have them auto fold out when I start up the car? 3. The check engine light has come on a few times already. Tech says it's nothing, mostly false alarms, etc.. Is there a way for me to check it without having to take it in each time? 4. Is there a way to completely turn of the instrument panel lights (radio buttons, volume knob, gear shift panel, etc..) at night, instead of just dimming them? 5. The headlights button has three options, off, on and auto. But there is another option all the way to the left that I cannot seem to turn the dial to. If I turn to the off position, I can press in the dial but it does not turn in any direction, it just presses in. What's up? 6. I have tried programming my garage door opener using the method described in the owners manual to no avail. Is there a trick to syncing that? 7. Is there a way to switch to MPH instead of the display reading at KPH? 8. I live in Denver. Is there a way to adjust the fuel to air mixture so that I can drive at high altitudes without losing power? 9. How do I know if I have bluetooth, or the ability to make calls? The nav menu mentions something about nav w/tel Thanks everyone!
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1. The right button is for heated steering wheel
2. No
3. Bad news, never buy a used car with a CEL. Buy a VagCom cable
4. No
5. Pull out and turn to the right for fog lights
6. It worked for me not sure why yours doesn't
7. Buy a VagCom cable
8. No, the ECU determines the fuel/air ratio
9. If you have the factory Nav unit you don't have Bluetooth
.
 
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#37 ·
Key thing - has the timing belt been hanged along with the tensioners, water pump and thermostat?

If not, it needs doing ASAP as you are now on borrowed time.

If the belt lets go the engine is toast.

All T1 and T2 Touaregs have the heated steering wheel button but very few actually have the heat!
 
#38 ·
noobytoogy said:
Key thing - has the timing belt been hanged along with the tensioners, water pump and thermostat?

If not, it needs doing ASAP as you are now on borrowed time.

If the belt lets go the engine is toast.

All T1 and T2 Touaregs have the heated steering wheel button but very few actually have the heat!
Click to expand...
T2 V8 does not have timing belt, its timing chain :)
 
#39 ·
Well caught, I had just come back to the post to correct myself before anyone spotted my mistake but you were too damned quick!!!
 
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