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Late '04 V8, No air suspension, CD Nav, has Park Assist, no 4-zone climate control.

One thing to watch out for are cops. The V8's like to run ;)

Other than that, make sure the voltmeter stays parked on 14 volts. If it is dipping down to 12.5-13 it likely hasn't had the alternator cable changed out. Make sure they include the CD set for the nav, otherwise you'll be shelling out some $$$ for a new disc set. Also, if there are any TPMS faults make sure you have them change the sensors, as they can get expensive to replace.

Have fun!
Matt

EDIT to add: Additionally, you may want to listen for what sounds like a wheel bearing noise coming from behind the drivers seat. It is generally indicative of a failing carrier bearing in the rear driveshaft, which necessitates replacement of said driveshaft.
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
Matt they should pay you to be on this site! :) You think the air suspension and no 4 zone is a big deal? The reviews seem to like the v8 without the air suspension. 4 zone I guess is only important to my passengers. I did know it was a late 04 because of the VIN thanks to you.

I notice you have Xenons/Sound 1 is that true for the 04 as well?
 
Thanks, I'm just kinda bored at work. (So, I guess, in a way I am being paid ;)

The one you're looking at has Xenons. Since it has Nav, it actually has Sound II, which is a 375-watt amplifier versus the 300-watt unit in Sound I (what I have).

In '04, most options were a'la carte, but that changed for '05, when they started doing packages (which I personally can't stand, but whatever...)

The air suspension and 4-zone are not a biggie. Honestly, I don't have either, and am perfectly happy. I would like the air suspension personally, but it's not a thorough deal breaker for most folks. I will say if you have any intentions of off-roading the Touareg, go for the air. While the steel performs admirably, the air gives you a greater margin for error underneath plus a better ride when in the rocks.

Matt
 
I personally think the price isn't too terribly bad, but it could come down a little bit. But hey, the lower the better in that department!

One thing you may want to consider is getting an extended warranty on it. Since you don't know of the service history of that Touareg, and it is likely just coming out of warranty, it may be worth spending some of that negotiated savings on a warranty. If you were going for a warranty, I'd try for a VW warranty over a third-party company, but that's just me. Chris at Langhorne VW (13 year vet on here) has pretty solid pricing for extended warranties, and I'd contact him if you're going to consider a warranty.

Good luck!
Matt
 
+1 Matt on the extended warranty. We just bought a 04-V8 and that gave me a good piece of mind, especially since I do not know the history. Other then that all the TSB are current (which is a good thing...). You are right about the TPMS sensors, I did not catch that. They are $150.00 ea to replace and there is also the cost of mounting and rebalancing the wheels and tires.
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
Ok I bought the 04 Treg tonight although I did not test drive it that will happen tomorrow and then I write the check. How do I go about getting the warranty and how much does it cost? Can chris sell it to anyone anywhere?
 
Congrats on your decision to take the plunge into Treg ownership, and sorry I can't help you on the warranty thing.

Cya
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
Ok I picked up my Treg tonight!

I really do love it... It does not drive as much like my A4 as I hoped but it is sweet. The night time display is awesome better than my A4 and kicks but over the XC90. Can't wait to take it off road....

Ok two things I probably got screwed on...

1. There is a film or water mark behind the glass of the tach and speedo. Can this be cleaned or the glass replaced.

2. I probably paid 1K too much but I still think it was a good deal for a V8 lat number VIN.

3. There is no owners manul I can't believe I forgot to check for that... any good sources to buy one?

4. The NAV sucks I just can't believe you need a CD in to use the NAV I am kinda pissed at myself for not realizing how bad it was.

5. I wonder if I should have spend the money on an 05-06
 
Congrats on bringing the baby home!

1. In the film, I really don't know. Are you sure it's not just Armor All or some other spray **** that got shot onto the face of it? I'd try a damp microfiber to see if it wipes off.

2. $$$ is $$$. Negotiating can be a PITA that always leaves you second guessing. I've done this with every vehicle I've ever bought. If the sting goes away from your mind quickly, you know you've made the right choice.

3. In the roof of your glovebox, you may have a shelf that holds the manual out of sight. I bellieve the V8's were standard with this in '04. Otherwise, I've heard the manuals sometimes go through on eBay.

4. Yep, CD (Or DVD on mid-'05+) needs to be loaded in the unit's slot to use the Nav. The CD Changer is in the right rear corner compartment, in the trunk.

5. See #2's response.

Enjoy it for sure!!

Matt
 
Congrats - but really look closely at the options next time since use you can really find some reasonable vehicles with such at similar pricing - air suspension is very desirable for most and once you experience the flexibility you'd likely think so too.

Those that don't have it don't think so but that really doesn't make much sense to listen to those that don't have it since they can't comment on the daily driving of such. It does indeed make the vehicle drive very different...you can have sport feeling in more than one way as the vehicle lowers to give a significantly better center point of gravity...and at high speeds it will lower even more = better safety and performance on winding roads. In addition you can also get better ground clearance if you live in areas with flooding or if need to play offroad; offroading certainly does not require air suspension and you might even argue the opposite but very nice to have none-the-less...again not a big deal if you don't own it already as comments stated but I know many owners who have commented on their 2nd Touareg how the air made the vehicle a different animal. I drive Audi's and love the performance of such and the VW Touareg is really a great complement...Enjoy!
 
Discussion starter · #15 ·
Points taken but...

Honestly the Nave issue will effect me more day to day. The Air Suspension I think I will be ok without only because I am not going to do any hardcore off-roading, some off-roading and towing some 4 wheelers but doubt I will be driving up cliffs anytime soon.

I was also given some good info that the air-suspension just eats through tires maybe that was erroneous I dunno but that was the information I was given.
 
Use the delivery checklist that was being passed around the forums. I wish I would have known about it when I picked up mine. Would have saved me some headaches down the road.
 
Honestly the Nave issue will effect me more day to day. The Air Suspension I think I will be ok without only because I am not going to do any hardcore off-roading, some off-roading and towing some 4 wheelers but doubt I will be driving up cliffs anytime soon.

I was also given some good info that the air-suspension just eats through tires maybe that was erroneous I dunno but that was the information I was given.
You made the correct decision in getting the Touareg but to clarify my point with air suspension..

Air suspension is more useful in every day driving not offroading. I'm posting this to be clear to help others also looking to purchase a used Touareg - air suspension actually helps the heavy SUV perform better and safer in every day conditions...since the air suspension automatically lowers the vehicle when driving at various speeds (faster = lower) it makes it more stable. In addition, there are several "modes" (auto, sport, comfort) that allow the ride comfort to be controlled to the driving conditions or specific driver. You can also lower the Touareg for loading or helping someone less able in the vehicle...Again, the air suspension option is not just an "offroading option" the daily driving benifits are much more obvious and useful once you understand the system and design.

Also, factory OEM Navigation can be added to any Touareg which has standard audio system, you can even add the newer DVD version to such a vehicle with little effort. Air suspension can't be added. Also, a CD Navigation equiped vehicle is hard to upgrade to DVD version if one wishes to do such in the future. The CD Navigation vehicles used a unique low level output to the rear amp which uses two wires, whereas the standard VW audio system and DVD version Navigation use the 4 channel output and thus can be interchanged with ease.

You've got a great Touareg just want to make sure folks understand their options when they are shopping.
 
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