Subscribed as I am curious as well. Were you planning to get different wheels? I think it would be hard to find AT tires for the executive model with their bigger wheels. Maybe with the 2” lift. I think the motors are different - not just 15 hp different. Maybe someone one wiser can chime in. I’m looking for an excuse to get into a Touareg TDI but still working on it…

 

From the pics I've seen, I don't believe the "executive" has stock wheels. (Looks like it's an 18" rim based on pics.) Whatever the case, the Toyos are available in multiple 18, 19, or 20" diameters. As for the engine, I "think" the primary difference between the '11 and '13 is the turbo (leading to the difference in torque and Hp curves) but the short block is relatively the same between the two model years.

 

Wow how cool, I bought a 2009 Hummer new. Was a hell of a vehicle, not one single complaint about it other than it was a gas hog but can't really complain about that because that's what you expected.

I hope that both of these are coming from dealerships of Volkswagen or Audi and not private party and not from some Dodge dealership or some bullshit. The fact of the matter is these vehicles are just too specific for any old dealership or private party to sell and I would question the integrity of the vehicle and maintenance otherwise.

Assuming both vehicles check out perfectly I would hands down get the executive for all of the added options. Plus the newer engine and higher reliability.

Regarding the OEM powertrain you will get like half a year of driving on the Touareg on the 2013.

Subscribed as I am curious as well. Were you planning to get different wheels? I think it would be hard to find AT tires for the executive model with their bigger wheels. Maybe with the 2” lift. I think the motors are different - not just 15 hp different. Maybe someone one wiser can chime in. I’m looking for an excuse to get into a Touareg TDI but still working on it…

There are no real AT tires for these in OEM sizes so you either go a little narrower and a little taller or a little shorter and a little wider and there are millions of AT tire choices

You are correct it's a lot more than just a power difference, different turbocharger, different injection pump location, different timing chain arrangement and the list goes on aside from the obvious package differences in a luxury versus executive

 

If you have any aspirations to delete / tune, perhaps the 2011 is a better bet provided there is a clear, well-adhered maintenance history. The 2013’s CNRB cannot be upgraded to a CP3 due to location. That might matter to some people.

Otherwise I agree with Volkswagens for life the Exec model is gonna be the move. I just got a 2016 TDI Exec and it is sublime. Actually got back today from my first camping trip in it, and first time driving the mountains. The TDI + the Touareg’s 40/60 split and general “attitude” on the road makes it eat the hills and roads up. It just gobbles it up whatever you throw at it, it’s interesting to describe haha. 26.5 mpg round trip on the computer, not bad considering most time on highway was 75-80 mph. I really don’t feel the need to tune this car which is a pleasant surprise for me, having tuned the last 3 VWs I’ve owned (2 GTI / 1 Alltrack). The factory 400 torque is plenty for a good time in the mountains.

I am not an off-roading guy So my goals with the car are lowering springs and suspension upgrades like Bilstein struts. “Big GTI.”

 

If my new purchase works out as well as the Hummer did, I'll be thrilled. The H3 was great in this role.

The 2013 Executive model is off the radar screen (history doesnt check out) but the 2011 is still in consideration. Will drive it next week if still available, but am still on the lookout for a '13 or '14 TDI with reasonable miles.

No need/desire to chip my purchase. A lift kit and bigger tires for more clearance and better lousy road handling is about all I anticipate.

 

If my new purchase works out as well as the Hummer did, I'll be thrilled. The H3 was great in this role.

The 2013 Executive model is off the radar screen (history doesnt check out) but the 2011 is still in consideration. Will drive it next week if still available, but am still on the lookout for a '13 or '14 TDI with reasonable miles.

No need/desire to chip my purchase. A lift kit and bigger tires for more clearance and better lousy road handling is about all I anticipate.

There are several for sale currently in the classifieds on this forum

 

If I may ask what didn't check out with the 2013. I have owned a 2012 and now a 2016 bgt new in 2018 after the release from diesel gate. The 2012 was trouble free until I sent it back to VW for the 2016,both were LUXs.
I would keep looking to get what you want. If you can get a CPO that would help. You do get emissions warranty extension from the time the cars were "fixed",so that helps.
Good luck these are very good cars,but complex that you will see if you check out this forum.

 

If I may ask what didn't check out with the 2013. I have owned a 2012 and now a 2016 bgt new in 2018 after the release from diesel gate. The 2012 was trouble free until I sent it back to VW for the 2016,both were LUXs.
I would keep looking to get what you want. If you can get a CPO that would help. You do get emissions warranty extension from the time the cars were "fixed",so that helps.
Good luck these are very good cars,but complex that you will see if you check out this forum.

I ended up getting an "AutoCheck" report on the 2013. Too many question marks from the report that the seller isn't interested in diving into to track down answers for (1 reported accident but no details on severity/repair, stolen and missing for 45 days, 3+ previous owners, undisclosed service centers throughout its history,...). Any/all of these may be no problem and the vehicle may be pristine, but there are enough question marks that I'm not going to spend the time/money to track down.