Thanks Patto. Looks like a nice part of Aus.

Neil

 

Great stuff thanks for sharing! How was the track, any issues?

 

I love the Treg's shear power down low, not once did I have to use low range on the dunes, I simply turned off ESP and selected either Sports or manual on the shifter - there was always plenty of power on tap. Some of the other 4x4s we were travelling with had to take several attempts in low range on the big dunes.

That's the TDI for you....Nm's where it counts. ESP "off" with tiptronic on the fingers and those Nm's work nicely for you (so long as you have decent tyres). You would have had a smile on yer dial.

 

Great stuff thanks for sharing! How was the track, any issues?

Thanks Singh, I have a tonne of photos.
Track was pretty good, just a few washing machines where you could tell people instead of backing up and trying again when they got stuck up a dune, they just flogged it and dug some holes for everyone.

Apart from flattening the battery, everything went perfectly. The Treg never got hot, even with hard sand driving for hours in 40oC heat an aircon on. It was an amazing machine!

 

That's the TDI for you....Nm's where it counts. ESP "off" with tiptronic on the fingers and those Nm's work nicely for you (so long as you have decent tyres). You would have had a smile on yer dial.

Smiles were definitely there mate, the guys I went with are pathfinder, and Toyota blokes (apart from one new jeep) and I think I was the test bunny for them to see how the Treg performed. They agreed it went effortlessly.

 

I think there's a banner slogan on here about, "Drivers Found, Mud (maybe muck) wanted". Onya! My experience is once you get over being tentative with getting it dirty, you then start to realise what it can do. BTW - how'd the Jeep go? I'll get canned for asking that! Just curious about the comments both ways.

 

Ah I don't mind you asking, I'll give credit where credit is due. The jeep went really well too, it was brand new and they have a good V6 TDI like the Treg. I think same specs as T2 TDI.

The only problem we faced with the jeep was we had to take some of it apart to remove the front mud guards otherwise they would have been ripped off cos they were too low to the ground.

I can't comment on ride but there wasn't much in it, 1 bloke and his sleeping gear. He was using the same amount of fuel as my Treg so the Treg faired better on fuel cos mine was packed to the hilt! All in all it had no issues and the bloke was happy with its performance.
Cheers

 

Hey Oils, I have read on numerous threads about your opinions on current Treg pricing, VW warranties, old engine technology and how the T3 is no better for you than T2. Also you have mentioned your thoughts on the New JGC.

Out of interest, other than pricing, where do you see the jeep being Superior. Engine appears to be very similar, Warranty is actually a bit less being 3 year 100K and from past experience Jeep Service and reliablility isn't any better than the VW. I have just compared the 4X Motion with Air and area view to the Overland Jeep, which is very close in what it offers for extras but is $12K cheaper. The VW definately handles on Road Far better, Is quieter and feels a much higher quality. 12mth service costs are very reasonable as i have a full list of service costs up to 180K. Off road without being able to test both back to back on same day would suggest the VW will be more than capable for any off roading I will do, Mainly State Forest tracks and Beach driving towing a Caravan.

Whilst I can appeciate the fact that the upgrade for you from T2 to T3 isnt sufficent for you to make the jump, for most people who have just started looking at VW and Treg the T3 is an extremely civilised and capable vehicle and feel that some of your comments may be off putting to folks that are not interested in buying second hand and want new vehicle. The only real benefit of the Jeep is a Low Price but feel you can definately notice the cheaper product.

As far as warranty goes I do agree in this day and age at least a 5 year 160K warranty should be on offer given warranties offered in other countries. .

As far as being ripped on pricing it all comes down to what the competition is doing and looking at all sorts of vehicles I still believe despite being on the high side it still offers value for money against the main competition.

I also understand your argument on currency converions, but this is a much bigger issue. As an example if VW responded to the current exchange rates and dropped the New Treg by say $10K or $15K due to the current state of both US and Euro what happens to all the existing Treg owners resale. Depreciation is high as it stands now.

The bigger issue is around what will happen going forward with the little Aussie Battler. Most Economists believe we will have a return to "Normal" rates within the next year or two or more if recovery is slower but a rate of around 75 to 80 cents to the US is probably more sustainable in the long term.

Now say in 2 years time we return to normality on exchange rates, do you think the market will cop a $15K price rise ?

Anyway probably wrong place to ask you all these questions, and I know a few are upset but I do see that you are a relatively happy VW owner and would just like to see VW improve on Price Warranty and Product.

Remember there will always be a better model around the corner and if you wait until 2014 for a new engine with a few more NMs and KWs (Do you think it lacks power now?) when we get to 2014 there will be rumors of an even better model on the way. You may never buy another car again.

Lastly if the JGC and 4XMotion were the same price what would you buy today and why. ?

 

Lastly if the JGC and 4XMotion were the same price what would you buy today and why. ?

I'd buy the Treg 4xmotion...that's because I already have the benefit of owning one, but on that assumption, it'd have to have air suspension and the same price as the JGC...I think the maths won't work out in favour of VW.

My issue with VW is price and warranty. They gotta be making extra cream on the AUD. Looking after their customers are they? Why don't they offer a better warranty to off-set the exchange rate in their favour? Or, offer capped services for 5 years? Right now, I'm considering a 2010 V6 TDI with air....I'll find one at the right price (this time I'll lease it) if I look hard enough as they're pretty damn reasonable right now...sell my 07.....it's just run it!

With a 1st timer coming to VW, I have no issue with the T3 4motion 150 being a good vehicle or a bad buy, as seems to be your case in purchase. But, anyone having a pre-2011 V6TDI had a pretty decent vehicle to start with, with no trimming in power or loss of 4xmotion. So, my basis is valid for me in that I am not into the 150 as it offers less rather than more when I can get a 2010 V6 TDI 4xmotion (which I use) with air for a lot less and still under warranty (I gotta find one!). Horses for courses - there is no single best answer. Most owners will not go off-road, as in "off-road", so the T3 is offered on that basis via the 150 - most owners will be happy with it for typical use. It's just not for me.

As for pricing and forex.....we are living in a new age,....no one really knows what the f#@k is going on! Really, no one knows what's around the corner.....they all guess and see what the Eurozone will do next to plug the leak in the **** running red. Nothing is a given any more....that is a certainty!