[crazynuts]

Hi all

I will be looking at purchasing a used Touareg by the end of this year (got a holiday to planned first) and have been doing quite a lot of reading. Most of the information I keep losing due to the nature of the internet (breadcrumbs of info all over the place).

I keep hearing the newer Touaregs are worse than their predecessor (i.e. MY08 is better than MY09) but no concrete/credible information as to why. I also cannot find detailed information on the changes year to year.

Other than that, I am having a hard time finding a V6 TDI that has Air Suspension. It seems rare as hens teeth in Australia. This brings me to the consideration of the V10 which has all the fruit, but I'm not sure I can justify the extra fuel usage and purchase price.

Can someone with a V10 TDI give me real world expectations of fuel consumption? Those with the V6 TDI I'm interested to hear from too.

My utlimate wishlist is as follows:

08/09 Touareg V6 TDI
Air Suspension
DynAudio sound system (I believe this has also got the upgraded dash screen?)
Spare tyre carrier with full size spare
Roofracks
Automatic HID headlights
Heated front/rear seats (not vital)
4 zone climate control (not vital)

Were there any other options available that I'm not aware of?

Apolgise in advance for all the questions and appreciate your patience with a n00b

 

[crazynuts]

I also have a second question regarding the V6 T2 (facelift). When did they start using the 176kw engine? I notice on carsales some 2007 vehicles (T2 facelift versions) but the engine is listed as the 160kw rather than the 176kw?

Are any of the 2007 facelift Touaregs fitted with the updated engine or is carsales incorrect with their information? Any way of identifying/confirming which engine is which?

 

[Kryspyx]

From what I have heard from friends who had the v10 and now have the v6, they got better fuel economy, overall, with their v10. I believe the additional HP and torque is the reason for this, as you burn more fuel getting started than you do accelerating from 40-60. It takes a lot of energy to push that 2.5 ton tank from a stop, but once it is going, much less fuel is needed to increase speed.

I would go v10, myself. I have had my 2008 T2 v8 since new. I have since test driven every new model...v6 gasser v6 diesel and hybrid. None of them have the get-up-and-go as my v8 does. I don't like to wait at the gate, like to be in the lead right outta the box. Plus, Texas highways are notorious for 15 yard on-ramps...a real b!tch to get up to merge with 70mph highway traffic when driving a 2.5 ton tank!

T2 body/build style started production in late 2007, I believe, and were offered as 2007 MY. Mine was manufactured in January 2008. LOVE IT!
Good luck in your search and purchase!

Peace

 

[crazynuts]

Well comparing the V6 TDI to my Petrol Jeep Wrangler unlimited, I don't think the V6 will have any issues pulling 2.5t

My Jeep JK Unlimited weights 2.1t and has a ****ty 3.8l v6 with 146kw and 310nm. I can tell you right now the power is JUST enough even in this flat country of ours.

The JKU in the city chews about 15.5l/100km (about 15mpg). I wouldn't mind if it had a V8 under the hood but it's quite frustrating having no power and high fuel costs. Luckily we converted to LPG and the running costs of the Jeep are almost nothing.

Now, the cost of Petrol vs Diesel in Australia carries about a 10-15% price difference, although Diesel pricing is a lot more stable whereas Petrol can vary on a daily basis.

Diesel in Perth at the moment is on average $5.67 per galon. Petrol is $5.21. Doesn't sound like much but it would add up I'd imagine between the V6 TDI and V10 TDI. And THIS is what I'm trying to figure out. How much more fuel does the V10 use in real world compared to the V6. I also have to consider the extra costs associated with repairs as most of the time the engine has to be dropped/removed.

In hindsight this is more of a secondary question to my original query. But it's still a big deciding factor for me.

There are lots of V6TDI's available here but few of them have the upgraded MFD and Sat Nav which is a MUST for me, and preferably one with Air Suspension but that's not easy to find.

I wish I could find a complete list of all the differences between the V10 and V6 in regards to options and standard spec. It's very easy to overlook the minor details.

 

[noobytoogy]

Read up all you can on the V10 and decide whether you can afford it if something goes tits up.

They are a supercar that can easily run up supercar bills especially when it takes 30 hours to remove and replace the engine for quite a few things.

The V6 diesel is about 25% better on fuel consumption than the V10.

 

[crazynuts]

Read up all you can on the V10 and decide whether you can afford it if something goes tits up.

They are a supercar that can easily run up supercar bills especially when it takes 30 hours to remove and replace the engine for quite a few things.

Can you give an indication of what the price(s) might be and what would require total removal of the engine?

I'd imagine the biggest issue would be turbo replacement?

My answer to "can I afford it" will grealy depend on how often it's likely to occur. I have a great mechanic who gives me discounted rates so "man hours" isn't really an issue, more the cost of parts.

 

[Touareg MNE]

crazynuts, they started using second generation common rail tregs which had 176kw at late 2007 and beginning of 2008 in Europe,so lets say all 2008 V6 TDI tregs in australia have 176 KW.

If you have a light right foot both of engines are very economical, but a V10 can consume much more fuel than the V6 when you drive it hard.. Lets say you'll probably be getting 10-11L on 100 kilometres in a V6, and 13-16 in a V10 combined.

I'd personnaly go for a V6 TDI,and I am considering one in the near future. The 3.0 TDI engine is great, a significant number of cars which are part of the big VW group use the same engine, including a 3.0TDI Cayenne.

Its pretty hard to find a nice combination of equipment when you're in the market for the used treg, I had really hard time to find mine and I was looking for a manual treg that has full package, but i found it..

V10 has air suspension as standard, has more torque, more hp, but also a bigger fuel consumption. You won't have any troubles towing 2,5T, 3,5t neither..

 

[crazynuts]

Thanks for your reply Touareg_MNE

I won't be doing any heavy towing. I only have a small trailer with two dirt bikes to contend with.

Overall I think my gut is telling me a V10 would be fun to own for the first week but not viable long term. I don't need the V10 power. The V6 during the test drive was more than enough for me, especially once it's chipped.

 

[Touareg MNE]

Lets just say its cheaper to own a V6 TDI. But more fun to own a V10. Good luck, and keep us posted

 

[crazynuts]

How much cheaper is it if I did the work myself? I'm quite mechanically minded and have fixed just about every vehicle I've owned. I rarely use mechancis unless it's a big job (mainly time wise) and even then, my mechanic is extreemly frivolous on price.

So that in mind, is there such a major price difference between the two for repairs, how reliable is the V10 compared to the V6?

 

[noobytoogy]

30 x whatever hourly labour rate at your local dealer as it is possible your little man won't know what to do and won't have the right kit - yes, some mechanics turn V10 work down!

And that's before you add the cost of parts [GB£16,000 for a new engine] and the actual repair time.

The V6 Tdi will do you nicely.

Like I said, read up on the V10 if you have DEEEEEEP pockets.

 

[Touareg MNE]

Except few thing that all tregs share, like the center driveshaft bearing, some problems with DPF, air, stepper motor the V10 has a known turbo failure as you mentioned, its a pump-nozzle system which can go wrong too, not common but it happened to some folks.

V10 is gear driven so no chains, no belts to replace, while the V6 has a timing chain.
Sometimes some simple things need engine removal on a V10 so its definately not a DIY job unless you have your own mechanic shop with all tools you need. V10 is a more complicated engine than the V6, here is a video if you didn't see it:

 

[crazynuts]

30 x whatever hourly labour rate at your local dealer as it is possible your little man won't know what to do and won't have the right kit - yes, some mechanics turn V10 work down!

And that's before you add the cost of parts [GB£16,000 for a new engine] and the actual repair time.

The V6 Tdi will do you nicely.

Like I said read up on the V10 if you have DEEEEEEP pockets.

Thanks...I think the V6TDI is the sensible choice.

Now that I've got the V6 vs V10 debate sorted, what are the major changes between the years on the Touareg? I'm assuming this would be region specific?

Ultimately I'll just have to play a waiting game until I find the right vehicle. There is one on www.carsales.com.au at the moment that has everything I was looking for, but I have a trip to USA/Canada planned in Sep/Oct so can't purchase beforehand.

 

[crazynuts]

Ummm...yeah. After seeing that video I think I'll pass on the V10

Glad I had the chance to test drive one but not viable to own one in this overpriced ****ry.

Except few thing that all tregs share, like the center driveshaft bearing, some problems with DPF, air, stepper motor the V10 has a known turbo failure as you mentioned, its a pump-nozzle system which can go wrong too, not common but it happened to some folks.

V10 is gear driven so no chains, no belts to replace, while the V6 has a timing chain.
Sometimes some simple things need engine removal on a V10 so its definately not a DIY job unless you have your own mechanic shop with all tools you need. V10 is a more complicated engine than the V6, here is a video if you didn't see it:
motor V10 TDI VW - YouTube

 

[crazynuts]

F*** it I can't get the V10 out of my head.

Rego in only $100 per year more.
Insurance is within $100 more per year between the V10 and my Jeep

....am I stupid to still consider the V10? I know I don't need it but I can't get it out of my head. It seems like a better buy overall.

The only thing holding me back is the though of having to pull the engine just to change the O2 sensors or if the turbo's go.

AAAAAAaaaaaaaarrrrrrggghhhhhhh!!!!!

 

[essay]

Buy a car with VW WARRANTY, otherwise look elsewhere for your cheaper thrills

 

[crazynuts]

The vehicle I will be purchasing will be out of VW warranty anyway, the option to purchase extended warranty will not be available. I don't think you can buy additional warranty AFTER the standard warranty has expired. Don't you have to purchase it during the warranty period?

 

[hedditch]

I also have a second question regarding the V6 T2 (facelift). When did they start using the 176kw engine? I notice on carsales some 2007 vehicles (T2 facelift versions) but the engine is listed as the 160kw rather than the 176kw?

Are any of the 2007 facelift Touaregs fitted with the updated engine or is carsales incorrect with their information? Any way of identifying/confirming which engine is which?

I think you will find that the Facelift Models commenced in mid to late 2007 but were designated MY08 ( Model Year ). Mine is exactly that being built in October 2007 but sold and complianced as MY08. Mine has the 175 kW engine, so on that basis I would expect the 160 kW engines saw the end of the T1 production only.

Stuart...

 

[crazynuts]

So I can safely assume the 07 Touaregs with the new headlights all have the 176kw engine despite Carsales stating it's the 160kw?

 

[Dubby]

Crazy, you asked about options on the T2 V6TDI. My booklet was printed May 08, but is for MY09 models. I don't think the options would vary much.
Options listed are: Front fog lights, Chrome roof rails, 4-zone climate control, Bi-Xenon auto self-level headlights with washers, Metallic or Pearl paint, 3-position memory on the electric front seats-steering wheel-mirror positions & seat belt height, Napa leather (in lieu of cricket), Air suspension, 20" alloys, external spare tyre carrier & alloy wheel, 600W Dynaudio, auto tailgate, VW 'individual' body kit, elec. sunroof, interior trim-piano black or aluminium, wood/leather steering wheel, rear seat DVD, rearview camera & park sensors f/rear (not with spare tyre option), RNS510 Satnav, Towbar.
Virtually all the above comes standard on a V10.
The V10 comes into it's own when towing heavy loads. I get passed on the flat by 4-cylinder utes towing 2 tonnes (110kph in the wet - like you, crazy), but it must piss them off bigtime when they are crawling up hills and I don't even slow down - & with 2.5 tonnes on the back.
Economy probably a little better with the V10 only if towing big, big loads.
My V10 is incredible, but the V6 TDI will do all & more you need and is a far more sensible option. Cheers, Dub