Used Touaregs ... buying advice

[DionM]

I'm in the process of researching a replacement for our other vehicle, an 01 Jeep Cherokee. We need a bigger 4WD than the Jeep. I've been looking at the usual suspects (Landcruiser etc) but have also widened the net to include Touaregs.

I seem to recall some owners having issues with early Touaregs, are they worth even considering or should I be careful of problems with the first-build units? We'd be looking at a base model, early model (i.e. secondhand) to get it into our price bracket.

[phaeton]

Anything electrical, fully check eg electric windows, headed seats etc etc

[barefoot]

DionM,
VW had an enhancement program (voluntary recall) for all t'reg recently (check for the 90D7 sticker when you open the driver's door). It fixes pretty much almost all issues reported in early t'regs, eg airbag fault light, water pump in R5s, turbos in V10, dash for 'featured' (weird) trip computer etc. ALL new and revised/updated parts were used.

I'd say if you get one now you'd have a pretty solid car.

YMMV, but I just love my t'reg. I test drove everything under the sun and couldn't think of what I'd get next, and the 4x4 system is idiot proof (starting to think I'll keep it long term now). If you're worried about 'issues' buy extended warranty before the factory one runs out. I had the same worries on an ML, spent considerable money on extended warranty and never used it.

Now some bias opinion, if you go down the touareg path, get an R5, because:

• They hold their value;
• 400nm of torque (as much as the V-eight), terrific for going up the Toowoomba range;
• Rumoured to be bio-diesel tolerant as it's the same engine used in commercial vehicles overseas. In Brisbane you could probably run B10 without any mod, but in colder climes you might need heated fuel lines.
• The engine has gear driven valve-train so no timing belt;
• The cylinder block is a one piece plasma sprayed cylinder so the tolerance is like a blueprinted motor;
• I regularly get over 1000km a tank and still 50ks to go;
• Brake parts are cheaper than other variants and lasts longer;

But of course if the wallet stretches then an extra "0" after R5 would be the go .
Cheers

btw, I read that the LC200 is only just now getting an electronic torque split centre diff....t'reg always had it, and if you're really lucky some t'reg also had electronic locking rear diff as well.

[dmm_au]

I'm seriously considering placing an order for a new TDV6 facelift model.
I test drove a R5 and TDV6 (2005/6) models.
The 3.0L engine certainly seems more responsive in the city, but the salesman pointed out, and I think he'd be right, that once underway there would be very little difference (ie Highway driving).

Good luck finding a R5 though.

[Transporter]

That makes the two of us.
I've ordered V6 TDi and didn't even road tested R5.
I've R5 engine under the bonnet in my Transporter T5. I know that there is $10,000 difference between the two, but there is a lot of extras on V6 TDi compared to R5. So extra money is justified. Also R5 engine is the unit injector which blows a bit more of the black smoke. The earlier R5 had leaking water pumps and it is not an easy to replace the water pump on them. V6 TDi is common rail fuel system and it could mean better resale value in the future. I have no doubts that R 5 is a good engine and it must be very durable if the Dakar Touareg R5 engine with some 219kw of power last the race than under the normal driving conditions the engine with just 128kw should last for long long time. Also there is not belt at all on the engine to drive the accessories, so they use couplings to drive them and there is interval for replacing the elastic drive coupling and freewheel for alternator drive and air conditioning drive every 150,000km. So any buyer of the second hand R5 Touareg should check if they have been replaced.

[bobzed57]

Hi guys

I have a 2005 R5 with the lux pack, so the difference between mine and the face lift V6TDI isn't all that great, engine notwithstanding ( I also have fog lamps which I noticed is an option in the face lift Treg). Also, I have a DPChip in my R5, so the power difference between my R5 and the V6TDI is also not as great. The R5 has no trouble towing my 1000kg+ Kanga Kamper.

My R5 is in the shop for the 90D7 work, and I have a V6FSI facelift loaner. The petrol engine seems more responsive, and the low down pulling power seems less despite the VW claimed 500nm of torque out of the FSI.

If you can find an R5, I'd recommend the lux pack, make sure the warranty work is done and buy an extended warranty.

For my money, there aren't enough differences between my R5 and the T2 to warrant an upgrade, but by the time the T3 comes around in a couple of years, I'll probably be ready.

If you go for a new V6TDi, get the air suspension option, you'll appreciate the extra clearance in the bush.

Cheers

Bob Z

[dmm_au]

I couldn't find a dealer with a T2 with Air suspension to test drive.
While the air suspension was of interest, it seem uncommon.

I have read several reviews which claimed it didn't make for a pleasant ride, indeed Jeremy Clarkson in the topgear review makes a joke about kids in the back getting seasick and throwing up on you. As I say I haven't been able to verify this myself.

I think for the 'fire tracks' type if 4WD I expect to do the Air Suspension is not worth the extra cash. I think upgrading the tyres would probably make more difference.

[Transporter]

I couldn't find a dealer with a T2 with Air suspension to test drive.
While the air suspension was of interest, it seem uncommon.

I have read several reviews which claimed it didn't make for a pleasant ride, indeed Jeremy Clarkson in the topgear review makes a joke about kids in the back getting seasick and throwing up on you. As I say I haven't been able to verify this myself.

I think for the 'fire tracks' type if 4WD I expect to do the Air Suspension is not worth the extra cash. I think upgrading the tyres would probably make more difference.

I couldn't agree more,
The air compressor doesn't have to last and for most of the situations standard ground clearance should be enough. At least for me.

[bobzed57]

Having left a few bits of plastic on the fire trails of that ACT, all I can say is that you'll appreciate the extra clearance. I changed to Cooper ATRs in a higher profile and that certainly made a difference, but I'm still looking at a lift of about 40mm to give me the clearance I need, especially when deflating the tyres to improve traction.

Cheers

[phaeton]

VW's Touareg Expedition only had an extra 25mm so would a 40mm lift be too high Bob ???

Touareg Expedition Press Release - VWvortex