[WayneSlobbe]

Hi, I am new to the VW world and Touaregs in particular but am looking to buy one.

I looked at an 05 V6 last night with 88k on it and have been researching some of it's issues and would appreciate some feedback

1. Am I correct in saying that the 3.2l V6 has a timing chain and not a belt?
2. What is the replacement schedule on the serpentine belt (and tensioner) ?
3. Lights - while the driving lights worked OK, I could only get the brights to come on by pulling the stalk towards me - pushing it away did nothing. Is this likely to be the switch or the lighting control module (are either of these common problems)? The car did have to be jump started before I could test drive, if that may be a contributing factor.
4. Peeling buttons - many of the buttons/switches for windows, lights radio etc are peeling off - is there any sort of fix barring buying new units?

The car drove fine, although it needed front struts. No transmission whine

Any other common items I should have checked?

Thanks in advance

 

[noobytoogy]

Sit down and read the buying a used Touareg thread - link in my signature below.

Timing chain, but some do wear and rattle, and it's a bugger to replace - engine out job.

No schedule on the belt, but belt lives are usually 5 to 8 years tops so probably needs doing.

Peeling buttons are a well known issue - new buttons needed, or spray them black and use a sticker kit.

Headlight switch should work - could be duff wiring inside the head light unit, known issue where the insulation falls of and shorts, or more. You didn't say if it had xenons or not.

Anyway, read the buying thread first and then see what you think.

Personally I would never ever buy any Touareg with known faults - they weren't cheap to fix new and they're definitely not cheap to fix as they age and more things go wrong.

 

[WayneSlobbe]

Appreciate the feedback.

Unfortunately I can't read your sig until I get to 10 posts - I'll search for it instead, thanks

The headlights are xenons.

I understand your sentiment about known problems, but with a 10 y.o. vehicle there is always something. I am attempting to price out these repairs to arrive at a price I am comfortable with.

 

[noobytoogy]

I thought the admin folk were supposed to have fixed that bloody stupid rule!

There's a number of us who have useful signatures to help people like yourself but the people who run this site seem determined to make life for both new and old members as hard as possible. Makes you wonder if they ever actually use forums themselves!!

I hope you can see this link . . .

Buying a used Touareg. What to look for. - myTreg forums

 

[WayneSlobbe]

Thanks,

I had just found that thread through a judicious search of the forum

Having read that, I realized that I had just assumed the lights were xenons due to the thick lenses, but now I have no idea.

One thing I will need to check again is the prop shaft vibration at 45mph+. I didn't notice anything yesterday, but I will pay close attention.

I also have an 07 BMW X3 which has it's own raft of expensive maintenance issues at the 80-100k range.

Are there any recommendations on third party warranty companies ? (this car isn't being sold by a VW dealer)

 

[alhutch]

Hi, I am new to the VW world and Touaregs in particular but am looking to buy one.

I looked at an 05 V6 last night with 88k on it and have been researching some of it's issues and would appreciate some feedback

3. Lights - while the driving lights worked OK, I could only get the brights to come on by pulling the stalk towards me - pushing it away did nothing. Is this likely to be the switch or the lighting control module (are either of these common problems)? The car did have to be jump started before I could test drive, if that may be a contributing factor.

Thanks in advance

Wayne - the lights are most likely Xenon and the behavior you noted is normal. The "bright" lights (inboard, closest to grill) are there for "flash to pass" maneuvers and aren't really the high beam headlights. The outer Xenon light handles both low & high beam duties.

You can change this behavior by using the "six light salute" programming to get the inboard lights to shine when high beams are selected. Search that term for more info.

 

[WayneSlobbe]

Interesting.

So when you push the stalk on the steering wheel away from you should you get a blue "brights" icon illuminated on the dash?

When I pulled the stalk to flash, the blue icon illuminates, and the inner lamps light, but when I push it away to put the brights on (as in other cars) I don't get the blue icon, nor do the inner light. Does it matter if the car is moving or not? I was stationary at the time.

 

[Spiegelglatt]

Engine would need to be running or accessory mode still active (such as either having key turned so say the dash blower could work or after shutting off engine but prior to opening a door and pulling key out of ignition). Lastly lights would need to also be switched on either by switch manually or by auto dusk to dawn sensor (not just driving lights on).

 

[Spiegelglatt]

Engine would need to be running or accessory mode still active (such as either having key turned so say the dash blower could work or after shutting off engine but prior to opening a door and pulling key out of ignition). Lastly lights would need to also be switched on either by switch manually or by auto dusk to dawn sensor (not just driving lights on).

Correction: headlights will not work after switching engine off even with key in ignition (only parking lights) unless coming home is set and then no high beams either... Just realized this this morning. Just test with engine running and everything should work. If not, then there is an issue...