If not the T3 TDI, then what?

fincher · Jan 3, 2017

BeemerMikeTX said:
The wife is jonesing for a Macan, and frankly I like it also. We're happy with our 2013 Touareg TDI, but depending on how the settlement works out we may be tempted to move on. One big incentive to move on would be to get away from the ridiculous, difficult/expensive-to-update RNS 850 radio/nav system in the Touareg. Does anyone know if the Macan radio/nav is better and more convenient for updating?

(Yes, I know I could ask the Porsche dealer, but my VW dealer told me that updating the RNS 850 maps was a $99 DVD that I could do at home. )

I'm seriously considering a Macan. Second row is tight. If I get one, it will be a build to order and I will not get NAV and will use CarPlay for my maps and traffic. Can also stream Waze via BT.

BeemerMikeTX · Jan 3, 2017

fincher said:
I'm seriously considering a Macan. Second row is tight. If I get one, it will be a build to order and I will not get NAV and will use CarPlay for my maps and traffic. Can also stream Waze via BT.

Yes, I've thought about NOT getting the Nav module (which almost certainly would be a special order). It is convenient to have that big map in the middle of the dash to guide you around, but it becomes a lot less convenient if you cannot easily/inexpensively update the maps. My Garmins all have FREE lifetime map and software updates, and of course any phone app will also give you the latest maps. Maybe built-in vehicle nav has run its course, like the landline phone.

fincher · Jan 3, 2017

Well, with Connect on the Macan using CarPlay, Apple Maps shows on the big screen.

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BeemerMikeTX · Jan 3, 2017

fincher said:
Well, with Connect on the Macan using CarPlay, Apple Maps shows on the big screen.

Good to know. I'll have to research Connect more to see its features/capabilities when you have PCM without Nav. This may be the answer. Surprising Porsche made this so easy.

BeemerMikeTX · Jan 3, 2017

fincher said:
Well, with Connect on the Macan using CarPlay, Apple Maps shows on the big screen.

I read about Connect on Porsche's web page, but something wasn't clear. Does this work directly between your phone and the Porsche (e.g., displaying the phone map on the screen), or does it work through an app that requires a third-party subscription?

fincher · Jan 3, 2017

Directly through phone to the screen. Phone must be plugged in, though. Also, this code must be entered to get voice activation: QH1. Your sales rep can add it as it is not part of the US configurator.

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HotRodW · Jan 3, 2017

Mythdoc said:
Thanks for the replies. Yeah, I am hot on the Q5 TDI now...also mulling it in the 3.0 gasser engine that delivers 298 lb-ft of torque and gets 27 highway. Plus, Audi have rolled out a new hybrid engine that gets over 30 mpg. Their 2.0 engine won't do.

That said, the Merc GLC 300 is about the same size and only ships with a 2.0 gasser but it does generate 270 lb-ft. Anybody checked it out? I'll try to take a look see when I get to Knoxville next.

My wife just traded her 2012 Q5 2.0T for a 2017 GLC300T. It is a sweet ride, and the 2.0 is punchier than I expected. I tested the Q5 TDI extensively before deciding on the Touareg. I liked it, but it didn't blow me away. The Touareg is just a more substantial, more sophisticated piece. The Q5 TDI is the way to go if you value sporty, but I'd make the same choice without hesitation if I had to do it again.

fincher · Jan 3, 2017

That blue is sharp.

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p-rizzle · Jan 3, 2017

Went to the MB dealer to check out the GLE's today. Very pleased with the Carplay interface and also like the Lane Tracking. I had both on my 16' Golf R and am really missing them on my 17' Wolfsburg. I just can't get on board with the aesthetics of the GLE. It looks like it will tow a 4Klb boat / trailer without a problem and is comfortable (although the back seat seems a little cramped), but it just doesn't do it for me in the looks department. I can't put my finger on what it is exactly.

So this brings me back to hoping the Atlas can tow like the Treg. Not sure I can wait around for the 18' Treg as our 11' TDI is in need of new brakes all the way around. Doesn't make much sense to drop the funds on such a thing when a buyback is on the horizon this Spring

Stabone33 · Jan 3, 2017

p-rizzle said:
Not sure I can wait around for the 18' Treg as our 11' TDI is in need of new brakes all the way around. Doesn't make much sense to drop the funds on such a thing when a buyback is on the horizon this Spring

I wouldn't wait on brakes, especially if your warning indicators are on - it's the most important safety equipment in the car besides the part between your ears. If you are a DIY'er, you can get them done for a very small fraction of what a dealer or other certified mechanic will charge, and you'll more than make your money back. Lots of threads here discussing that very topic with lots of good technical info. Heck, the $720 "expenses" kicker that should be in the buyback will more than cover it.

Edit: unless you're parking the truck, that is. In which case, you'll only need to get from home to the dealer safely.

p-rizzle · Jan 3, 2017

Stabone33 said:
I wouldn't wait on brakes, especially if your warning indicators are on - it's the most important safety equipment in the car besides the part between your ears. If you are a DIY'er, you can get them done for a very small fraction of what a dealer or other certified mechanic will charge, and you'll more than make your money back. Lots of threads here discussing that very topic with lots of good technical info. Heck, the $720 "expenses" kicker that should be in the buyback will more than cover it.

Edit: unless you're parking the truck, that is. In which case, you'll only need to get from home to the dealer safely.

Light hasn't popped on yet, but we're getting close. If we do decide to hold out until Sept / Oct for the new model, I have a decision to make. I actually bought a 10' TDI in June of 2015. It's been sitting in my driveway since April waiting on the final ruling. I've thought about keeping the 10' and selling the 11' back, but the 10' has 115K and I drive a ton so I'll be out of the warranty zone regarding the HPFP. Not sure I want to risk it blowing before VW takes it back.

And in case you've seen my other post and thought "What's the deal with this dudes cars?"

11' Touareg TDI bought for wife in 13'
10' Touareg TDI bought for me in 15'
16' Golf R bought for me in Spring 16' (I was sure my 10' treg was going to be bought back in Spring of last year.... So silly)
Golf R traded in for 17' Wolfsburg after Golf R almost ended my life.

Pretty scary. I was pulling out into traffic with my foot on the accelerator when the car just stopped accelerating. Engine wasn't revving.. Foot was planted. Cars were coming at me from both directions. I pulled my foot off and punched it back down and was able to get in front of the oncoming F150 in time. No code was thrown. Took it straight to the dealer and called VWOA after they told me there was nothing wrong with it. VWOA did offer to kick in a little on the trade if I bought another vehicle (still had a heap of negative equity though). Was going to get the alltrack just to be done with it, but the seats were like bricks compared to the Tregs so I just said "screw it" and got white 17'. I was just going to keep it until i realized both of our TDI's were part of the buyback. My wife doesn't care about the head unit interface and wants the 17'. So there you go. Long story long.

skyfree · Jan 3, 2017

p-rizzle said:
Light hasn't popped on yet, but we're getting close. If we do decide to hold out until Sept / Oct for the new model, I have a decision to make. I actually bought a 10' TDI in June of 2015. It's been sitting in my driveway since April waiting on the final ruling. I've thought about keeping the 10' and selling the 11' back, but the 10' has 115K and I drive a ton so I'll be out of the warranty zone regarding the HPFP. Not sure I want to risk it blowing before VW takes it back.

And in case you've seen my other post and thought "What's the deal with this dudes cars?"

11' Touareg TDI bought for wife in 13'
10' Touareg TDI bought for me in 15'
16' Golf R bought for me in Spring 16' (I was sure my 10' treg was going to be bought back in Spring of last year.... So silly)
Golf R traded in for 17' Wolfsburg after Golf R almost ended my life.

Pretty scary. I was pulling out into traffic with my foot on the accelerator when the car just stopped accelerating. Engine wasn't revving.. Foot was planted. Cars were coming at me from both directions. I pulled my foot off and punched it back down and was able to get in front of the oncoming F150 in time. No code was thrown. Took it straight to the dealer and called VWOA after they told me there was nothing wrong with it. VWOA did offer to kick in a little on the trade if I bought another vehicle (still had a heap of negative equity though). Was going to get the alltrack just to be done with it, but the seats were like bricks compared to the Tregs so I just said "screw it" and got white 17'. I was just going to keep it until i realized both of our TDI's were part of the buyback. My wife doesn't care about the head unit interface and wants the 17'. So there you go. Long story long.

Holy crap, that would cause me to get rid of it as well. I looked at Golf R's a while back but decided it's too low to the ground for our snow situation. Right now there's about 12" of unplowed snow on our street.

I forgot about the HPFP thing. We are at 112K and I don't want to take the risk on a $15K failure, so will plan to get a replacement before it reaches 120K. It would be just my luck to have that go before selling it back. On a fully depreciated vehicle like this I wouldn't care, but with the kind of money we are looking at with the buyback + possible compensation I'm not sure I want to risk it. Am I just being paranoid?

nickm · Jan 4, 2017

nickyt said:
I am glad that it is working for you. I am just not comfortable with the joystick. I would be ok with a miniature gear shift selector that did not do the center return. I just want to be able to look and see that it is in park.

I still think that a set of five push buttons P R N D S might be nice. It would be very retro if nothing else. And the switches would also take up a lot less space.

I too am a huge fan of a push button setup, also agree the switches would take up next to no space.

nickm · Jan 4, 2017

fincher said:
I'm seriously considering a Macan. Second row is tight. If I get one, it will be a build to order and I will not get NAV and will use CarPlay for my maps and traffic. Can also stream Waze via BT.

I'm starting to itch for a Macan as well, I was given a 4 cyl version today as a service loaner (not a standard loaner car but the dealers knows me well enough that this is their version of a sales pitch) and I admit I was really impressed with the turbo 4.

BeemerMikeTX · Jan 4, 2017

nickm said:
I'm starting to itch for a Macan as well, I was given a 4 cyl version today as a service loaner (not a standard loaner car but the dealers knows me well enough that this is their version of a sales pitch) and I admit I was really impressed with the turbo 4.

I know that Porsche (and other manufacturers) are fascinated with small-displacement turbo engines for fuel mileage (see the current Boxter/Cayman), and a turbo I-4 would certainly simplify things under the hood, but I would just worry that the base Macan would not have enough power, especially for any towing (even light-duty) or for more-spirited driving. Maybe I'll have to try one to see.

fincher · Jan 4, 2017

I am going to drive the S version, too. I did like the 4...fine for my needs. The 4 isn't even a Porsche engine -- I don't care but the P-snobs do care. I only need the 4 to be able to handle my my rack and 4-5 bikes.

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HotRodW · Jan 4, 2017

I was killing time at the VW/Audi dealership Monday while my Touareg was getting its 60k mile service. Roaming the TDI lot, I came across a leftover 2015 Q7 TDI -- never registered and with less than 200 miles racked up during the required monthly drives. I don't need or want the third row of seats, but for the right price I'd be interested. I asked if I could put a deposit on the car to hold the right to purchase until this all shakes out, but I was told they wouldn't allow me to do that. In fact, they said they probably won't be allowed to sell it at all, but they wouldn't give me a good reason. I assume this isn't an Audi directive, but a dealership policy. I wonder if, for liability reasons, some dealerships will be steering clear of TDI's altogether?

Disappointing, but in a way I was relieved. The diesel and DEF fluids could be more than two years old. Still, a low mileage previous gen Q7 might be a good option if Touaregs become hard to find (assuming the fix doesn't ruin the car).

Stabone33 · Jan 4, 2017

HotRodW said:
I was killing time at the VW/Audi dealership Monday while my Touareg was getting its 60k mile service. Roaming the TDI lot, I came across a leftover 2015 Q7 TDI -- never registered and with less than 200 miles racked up during the required monthly drives. I don't need or want the third row of seats, but for the right price I'd be interested. I asked if I could put a deposit on the car to hold the right to purchase until this all shakes out, but I was told they wouldn't allow me to do that. In fact, they said they probably won't be allowed to sell it at all, but they wouldn't give me a good reason. I assume this isn't an Audi directive, but a dealership policy. I wonder if, for liability reasons, some dealerships will be steering clear of TDI's altogether?

Disappointing, but in a way I was relieved. The diesel and DEF fluids could be more than two years old. Still, a low mileage previous gen Q7 might be a good option if Touaregs become hard to find (assuming the fix doesn't ruin the car).

I thought VAG had bought all these back. In any case, there's still a (voluntary) stop-sale in effect on the 3.0L TDIs, and it will need a fix. Audi probably would deny any warranty claim for a vehicle sold under the stop-sale. If it's sitting out in the sun, I'd also be worried about how well they've taken care of it - did they wax the hood and roof with a hardshell wax, how are the dash and front seat leather holding up, etc. If and when they sell the "factory refurbished" but never-titled cars, I would want to ensure they've reconditioned the hell out of everything - including new tires for any southern tier or high altitude car.

JettaGetUpandGo · Jan 4, 2017

Stabone33 said:
I thought VAG had bought all these back. In any case, there's still a (voluntary) stop-sale in effect on the 3.0L TDIs, and it will need a fix. Audi probably would deny any warranty claim for a vehicle sold under the stop-sale. If it's sitting out in the sun, I'd also be worried about how well they've taken care of it - did they wax the hood and roof with a hardshell wax, how are the dash and front seat leather holding up, etc. If and when they sell the "factory refurbished" but never-titled cars, I would want to ensure they've reconditioned the hell out of everything - including new tires for any southern tier or high altitude car.

My local Audi dealer has 15-20 TDIs parked in their overflow lot, mostly 3.0L, but a few 2.0 as well.

HotRodW · Jan 4, 2017

Stabone33 said:
I thought VAG had bought all these back. In any case, there's still a (voluntary) stop-sale in effect on the 3.0L TDIs, and it will need a fix. Audi probably would deny any warranty claim for a vehicle sold under the stop-sale. If it's sitting out in the sun, I'd also be worried about how well they've taken care of it - did they wax the hood and roof with a hardshell wax, how are the dash and front seat leather holding up, etc. If and when they sell the "factory refurbished" but never-titled cars, I would want to ensure they've reconditioned the hell out of everything - including new tires for any southern tier or high altitude car.

They didn't buy them back, but they won't allow them to be sold, either. Dealers can't register new or certified 3.0's during the stop-sale, but as far as I know there's nothing preventing them from taking a deposit for future-repaired samples. In fact, my dealer has been holding their only Touareg TDI for a customer since the stop-sale started. But based on what I was told, it appears he/she will be getting the deposit back.

This particular Q7 has been stored outside the entire time, but the paint looks good. Great, actually. At the minimum they are running it through their car wash - probably once a month when they drive it. It's only a guess, but I think any unregistered 3.0 TDI will be sold as a CPO. Assuming the dealers participate, that is. Dealers might be able to opt out and have the inventory transferred to other dealerships. Unless performance is dramatically impacted, I predict untitled 3.0's will sell quickly once repaired, even if not offered with aggressive discounts. They're just too unique.

If not the T3 TDI, then what?

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