I've had VAG products non-stop since my '83 GTI and I can say none of them were problem free (the '87.5 Audi Coupe GT was real close all the until I traded it at 225K miles when I bought a '00 S4). That being said wach on has held special memories and offered great driver feedback.

Dont mean to be rude, but if all you seek is trouble free ownership and a great dealer experience get a Toyota.

 

I've had VAG products non-stop since my '83 GTI and I can say none of them were problem free (the '87.5 Audi Coupe GT was real close all the until I traded it at 225K miles when I bought a '00 S4). That being said wach on has held special memories and offered great driver feedback.

Dont mean to be rude, but if all you seek is trouble free ownership and a great dealer experience get a Toyota.

Toyota Landcruisers are subject to chassis rust as are the pick ups. I have seen the rust on several of these vehicles. The VW Touareg gives a 12 year warranty against rust. Touareg V6 3.0 litre diesel a great vehicle and probably cheapest in it's class.

 

Plenty of people have posted on here that they are happy with their T3s and praised comfort, looks, performance, mpg, handling both on and off road and other attributes.

The problem is that for the poor saps whose cars have had the SWS or ad-blue and HPFP failures, VW hasn't always come clean and has tried to stiff quite a few of them.

A few "Hey, my Treg's great" stories regrettably won't fix VW's apparent approach in making monkies out of some people.

This reminds me of the chief exec, and the sales and finance directors at a bored meeting...

 

Hey my friend, if you want a Touareg then go and buy one. I am pretty sure that what you read will be more of bad experiences/problems so others can help others and at the same time tell people what to look for before buying to eliminate some of the major issues on the one you buy. Follow the maintenance procedures, buy good fuel and add the proper adblue and fuel additive as most recommend. So test drive the one you want and if no steering wheel shake take it. I have had a 2009 and now my 2014 and I am very pleased with them and I will have a hard time to replace it with another type of SUV when the day comes. You must remember it is a very expensive SUV and the repairs will be expensive when they occur unless you do your own work on them. I prefer buying new so I know what I have plus my warranty for 4 years 80,000km and I don't have another persons problems. I went to the dealer and said I want that one, the one I own now and I did not even test drive it and I did not have the SWS at all with my 20 inch wheels on Pirelli tires. So what I am trying to say if you are unlucky you might have problems but what is that percentage, no one can say. This can also happen to you with any other car manufacturer too. I have owned VW for most of my 45 years of driving and had very few issues to date. I owned a Ford and had two engines replaced in 20,000Km and I had to fight with ford to get the second new engine replaced as they just wanted to do a rebuild. I won they lost on that issue so there you go. If you like the ride the style, comfort and a well built SUV then go for it. If you are like me you won't regret it.
Cheers

 

Just my 2 cents...

We bought an 09 TDI last November, and i should have had it inspected more. But have a few bugs (NOx sensors, rear brakes, connecting hose to the turbo) this vehicle is great.

I do miss the old jetta tdi, but that's just the sounds and smells. Are there things i would change on the vehicle? sure, but even after having to spend a bit of money, i have no regrets. This thing looks and drives great.

 

Since around May of 2011, when I knew my second child was on the way and I would have to give up my beloved Corvette, I had looked for one vehicle that could tow my boat, get good/decent MPG and be fun to drive and at the time the 11' TDI was the one but at the time I didn't really seriously consider it as I had both a sports sedan in a G8 GT and a Toyota Tundra and was ok-at the time, with having both vehicles.

I considered a Jeep GC, a BMW X5 diesel and the MB diesel but none of them appealed to me at all, until I drove the T3 TDI. I have had mine for a year and a half and for 23,000 trouble-free miles and I can't be any more happy. I get great MPG, and an awesome range as I enjoy not having to stop for fuel, and get superb handling with the 20" wheels and 275 width tires, and a sub 7-second 0-60 keeps me entertained. Why, just on the way home now I had a kid in a Hyundai Veloster get embarrassed by me off a stop light with a 1/2 mile run to a merge, then I looked at what non-turbo'd Velosters run and they are like 8 second 0-60 vehicles, lame anyway, but it was nice to have gotten him good.

I've been around plenty of forums for all the various things that I have, like, boats, motorcycles, dirtbikes, snowmobiles, trucks, cars, outboards, and, in all of them, and for all the problems others come up with with their possessions, I've yet to have an issue with any of my things. Forums for sure, overblow-things as hardly anyone gets on them and goes on and on about how good their "toy" is working or running, instead, most come on with issues or problems or whatever they come on for.

I've never bought an extended warranty (bet that my toy will ever break), and have never needed a major repair on anything I've ever owned but for some, it makes them feel better. It sure is nice having money, as it said often "There is no problem that money can't fix. The problem comes when there is no money."

Viva T3 TDI. I may be in the market for a new 2015 sometime soon as my wife wants my truck and wants me to get a new one-ha!

 

The best part, the TDI can tow:

 

So how about it? Would love some "reliable" "problem free" "I love my Touareg" "best purchase I ever made" "great VW hassle free" dealer support and owner purchase reports

All the above! Get the VW extended warranty. Personally, I don't drive VWs outside of warranty coverage. At 99K miles, I'll trade for a new one.

 

I dont own a T3 I own a T2 and its the best damn vehicular device I have ever had the pleasure of driving. T3 has less **** in it, less to go wrong. Just do it, dont be afraid. People try to categorize the car like its an appliance and it really isn't. Its a complex piece of engineering. If you take care of it, it will take care of you.

I can tell you anything German is not with out it woes go's for American cars as well. I cant even begin to tell you how many X5's, Mercedes Benz, and even non German like Grand Cherokee, wrangler, Expedition I have taken back under lemon law. If you want reliable 2005 Toyota Corolla all day.

 

No issues other than AdBlue heater (52k) and AdBlue pump (1k). Been nearly flawless... excellent ride. Reliable for me. Agree on extended warranty. I don't tow but do a good deal of biking so the hitch is a must.

My T3 is my fourth VW. That says enough.

 

2012 with 43k miles. Been a solid car, no regrets. I am really sold on the TDI.

 

Well let's see... Got my '14 Exec TDI in Nov. '13. Have 8200 miles on it now, not a huge number. But with the exception of a single "issue" related to the RNS-850 & a failed attempt to upgrade the hard drive to a SSD, I've had zero problems with it. And I'm pretty picky. As a bonus it doesn't seem to use a drop of oil.

I will state for consistency in my historical posting record here on CT that there's a thump or clunk noise in the right-rear suspension when driving over certain bumps. But this isn't unique to my Touareg. I've learned to mostly ignore it.

My current Touareg Is probably the finest driving machine I will ever own in my lifetime. Unless I cave and get a '15.

 

The T-3 is the best combination vehicle out there for pure driving performance, can still out tow many pickups, doesn't cost as much as Cayenne, and gets 30mpg (with TDI).
And it's the most sure footed vehicle in winter conditions (with proper tires) I've ever driven in my 30 plus years of Wisconsin winters. And I've driven many a 4X4 truck, SUV and several AWD vehicles by various manufactires. The VW is far superior.

Sure it's a picky vehicle that needs special attention, special oil, special fuel additives, etc. But when you understand the vehicle, and accept the maintenance, there is no other SUV like it. It's a sports car that does so much more. Just get the extended warranty.

 

I bought my 2012 (reg. 2. January 2012) second hand in 2013 (March) and except for a broken Xenon bulb (which was replaced on warranty without any questions), it has been 100% problem free.

It's the most comfortable and practical car I have ever had, and I have had no regrets what so ever.

I have also had many other VAG cars before this one (Audi A4, A6, TT, TTS, VW Tiguan) and I have not had any major problems with any of them (just a few minor issues with a couple of the Audi's).

 

105,000 kms on my 2012 with 40,000 towing a close to 3.5 ton van. Have had it well of road Mud, Beach, Forests and is quite simply the best all round 4wd I have owned. Have had Pajero, Prado and 200 Series Landcruiser and would place the Touareg well above all of them.

Here in OZ the closest competition is the GC Jeep for towing, comfort and size ect. Although not all major issues they have had 14 recalls on the Jeep in 2014.

If you go on a Toyota forum, Land Rover or for that matter any forums you will find the disaster stories. Its where a lot of people go when they have an issue to seek advise or answers.

NO manufacturer is immuned from issues and is very subjective with peoples problems. I have seen people blow up and say they would never buy X car again as they think the sereo or something else like that is not to their liking.

I would happily recommend the Touareg based on my experience to anyone.

 

Ditto what Packhorse said. 115,000km with no issues. Best vehicle I have ever owned.

 

2012 tdi with 58,000 miles. Bought CPO and have had zero issues. I tow a 26 foot travel trailer quite a bit. Yeah, it has it's quirks but all cars do. I've had many vw's (from an original beetle in high school) on up. Had mdx right before this - it was great but boring. Only vehicle I've liked better and beats the reliability is my bicycle. But it's a lot more work and not much fun in cold weather (-9F here this morning).

If u want it then go for it.

 

'13 sport model. Nothing to report except the stock tires are finally starting to wear out after 25k miles.

 

Best car I have ever owned. I suppose that were I ever to have a recurring, unsolvable problem with an expensive car like this (or feeling d**ked around by a dealer) I might post here more frequently. But that has not been my experience with my three VW's. Great cars, knowledgable and helpful dealers.

If I was really a sourpuss needing a life I would be on here constantly balancing any positive remark with a corresponding negative one! :roll:

 

I had a flat tire this afternoon.

Turned out I needed a new valve and the tire company fixed it for free.

I'll NEVER EVER buy another VW.

 

Very happy with 180 TDI after just 16 months. No issues so far but i only average 1000km per month. Glad I added sunroof, towbar and Area View - all great. In hindsight would have liked the function that links your cruise control to the vehicle in front but I was not happy to pay for expensive packages that forced me to pay for other things that I particularly didn't want. That's about my only gripe with the whole experience.

Happy I didnt go for white leather even though it looks very nice. I anticipated - and my youngest daughter delivered in spectacular style.

And every time I see an Audi Q5 - came very close to opting that way - I am really really glad I went Touareg. Bloody great car! Touch wood. ?

 

My 2013 TDI Exec has been terrific, for what it's worth. If your needs are the same as mine, I'd recommend it wholeheartedly. I've put over 160000 miles behind the wheel of a Touareg, 25000 in this one, and the T3 is superior in every meaningful way.

I purchased an extended warranty for extra peace of mind, but beyond that measure what can you be worried over? It's a vehicle. Don't waste time obsessing. Life is too short.

 

my 2011 is fantastic, we had a good 15 inches of snow yesterday, first order of business, find the steepest hill that was unplowed and drive up. No issues, the Touareg is a tank. I still haven't found a place I can get stuck at. 110,000 km, and my biggest issue is trying to find a good place to park away from all the door scratchers. Speaking of which, I parked in the furthest corner at wall mart the other day with not a car at least 200 feet from me. I come out and there is a cart literally kissing my front bumper.

 

@OP:
The CT member nicked-named Siberian made a nice comment on this very topic quite a while ago. I really liked this comment. He was comparing cars and women. I do not remember Siberian’s exact statement, but it went something like this… Beauties are fun and pleasure to be in relations with, but they are high maintenance and of questionable loyalty. Ugly ones are not so much fun and pleasure, but they are loyal and reliable. Once man finds a right for him proportion of the two, he makes a proposal and marries. Make up your mind.

 

@OP:
Beauties are fun and pleasure to be in relations with, but they are high maintenance and of questionable loyalty. Ugly ones are not so much fun and pleasure, but they are loyal and reliable. Once man finds a right for him proportion of the two, he makes a proposal and marries. Make up your mind.

That's classic...

In racing its said that, a great street car doesn't make a good track car. And a great track doesn't make good street car...

On the wife front its great to have best of both worlds

 

I'm happy with my T3s, even the one that had steering wheel shake.

 

We have a 14 Lux TDI, it is the best. Great interior, power, quiet, quickness, sound system, seating position, averaging over 28 MPG....everyone who gets into it says, WOW (and I've never seen one of these...what is it...Touareg?). The other thing, if you are tall you will really like the leg & head room. Our other car is a Jeep Grand Cherokee, it is not in the same class. The previous car was a Jetta TDI, 176,000 and never a problem. Go for it.

 

While I'm just a lowly T1 owner, I thought I'd throw my $.02 in for good measure-
I own one of the oldest, most unreliable & expensive Touareg models one could buy, and my experience has been nothing short of fantastic. I've owned my '07 TDI since '10, had a VW Real Driver warranty and had a fairly long list of maintenance done (covered) by said warranty which cost me $100 out of pocket. Short of a 5 year old battery one day, the T-reg has never left me stranded or let me down in any way. I've towed heavy trailers over long distances, driven it empty over long distances, driven it in snow, and have loved every minute of it. I take good care of her mechanically, but I drive her. I use the ridiculous amount torque that is at my beckon call on a fairly regular basis and it's worth every dollar I've had to spend on it.
I don't drive it every day, but every time I get in it, it reminds me that it is truly the best combination of comfort, power, fun & utility that can be had for the mere mortal's budget. (Not to mention that I get loads of compliments on it)

 

While I'm just a lowly T1 owner, I thought I'd throw my $.02 in for good measure- I own one of the oldest, most unreliable & expensive Touareg models one could buy, and my experience has been nothing short of fantastic.

Beautiful rig! What wheels are those?