I've owned my 09 TDI for 10 mos. Never had a diesel before. Love the huge torque at low rpms. People buy hp....but drive torque. It is quick.

 

Don't buy a Tdi if you only do very short journeys - stick to gas.

Otherwise buy a Tdi.

 

TDI is more expensive would be a reason not to get a diesel. All fuel stations have gasoline, all do not have diesel. Diesel on average is more expensive that regular gasoline-usually. You don't have to see your dealer as often for oil changes with a diesel- some might argue this is an advantage for diesel?

I have several diesel vehicles and rarely do I find it an issue to find diesel. The one thing that people do not place into the equation is when selling a vehicle with say 110,000 miles...the value/"sale ability" of a diesel is superior to a gas model.

Diesels typically last much longer than gasoline engines, but you asked for reasons NOT to buy a diesel.

 

Up here, near Camden, Maine, the closest pump to me sells Regular for 2.76 and Diesel for 2.79

Haven't seen a better deal yet since ownership of my TDI, but this is summer and diesel prices do raise in the winter. So that is something for consideration...I guess?

I just can't get over that low torque, its simply the most effortless speed!

TDI is more expensive would be a reason not to get a diesel. All fuel stations have gasoline, all do not have diesel. Diesel on average is more expensive that regular gasoline-usually. You don't have to see your dealer as often for oil changes with a diesel- some might argue this is an advantage for diesel?

I have several diesel vehicles and rarely do I find it an issue to find diesel. The one thing that people do not place into the equation is when selling a vehicle with say 110,000 miles...the value/"sale ability" of a diesel is superior to a gas model.

Diesels typically last much longer than gasoline engines, but you asked for reasons NOT to buy a diesel.

 

I admittedly have zero experience with any diesel vehicles. I do however want to note as nooby toogy has that if you are driving only short distances (say less than 20 kms) than a diesel is not for you.

I may be wrong on this (someone correct me if I am) but the reason to avoid a diesel for short distances is because it doesn't allow the engine to heat up enough to complete a regen which leads to the diesel particulate filter clogging up which is incredibly expensive if it does happen. Though I do think that if you take it at least once a weak on the open highway, it should complete its' regen and be ok.

Personally speaking and this is a biased and unbased opinion, but I think diesel's add an extra level complexitiy that I would rather not deal with and therefore if I was to purchase a Touareg, I would most likely go gasoline unless I was purchasing brand new, then I think I would go diesel.

 

IPersonally speaking and this is a biased and unbased opinion, but I think diesel's add an extra level complexitiy that I would rather not deal with and therefore if I was to purchase a Touareg, I would most likely go gasoline unless I was purchasing brand new, then I think I would go diesel.

My 2012 Exec is my first diesel. 66k and love driving it everyday. It is complex but my issues have been AdBlue related and each quickly resolved. The TDI is perfect for this vehicle...really fun to drive. I would think the current year model is even better, including the AdBlue.

For me, there's no way I would back to gasoline for the Touareg.

 

First figure out how you drive, long drive regularly at least once a week then diesel my be okay, short trips and running errands then gas. With the TDI make sure to get extended warranty that covers the AdBlue system or plan on a delete for it. If you like the V-8 power and acceleration then might want to look at the hybrid. With the TDI no maintaince or repair is cheap.

 

Do a search on Gas VS Diesel, and you net a bunch of threads that will keep you reading for hours. But the short answer is...as others have told....It depends.

If you tow....diesel.
If you commute long distance...diesel.
If you just do short trips in and around town, no towing....gas.

And of course, there is the mountains thing....if you live in a mountainous area, then Diesel is far superior to gas in dragging your sorry a$$ up the hill. Just amazing...unbelievable.

Truth be told, my favorite car to drive was the the 05 V-8 gas over the 12 TDI for sheer HP and fun of driving. But the T-3 TDI would out maneuver in any situation, and kick the the V-8 in the mountains hands down. They will both tow an ocean liner up onto the beach at low tide, but for heavy towing...go diesel.

 

I don't know, I do all sorts of driving and I would never go back to a gas car. I even do all the driving they are saying you shouldn't do and still would chose a diesel over a gas every time. Choice has got to be yours, not the people of this forum. Mine has been running great since the day I got it with very mixed driving. That is also to include the off road driving I have done with it.

 

I as well. Short, long, offroad. TDI rocks! Diesel is cheap. I'd say just make sure you do some long drives here and there but it does not have to be every week. I have no issues with adblue system since owning it. (knock on something). I agree mixed driving is fine, I assure you the vehicle was designed for this. You can't always make long runs! I always do an Italian tune up here in there as well.

 

Thanks everyone, this forum is so helpful. I drive truck otr so vehicle will sit for a few weeks at a time. Would this be a factor? I do drive long distances but only couple times a month. I do love my v8 power and sound. If it is better to stick with gas maybe I'll just look for a nice condition 08. Thanks again everyone.

 

Go and find a gas, diesel and hybrid if possible to test drive back to back, or if you have a good sales person they might let you do an extended test drive. Which is how I ended up with 2, once she drove it I couldn't get it away from her. If you get the TDI get the extended warranty I have already recouped half of the cost of it in one visit for the AdBlue heater repair.

 

IMO Treg TDI does not put out enough power to be worth all the additional modern diesel drama and cost.
400/800 is worth it
240/400 is not

 

A 4.2 liter V8 TDI would be worth it! If they only sold it in a Touareg in NA.
.

 

Absolutely!!

 

Well, for the most part, the T1/T2 were de-contented here over time with some exceptions. I do think the T3 is a better overall ride, etc., even de-contented. I didn't have many issues with my T1 but mine was a 2007 V8 FSI (base model).

 

Oh yes absolutely, the t1 and t2 were amazing for their time and still have technology that is current to today's standards which I think is very impressive. But I have to agree, even decontented, the t3 is a step above in almost all directions. The t1/t2 were a hit or miss type of deal, I find the t3 to be mostly a hit.

Anyways sorry op to derail

 

I had an original T1, 2004 V6, that finally needed trading in last summer with 177K mi on it. I was thinking of getting a Toyota Highlander Hybrid, but once I drove the TDI Lux my decision was made. This is a fantastic vehicle, the low-speed torque being the most impressive. In comparing my mileage on Fuelly to the hybrid, I get as good to better and I'm driving a heavier, more solid, and gentrified vehicle than the Toy. Test drive a TDI. you'll be amazed.

 

Don't worry about getting derailed. I appreciate any news on touregs. I will test drive a t3 tdi and gas. Obviously I'm not going to go out and buy one because someone said to but it's just nice to hear what everyone has to say in case I hear something I might not have thought of. The tdi seems like the way to go. Do they require def fluid?

 

Yes. DEF is the Ad Blue you see referenced in this thread. Ad Blue is I believe a Mercedes trade mark. I've read that Mercedes licensed the whole tdi thing to vw to hasten diesel acceptance in US.

 

I see the trademark for Ad-blue is held by the German trade association Verband der Automobilindustrie.

 

TDI is:
-faster
-more fuel efficient
-has significantly better resale value

Can't think of a single reason why they even offer a gas engine. FWIW over 2/3rds of Mercedes GL, ML and Touaregs sold are diesels

Adblue is a red herring, it costs $20 bucks every 15,000 miles

 

TDI is:
-

Adblue is a red herring, it costs $20 bucks every 15,000 miles

if this is true, why are there so many threads on this site about adblue problems? not all of these owners can be idiots.

 

This is my first diesel in 30+ years of griving. Over the past 20yrs I average a new car purchase every 6 months. It's an addiction no cure sucks to be me...lol.
All kidding aside, you can't go wrong with a TDI, I've put 15K miles on mine in 4 months. I love driving it and really doesn't bother me.

I'm in the process of trading in my Jetta GLI for a TDI.

 

I own both gas and TDI vehicles. I can understand why some people may be hesitant to own a TDI. There are the issues of DPF, ERG, HPFP and adblue systems that may fail. Also diesel costs more. Where I live its $1 more per gallon. Do your research before you buy to make sure a TDI is for you.

 

I had never owned a diesel before the Touareg and love it. I bought mine with 75k in September and have almost 92k on it now.

The Diesel engine is great to have at altitude, I can put the cruise on at 75 mph and it will never shift out of 8th driving all the way up from Denver to the highest tunnel in North America, Eisenhower tunnel, that is of course unless I feel the need to put my foot on the skinny pedal.

My girlfriend is already trying to talk me into getting a different car so she can take over the Touareg. The comfort level, especially in the exec is awesome. I am so happy with my decision.

 

The Diesel engine is great to have at altitude, I can put the cruise on at 75 mph and it will never shift out of 8th driving all the way up from Denver to the highest tunnel in North America, Eisenhower tunnel, that is of course unless I feel the need to put my foot on the skinny pedal.

+1 on this quote. I drove my TDI thru mountain of Colorado several times and nothing else I've driven compares. My Yukon Denali 6.0L Gas is no slouch, but the TDI just felt like it can climb mountain all day long without getting tired.

Now, if one really doesn't drive a lot, or have a short commute to work, then the gas version might be better for you.

And one more thing....if this is your first diesel, you had better make sure you do not put regular gas in the tank by accident. That little mistake will cost you over 10K and insurance doesn't usually cover that. Being conditioned to pull up to the gas pump at your favorite local station has to be stricken from your memory and recondition your mind to fill with diesel. Or as some have suggested, always go to a full service station where they pump the fuel for you and then they have the liability. And always keep your fuel receipts so you can prove what fuel was pumped into your car in case of problems....such as the fuel station having some gas in the diesel in their underground tank.

 

Geez....no one called anyone an idiot. I'm enjoying the thread and learning a lot. Hope it continues. Specially since us tdi types seem to be making a good case. It'll be a yr in Aug on the 09 tdi. No issues but bulbs. Small ones. Not the HIDs.

 

Geez....no one called anyone an idiot. .

That was my take too - the guy just used an idiomatic phrase that's in common use!

 

I get it, the phrase was 'idiot'matic!

 

if this is true, why are there so many threads on this site about adblue problems? not all of these owners can be idiots.

No idiots. Generally people post problems on forums to find a solution. If things are running smoothly without any problems, there is no reason to post.

How many threads do you see on any forum that start on a positive note compared to a thread to relate a problem?

Alex Gee would be one exception.

 

Whatever touareg you buy, it is definitely a complicated piece of equipment, as generally most vehicles today are. The higher the trim level, maybe increases the chances of future problems, with more things to go wrong. With my recent purchase of a '15 TDI, my hope is I won't be stranded somewhere in limp mode from an adblue problem, or water in the diesel fuel.. my dad was an over the road trucker for years, and, although rare, it happened to him. Obviously, all the things that can happen didn't stop me from taking the plunge. Getting 29 mpg with a vehicle that produces 407 ft lbs of torque, plus being able to tow 7716 lbs were the big hitters for me. This adblue issue is of concern to me. I read about the person who was stranded in 100 deg + heat with their dogs. Are there things I can do to prevent this? Keep the adblue filled? For the first 36,000 miles, the dealer takes care of maintenance, including adblue. I need to dig into how I can check exactly how much adblue I have in the tank. One guys theory is that the nozzle/heating element can have problems if ran low. Hopefully the new nozzles/heating elements they are putting in the touaregs have a new rev level, with no future problems. I do prefer doing all maintenance myself, as I know what I did, and did not do, however I understand if thats not possible, being under warranty. Other things at play in my mind is the break in of the engine. I have decided to just drive it normally. I have read back and forth comments about not getting on it, and getting on it, and common rail talk, people posting pics of parts of the engine discintegrating from it being beat on. Do any of you put diesel additives in? A buddy has a new duramax GMC, he adds HOWES lubricator, "diesel conditioner and antigel"
Most of my concerns are all related to TDI, so you wouldn't have to worry about it if you bought a gas engine. Maybe alot of these issues have planed out now. My round trip commute is 70 miles.

 

I have 67k on my 2012 Exec TDI. Best ride I've ever owned. I do use Stanadyne Performance at most fill ups and the PowerService white in frigid weather.

Issues: AdBlue pump replaced at 1100k. AdBlue heater replaced at 52k. No other issues. I rarely go below 1/4 tank to keep fuel pump submerged. I rarely use bio-diesel.

Do I think the DEF issues have been ironed out? Yes, I do, based on the reporting here.

Whether one chooses diesel or gas... Sport, Lux or Exec, get the Fidelity warranty. If you plan to keep it for an extended period it is smart money.

My first diesel. Tremendous ride.