Back when they were brand new and untouched by people that cant afford to maintain them properly and they had factory warranty and they weren't yet "fixed", they were fantastic.

A VR6 touareg would be fantastic. A TDI? Emissions are too unreliable. Very few mechanics these days know how to work on them or diagnose them properly.

There's more to life than good MPG.

 

I love mine so much that I went out and got an A6 TDI as well.... basically same tech, but in a sedan.
Get it!

 

Veedub4Lyfe got burned. I've had a fantastic ownership experience with my 2016 TDI.

As long as the vehicle you're looking at was WELL Maintained and you can CONFIRM this, and that it was also driven for its use case (50%+ highway), you should be good. however it's still a roll of the dice.

I got lucky. I've loved mine and intend to continue loving it for years and years to come.

But if you don't plan on driving it on the highway on a daily basis then it'll just clog up and have issues (unless you're deleting).

 

I mean it was an absolutely fantastic automobile and it never left me stranded per se but it damn sure did end up in the shop for weeks at a time very often. Non-stop emissions issues. I did lots of highway driving and also towing.

 

If you're talking to people on TDIClub, of course a Touareg isn't going to be as cheap to maintain as a Golf/Jetta that most of them have... it's just a lot more vehicle, that is capable of a lot more, and is more complex as a result.

If you have the money to buy any type of proper tow vehicle, and either maintain it properly yourself, or have it done by someone that knows what they're doing, it is a great vehicle, and entirely worth it.

Frankly, modern diesels are a bit of a pain with emissions issues every now and again, but the issues generally won't leave you stranded, and they can easily be fixed with the right amount of money and/or knowledge. They're still a heck of a lot nicer to tow with than either gas engines, or older low tech diesels, because they have so much more low rpm torque.

The $20k more pickup truck will have the same issues if it's a modern diesel, but will never be as nice to drive or tow with. A plain old gasoline V8 F150 will tow just fine, and not require as much maintenance, but will use twice the fuel, and never be as fun or nice to drive.

When you're passing people while pulling a trailer up a mountain without downshifting, you won't regret having a TDI Touareg.

 

The $20k more pickup truck will have the same issues if it's a modern diesel, but will never be as nice to drive or tow with. A plain old gasoline V8 F150 will tow just fine, and not require as much maintenance, but will use twice the fuel, and never be as fun or nice to drive.

3X the fuel lol, not twice

 

If you're talking to people on TDIClub, of course a Touareg isn't going to be as cheap to maintain as a Golf/Jetta that most of them have... it's just a lot more vehicle, that is capable of a lot more, and is more complex as a result.

If you have the money to buy any type of proper tow vehicle, and either maintain it properly yourself, or have it done by someone that knows what they're doing, it is a great vehicle, and entirely worth it.

Frankly, modern diesels are a bit of a pain with emissions issues every now and again, but the issues generally won't leave you stranded, and they can easily be fixed with the right amount of money and/or knowledge. They're still a heck of a lot nicer to tow with than either gas engines, or older low tech diesels, because they have so much more low rpm torque.

The $20k more pickup truck will have the same issues if it's a modern diesel, but will never be as nice to drive or tow with. A plain old gasoline V8 F150 will tow just fine, and not require as much maintenance, but will use twice the fuel, and never be as fun or nice to drive.

When you're passing people while pulling a trailer up a mountain without downshifting, you won't regret having a TDI Touareg.

"Generally won't leave you stranded" depends on the brand. I've owned several diesel trucks that WILL leave you stranded for emissions issues. They have reduced speed mode, reduced power mode (which is actually 50% less power) and then idle -only mode. The touareg is the only one that didn't have this ramification.

Regarding "nicer to tow than gasoline engines", there are PLENTY of high horsepower high torque supercharged or turbocharged gasoline engines that would run circles around the Touareg

The Ford 2.7 or 3.5 eco boost engines are an absolute riot.. I drove a 3.5 EB f150 that would do 30 mile an hour rolling burnouts, bone stock 🤣 The 2.7 EB gets great unladen mpg, tears ass and has a lot of flexibility for aftermarket

3X the fuel lol, not twice

Actually, depending on the automobile that's not always accurate. I ran some real quick numbers of a 2.7 Ecoboost f150 and with the difference in fuel prices the f150 is cheaper to run both laden and unladen, even obtaining less mpg. This doesn't take into account how much cheaper the gasoline engine will be to run and maintain overall either

 

"Generally won't leave you stranded" depends on the brand. I've owned several diesel trucks that WILL leave you stranded for emissions issues. They have reduced speed mode, reduced power mode (which is actually 50% less power) and then idle -only mode. The touareg is the only one that didn't have this ramification.

True- it's pretty unique to VWs, and how powerful the VCDS system is, that if you know what you are doing, you can manually override issues with the emissions system when in the field. That's one of the reasons for the wiki in my signature, to have a book on how to do that that I print and bring with me on trips.

Regarding "nicer to tow than gasoline engines", there are PLENTY of high horsepower high torque supercharged or turbocharged gasoline engines that would run circles around the Touareg

The Ford 2.7 or 3.5 eco boost engines are an absolute riot.. I drove a 3.5 EB f150 that would do 30 mile an hour rolling burnouts, bone stock 🤣 The 2.7 EB gets great unladen mpg, tears ass and has a lot of flexibility for aftermarket

Interesting, I haven't driven one so don't know how those drive, I was comparing to my in laws 5.4 Liter Triton V8 F150 that I've borrowed for trips and towing when my Touareg is down for emissions repairs

Overall, in my experience a big gasoline engine usually has more torque on paper than a diesel, but it comes on at much higher RPMs, so you're going to still be downshifting and shifting later than with a diesel, which effectively makes it feel underpowered, like it's working much harder (and much louder/high rpms) to do the same thing.

The Ford 5.4 V8 has 500 lb*ft vs my Touaregs measley 406 ft*lb of torque, yet pulling the same trailer the Ford has to constantly downshift up hills that the Touareg does not- the Ford doesn't make that full torque until RPMs that are close to the redline for a CATA diesel. It's amazing how gutless it feels compared to a diesel with just over half the displacement.

I can imagine that having a turbo on the newer engines helps with that quite a bit, especially at altitude.

 

True- it's pretty unique to VWs, and how powerful the VCDS system is, that if you know what you are doing, you can manually override issues with the emissions system when in the field. That's one of the reasons for the wiki in my signature, to have a book on how to do that that I print and bring with me on trips.



Interesting, I haven't driven one so don't know how those drive, I was comparing to my in laws 5.4 Liter Triton V8 F150 that I've borrowed for trips and towing when my Touareg is down for emissions repairs

Overall, in my experience a big gasoline engine usually has more torque on paper than a diesel, but it comes on at much higher RPMs, so you're going to still be downshifting and shifting later than with a diesel, which effectively makes it feel underpowered, like it's working much harder (and much louder/high rpms) to do the same thing.

The Ford 5.4 V8 has 500 lb*ft vs my Touaregs measley 406 ft*lb of torque, yet pulling the same trailer the Ford has to constantly downshift up hills that the Touareg does not- the Ford doesn't make that full torque until RPMs that are close to the redline for a CATA diesel. It's amazing how gutless it feels compared to a diesel with just over half the displacement.

I can imagine that having a turbo on the newer engines helps with that quite a bit, especially at altitude.

Wait, What year 5.4? My parents bought an expedition brand new with the 5.4, I'm thinking it was a 1999? Absolutely fantastic truck but the 5.4 has NOT aged well. There are zero 5.4 that came with 500 ft lb of torque stock. Even the navigator, which was the only Ford allowed to have the high output 32 valve 5.4, only had torque in the 300# range. On the other hand, when the Ford brought the 7.3 Godzilla out in the f250 with 430 HP and 475 ft lb of torque... I raced one of those when I had my full modification stack on my touareg, he was bone stock, and we were neck and neck until we let off around 70 🤦 embarrassing AF.

I agree that diesels can be quiter than gasoline engines but again, depends on the car. A twin turbo V6 Mercedes gas or supercharger Audi would pull stronger and be a quieter ride than the Touareg in every way and still be a blast to drive

 

So wait... Is the OP getting an egg or not? I'm confused

 

My experience has been a good one as well. One adblue heater and have had an issue with a a-pillar leak on both sides. I still believe it is the sunroof cassette tray but haven't substantiated that yet. I love the vehicle and plan on keeping it for as long as the wheels will turn. It's not great at anything but it's good at everything.

Definitely a vehicle that pays to have a desire to learn about your vehicle as your knowledge will keep you away from the many worthless mechanics around.

Good to hear that you @chewblekka love and plan on keeping yours as I know you have owned many vehicles and I would trust your opinion on what is solid.

 

To the OP, just like you were talking to a jaded group at TDIClub, you're now taking to a mostly biased group here too.
I don't think you'll regret getting a Touareg TDI as long as you understand that it's a (very capable) 10 year old German luxury car. It's a complex car and things can and will go wrong, and they'll be expensive to fix. I bought a high mileage example, and have had to replace the alternator/battery, a set of fuel injectors and a half shaft and yes, it was expensive. That said, I love driving my 2014 TDI and don't know what I'd ever replace it with aside from another one.

 

I don't think you'll regret getting a Touareg TDI as long as you understand that it's a (very capable) 10 year old German luxury car. It's a complex car and things can and will go wrong, and they'll be expensive to fix. I bought a high mileage example, and have had to replace the alternator/battery, a set of fuel injectors and a half shaft and yes, it was expensive. That said, I love driving my 2014 TDI and don't know what I'd ever replace it with aside from another one.

I've highlighted the important part. I've got a 2014 TDI Exec. I love it, but don't expect owning it to be like owning a Toyota or Ford. It's a European luxury car, and maintenance and repairs are going to be priced as such. It doesn't have the status of a Porsche or BMW or Mercedes, but it's cost of ownership is priced like it's one of them.

The plastic lens on my tail light was cracked by road debris. I asked the dealer how much it would cost to replace. I was quoted $1600. I searched for the OEM part online, and it was "only" $650. You can get off-brand replacements for a lot cheaper, but it's still several hundred dollars for what's probably $10 worth of plastic. I just did a search on a Camry tail light. OEM is $250, and third party replacements go as low as $35.

I ended up just putting clear packaging tape over the crack to keep the rain out. Add to that TDI engine maintenance and parts are obscenely expensive. That's what you're buying into.

I love my Treg. It's as solid as a tank, is as easy to drive as a sedan, sips fuel like one too, and is one of the few mid-size SUVs which can tow 7700 lbs. But it drains money like a boat. If you can afford it, then go for it. But if you're expecting to get by with just annual maintenance, your wallet is going to be in for quite a shock. That's why someone asked if you were mechanically inclined. You can reduce a lot of the cost if you can do much of the maintenance yourself.

Oh, the other reason I got a TDI is because I'm in California. I wanted an alternate power source in case of an extended power outage after an earthquake, but wasn't keen on keeping gas cans in the garage for a generator. Diesel is a lot easier to store (isn't flammable, doesn't go bad as quickly). And the Touareg has an inverter with a 110V outlet inside. I believe it's only rated for 150 Watts. But it'd be enough to keep most of my electronics and battery pack for a fridge recharged and going during an extended emergency, using cans of diesel stored in my garage.

 

Don't make a hasty decision. A Touareg diesel is a long-distance vehicle. It is only economical on long trips and causes few problems. If you drive a lot in the city and otherwise only do short trips, you won't enjoy it in the long run. How often and how far will you tow the trailer? The diesel is only worth it if you use it for that often, otherwise you should go for the VR6.

 

That's a good point. I definitely use my TDI mostly for interstate type traveling. Wear & tear issues aside, on the occasions I do 'around town' driving I'm averaging mpgs in low/mid 20's (indicated). This past weekend I did a 480mile round trip and had 32+mpg indicated. My latest (~7500mile) oil analysis showed that highway driving is easy on the oil too. I know, nothing we didn't already know.

 

then everything is ok. get it!
you should also check whether the transmission oil has been changed after about 60k miles, if not do it immediately!

 

Here are my thoughts.

If you are not mechanically inclined, I would not buy any vehicle without a warranty.

There would be a steep learning curve to the maintenance on the this TDI engine. Definitely stay away from any V10 diesel from VW as those are extremely costly to repair some of the most basic things. As someone who has towed quite a few travel trailers, the TDI Touareg isn't my first choice. I much prefer the towing I get from a heavy duty truck (even a gasser). I have towed with half tons as well and the 3L Duramax is honestly a really great engine. If you are only going to be towing part of the time, you will have good luck with a F-150 3.5L or if you want the most reliable; go with the 5.0 v8 F-150. Being naturally aspirated, its' not near as complicated. The TDI's in my opinion are best suited for casual towing; not regular heavy towing. They do a fantastic job at towing for the application I described. It's no contest to other more purpose built vehicle though.

 

Here are my thoughts.

Thank you, Mr engineer. Please update us when you have owned a Touareg.

 

Chewy, I drive a 2015 Lux TDI every single day.

 

My 2016 TDI is still quite enjoyable: a very reliable "swiss-army knife" vehicle. Dealer serviced and maintained. VW paid for a couple of DEF repairs. At 122,000 miles, no warranty coverage remains but the car owes me nothing. Not worth much on trade but worth the new set of brakes I just put on it. Great vehicle. I've towed a Tiguan across the USA with it, but usually only use it for short distance trailering some boats a couple times a year. Love it. We'll see how far it takes me.

 

Well... that hit a nerve.... but you should really read the multiple quotes from what you said.... just saying.
Have a nice day... I have to go battle traffic now! ✌

 

I have. My statement stands.

 

I like my choice of vehicle, Touareg diesel.
My previous vehicle was a Ford diesel SUV that went into limp mode with an EGR fault. What an engineered disaster that would be if you were in the middle of no where. With any vehicle it is regular maintenance and timely responses to problems that can occur.
If you go to a Toyota forum you will get the same response as you are getting here, people love their vehicles, hate their vehicles or just have a go at you for posting.
My 2016 Touareg is a pleasure to own and drive.

 

same

 

I mean, each to his own? I have a '14 with 130k miles. I bought it used in '16 with about 28k. I've towed weight with it at high altitudes, played in the snow and desert and get what I call "24MPG all day long". (it's my combined average) The only issue I've had to date, my coolant reservoir has a crack near the top. I can't keep it at full-full, but about mid-full. The tune ups can expensive, but in (my) reality less expensive than my other gas powered cars because they're nit as often and the lack of other parts that needed to be replaced. This has also been my experience with my '14 Jetta TDI Wagen which is pushing 190k plus. I wanted a '10-12 with the 'real' four wheel drive, but I feel lucky to have bought a '14 instead.

 

I wanted a '10-12 with the 'real' four wheel drive, but I feel lucky to have bought a '14 instead.

2004-2010 is 7L with standard low range
and locking center diff, optional rear locking diff, optional air suspension.
2011-2017 is 7P with no low range and torsen center diff. No optional rear locking diff, no optional air suspension.

 

There are some 'cheap' VW OEM parts places out there. You just have to look a LOT. The $200 fog light I got for $50.

 

Thanks to everyone for your responses. We are going to look at the Touareg and still considering it. My main concern is getting broken down in the middle of nowhere on a camping trip and no one around who knows how to fix it.

 

and no one around who knows how to fix it.

Don't sweat it, that will also happen when you take it into your local dealership.... consistency is key!

 

I mean, each to his own? I have a '14 with 130k miles. I bought it used in '16 with about 28k. I've towed weight with it at high altitudes, played in the snow and desert and get what I call "24MPG all day long". (it's my combined average) The only issue I've had to date, my coolant reservoir has a crack near the top. I can't keep it at full-full, but about mid-full. The tune ups can expensive, but in (my) reality less expensive than my other gas powered cars because they're nit as often and the lack of other parts that needed to be replaced. This has also been my experience with my '14 Jetta TDI Wagen which is pushing 190k plus. I wanted a '10-12 with the 'real' four wheel drive, but I feel lucky to have bought a '14 instead.

Two questions about the bold



1 - If you are properly following the maintenance schedule and using proper OEM parts and fluids, how the heck are you finding the Touareg diesel to be cheaper to own than a gasoline counterpart?



2 -What exactly is not real about the all-wheel drive in your 2014?

Thanks to everyone for your responses. We are going to look at the Touareg and still considering it. My main concern is getting broken down in the middle of nowhere on a camping trip and no one around who knows how to fix it.

And that is a very damn good point and one you should consider. It's also the exact reason I sold my Touareg when I moved... I have no confidence I would find another dealer or Euro Indy shop that was competent in repairing a TDI.

 

G'day all, we had a 2011 Touareg with over 300,000 km on the clock and we used it to tow our 3 tonne caravan around most of Australia. It pulled the van as if it wasn't there. Unfortunately, late last year we were caught in a dramatic hail storm and both the caravan and the Touareg were so damaged that the insurance company declared them both to be a writeoff. We have now upgraded to a 2019 Touareg Launch which is fantastic. We are now in the process of looking for another caravan to explore more of our wonderful country.

 

What world do you people live in?
Are Touaregs or any other modern, complex vehicle simple to fix? Like can your grandpa just roll up to it and adjust the carb or points or something?
Modern tech is complex. Specialty tools, knowledge and experience are required to do stuff with said tech. If people take the time to get said education and tools, they incur significant costs and expenses. Why would they then turn around and work for free, or at entry level rates? Give your heads a shake.

When's the last time you went to work and requested a pay-cut based on your experience\tenure?

 

What world do you people live in?
Are Touaregs or any other modern, complex vehicle simple to fix? Like can your grandpa just roll up to it and adjust the carb or points or something?
Modern tech is complex. Specialty tools, knowledge and experience are required to do stuff with said tech. If people take the time to get said education and tools, they incur significant costs and expenses. Why would they then turn around and work for free, or at entry level rates? Give your heads a shake.

When's the last time you went to work and requested a pay-cut based on your experience\tenure?

Lots of assumptions in your reply. You are a definitely a jump to conclusions kind of guy aren't ya. It's more the issue of the quality of workmanship is tanking with the rates skyrocketing. Even the cost of the most basic of oil changes is ridiculous these days.

 

I think what bugs me the most is that the design represents all of the worst stereotypes Germans have about Americans, and the fact that we buy them like crazy seems to confirm they're true.

 

Yeah, the Atlas' success is an indictment of American tastes and stereotypes haha.

 

I understand the cost of the most basic necessities have skyrocketed to the roof these days, and it's my personal belief there's a lot of price gouging going on to since the pandemic?

 

I'm sure this seems like a crazy take to most people, but I think the higher prices of everything are mostly a sign of things that make owning a car overall cheaper and less hassle.

I think it's mostly just lots of inflation. Wages have generally outpaced inflation, so for most people things are actually cheaper, but it still feels crazy to pay so much more for the same stuff. Any money you owe - loans, mortgage, etc. are also effectively shrinking with inflation as well, so for the average person the higher prices (counter-intuitively) make things more affordable.

As soot mentioned, modern cars do require a heck of a lot more labor, and more skilled labor at that. But that's pretty well balanced out by how much more reliable they are than most of the simple easy to work on older cars were. When I drove 70s and 80s European cars, I was often replacing some minor part every week or two... take for example, that while expensive and hard to access, the alternators on our Touaregs last about 5x as long as the ones on those old cars. Oil changes are only needed 1/3rd as often with better oil, despite the oil costing more, etc.

 

I'm sure this seems like a crazy take to most people, but I think the higher prices of everything are mostly a sign of things that make owning a car overall cheaper and less hassle.

I think it's mostly just lots of inflation. Wages have generally outpaced inflation, so for most people things are actually cheaper, but it still feels crazy to pay so much more for the same stuff. Any money you owe - loans, mortgage, etc. are also effectively shrinking with inflation as well, so for the average person the higher prices (counter-intuitively) make things more affordable.

I couldn't disagree more, but this is not the forum for this conversation. I'm sure there is rule about this somewhere.