Considering trading a '11 sportwagen tdi for a '12 Touareg TDI

[emerscape]

I've had my '11 sportwagen TDI since new and have about 56k miles on it. Recently replaced my wife's 07 Grand Cherokee with a '14 Acadia SLT1 and now I'm craving an SUV. Found a '12 touareg tdi sport locally with 27k miles for $33k. Going to look at it tomorrow. Financing wise my payments will be about $40 more a month which I'm fine with. Any thoughts or comments about making the switch?

 

[Yeti35]

Mileage won't be anywhere close to your sportwagen. If you are ok with that then I say go for it and make sure you get the service history of the Touareg.

If you are serious about buying a Touareg I suggest you join Club Touareg and do some research there about your future purchase. Lot's of info there.

 

[VW/Porsche Fahrer]

My 2012 Touareg TDI Sport has about 47K miles on it. It gets an indicated 31 mpg average on the highway ( probably an actual 29 mpg). Close to 800 mile range on the highway, it is very smooth and quiet on the highway as well. On bumpy back roads the ride can get a bit rough at times.
It is also relatively quick for an SUV ( 0-60 in about 7 seconds). I would say it is quite reliable as well with no repairs or issues, to date.

 

[NoobyT]

You need to check the car out for SWS [steering wheel shakes] and just be aware of the HPFP issue if you have crap diesel in your area.

Here are a couple of threads below to get you started.

Both affect only a small number of cars but are bummers if it's your car!

Join clubtouareg, do your homework and, if you buy, get a good warranty.

http://www.clubtouareg.com/forums/f49/urgent-2011-12-touareg-steering-wheel-shake-77157.html

http://www.clubtouareg.com/forums/f...ould-of-went-wrong-169713.html?highlight=hpfp

 

[coastie743]

I have a '12 sport tdi and love it. I typically get around 30-31 mpg highway. Rides great. Tows well. No complaints really. It appears they are very tire sensitive plus some I think have an issue from the factory with the shake. I didn't notice an issue until near the end of winter with my snow tires. So I would guess they are very sensitive to balance etc. def something to look for though and as mentioned club touareg is a great area for info as well. Mine is by far my favorite SUV I've owned out of a Tahoe z71,yukon xl Denali, jeep commander limited, and a wrangler unlimited. The wrangler I did enjoy more on occasion because of the soft top and removable doors haha. But seriously I love my touareg. I have a 21' Parker center console boat and it pulls it like it's not even there. And I still get around 15mpg towing that heavy thing! Oh and I just crossed the 50k mark with mine.

 

[emerscape]

Thanks guys I appreciate all of your feedback. I've decided to wait on replacing my sportwagen until after the winter. I think I need to do more research on the diesel SUVs that are available (x5 vs. touareg) and get used to our acadia (financially). I was not aware of the shaking issues so thank you from preventing me from making an impulse but without doin my due diligence.

 

[NoobyT]

Good idea to wait.

The facelift T4 has just gone into production so if you wait until Spring 2015 you will have the latest model, hopefully with any issues sorted!, and 2.5 years to run until the all new T5 arrives in the Autumn of 2017.

Do join www.clubtouareg.com in the meantime though. Banter and members are total crap . . . just joking!

 

[ruking]

The higher costs associated with CUV's/SUV's will not change. (over the JSW) The pressing ones will be tires, brake pads and rotors. But if you are ok with that, the Touareg's are really a great bang for the buck in its competitive segment. While mpg for a 12 Tourareg TDI ( midsize CUV) is great it is still (app MINUS- 10 mpg) less than a JSW.

 

[Fourdiesel]

Thanks guys I appreciate all of your feedback. I've decided to wait on replacing my sportwagen until after the winter. I think I need to do more research on the diesel SUVs that are available (x5 vs. touareg) and get used to our acadia (financially). I was not aware of the shaking issues so thank you from preventing me from making an impulse but without doin my due diligence.

When exploring the diesel SUV world don't forget about the Mercedes GL (or ML) or the Audi Q7. Depending on your needs the Mercedes seats 7 comfortably, still has some baggage space and is very nice on the freeway. (it is NOT a sport SUV!). Mercedes does NOT charge a premium for their diesel motor compared to the gasser.

 

[ruking]

When exploring the diesel SUV world don't forget about the Mercedes GL (or ML) or the Audi Q7. Depending on your needs the Mercedes seats 7 comfortably, still has some baggage space and is very nice on the freeway. (it is NOT a sport SUV!). Mercedes does NOT charge a premium for their diesel motor compared to the gasser.

Indeed ! More diesel models and oem's are starting to test the markets.

MB GLK 250 BT Blue Tec is MINUS - 500. under the gaser GLK 350 !!!!

 

[atc98002]

When exploring the diesel SUV world don't forget about the Mercedes GL (or ML) or the Audi Q7. Depending on your needs the Mercedes seats 7 comfortably, still has some baggage space and is very nice on the freeway. (it is NOT a sport SUV!). Mercedes does NOT charge a premium for their diesel motor compared to the gasser.

And if something slightly smaller works for you, there's the Audi Q5 and BMW now has the X3 in a diesel.

 

[TNriverjet]

Don't forget the Porsche Macan now offers an oil burner... LOL.

If I read into the OP correctly, he is in the market for a used Touareg. The price tag of a new one takes it out of the realm of possibility for some here. I have been looking too, and feel that a very nice '12 model with decently low miles can be had for $33-38K depending on trim, miles, etc.

We just paid off the wife's Pilot. We are going to keep that, and I am going to chip away with extra payments on the JSW until next spring. I will then be nearing 200K miles and need to make a decision between a new Golf Sportwagen (hopefully 4motion) or a lightly used Touareg.

 

[ruking]

Don't forget the Porsche Macan now offers an oil burner... LOL.

If I read into the OP correctly, he is in the market for a used Touareg. The price tag of a new one takes it out of the realm of possibility for some here. I have been looking too, and feel that a very nice '12 model with decently low miles can be had for $33-38K depending on trim, miles, etc.

We just paid off the wife's Pilot. We are going to keep that, and I am going to chip away with extra payments on the JSW until next spring. I will then be nearing 200K miles and need to make a decision between a new Golf Sportwagen (hopefully 4motion) or a lightly used Touareg.

Why not do the things necessary for a third round of 100,000 for your pilot? There is a heck of a lot to be said for no monthly payments for either the Pilot, 11 JSW and/or both !!!

 

[TNriverjet]

Why not do the things necessary for a third round of 100,000 for your pilot? There is a heck of a lot to be said for no monthly payments for either the Pilot, 11 JSW and/or both !!!

Yes, Ruking! The pilot is at about 93K and I am preparing to do the timing belt, water pump, idler pulleys and tensioner. It should be good for another 100K easy.

As for the JSW, it really is a nice car and drives as new with 151K miles. It has the RNS510, factory fogs, and is fun to drive. I do about 40K/year, so it won't last me much past the payoff date.

Back on topic...
I really like the roominess and comfort of the Touareg cabin for the long miles I drive. I wish I could get a 3 or four hour test drive on the freeway to really sell me there. Anyway, it will be the Treg or new Golf Sportwagen as the 2015 GSW will be a bit roomier inside. As I said if 4motion is offered with the GSW next spring, it will be a tough decision.

I still like the more truck-like Treg... 7,700 lb towing, etc! I miss my Tundra, but a V6 turbo diesel SUV might be the perfect compromise between efficiency and capability.

 

[ruking]

Yes, Ruking! The pilot is at about 93K and I am preparing to do the timing belt, water pump, idler pulleys and tensioner. It should be good for another 100K easy.
As for the JSW, it really is a nice car and drives as new with 151K miles. It has the RNS510, factory fogs, and is fun to drive. I do about 40K/year, so it won't last me much past the payoff date.
Back on topic...
I really like the roominess and comfort of the Touareg cabin for the long miles I drive. I wish I could get a 3 or four hour test drive on the freeway to really sell me there. Anyway, it will be the Treg or new Golf Sportwagen as the 2015 GSW will be a bit roomier inside. As I said if 4motion is offered with the GSW next spring, it will be a tough decision.
I still like the more truck-like Treg... 7,700 lb towing, etc! I miss my Tundra, but a V6 turbo diesel SUV might be the perfect compromise between efficiency and capability.

The diesel engines on the market that I am familiar with are all great products 1.9 L, 2.0 L, 2.1 L ( MB GLK 250 BT twin TDI product) and the Touareg's 3.0 L.are reliable and DURABLE motors. You may or may not agree with me on the 2.0 L product.

 

[emerscape]

Since my last post I've been all over the place with what I want to replace my sportwagen with. First I wanted a tdi toureg then a ml350 bluetec then a grand cherokee hemi then a lifted wrangler unlimited. I'm not sure I can move to a vehicle that gets below 20mpg and I really like putting my wagon through its paces without feeling like I'm beating on it. Does the touared like being driven hard or no?

 

[ruking]

Since my last post I've been all over the place with what I want to replace my sportwagen with. First I wanted a tdi toureg then a ml350 bluetec then a grand cherokee hemi then a lifted wrangler unlimited. I'm not sure I can move to a vehicle that gets below 20mpg and I really like putting my wagon through its paces without feeling like I'm beating on it. Does the touared like being driven hard or no?

IF you are join to wait till after winter (@ least a few months), what is the harm about indecision?

What tells you the 12 VW Touareg TDI does NOT like to be "driven HARD"??? The problem with driving a 406 # ft of torque vehicle vs a 236# ft of torque machine HARD is you have to be ready for the differences. Are you?

 

[emerscape]

Why do you suggest waiting till after winter? It would be nice to not get stuck in my driveway everytime it snows 3" but I've made it through several winters before so what's one more?

I think I can handle the increase in power. In the JSW they say its good to drive it hard to clear out the DPF once in a while. Just wondering if the same principle applies to the Touareg? I understand the Touareg doesn't have a DPF.

 

[ruking]

Why do you suggest waiting till after winter? It would be nice to not get stuck in my driveway everytime it snows 3" but I've made it through several winters before so what's one more?

I think I can handle the increase in power. In the JSW they say its good to drive it hard to clear out the DPF once in a while. Just wondering if the same principle applies to the Touareg? I understand the Touareg doesn't have a DPF.

It is not MY suggestion. I got this from your earlier post. So perhaps you can tell me/us?

..."I've decided to wait on replacing my sportwagen until after the winter. "...

So if you drive your JSW "hard", you can also drive the VW T TDI "hard". So for example the 6 speed DSG is made to handle up to 258# ft and the 8 speed A/T is made to handle up to 627 # ft. In regards to the DPF, you may be laboring under some concepts that might/not be true. Things, for obvious reasons are not EXACTLY the same.

 

[emerscape]

ah thanks sorry forgot I had said that.

 

[OsirisTDI]

65k miles on our 2012 Touareg, no regrets.

 

[VW/Porsche Fahrer]

Since my last post I've been all over the place with what I want to replace my sportwagen with. First I wanted a tdi toureg then a ml350 bluetec then a grand cherokee hemi then a lifted wrangler unlimited. I'm not sure I can move to a vehicle that gets below 20mpg and I really like putting my wagon through its paces without feeling like I'm beating on it. Does the touared like being driven hard or no?

Be aware that MB cars and SUVs with Diesel engines do not have spare tires. They are fitted with runflats.

 

[ruking]

One thing that might be a tad more tricky AND has the potential to be much more costly, with the AWD option is that the VW oem owners manual recommends changing all 4 tires (set) IF one tire hits the NON repairable category. One can get away with changing one axles tire (2 tires), BUT it is not optimum. It also jives with what my local tire guru has said also.

Another is the VW OEM technical data recommends 10,000 miles, ( fronts to rears, rears to fronts) rotation. My local tire guru HIGHLY recommends app 5,000 miles !!!! He does it as it is included in the price. It also can be cross rotated, but again, that is more like an adjustment to ones' particular situation/s (i.e., wear patterns, etc..

The MB's do have RF's, but I would not replace it with run flats.

 

[psyphy]

I upgraded from a 2010 JSW to a 2014 Touareg Sport. The main reason was my creaky bones were having a harder time getting in & out of the Jetta. The T-reg is much more comfortable. Power is better. Pittsburgh is not quite, but almost as bad as Boston for winter weather so the 4wd will be a nice asset. Mileage drops by around 1/3 from jetta to touareg, but with the diesel, it's still much better than comparable gas vehicles. I looked at other diesel suv's & Touareg was the only choice for me. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Dpthomas]

I upgraded from a 2010 JSW to a 2014 Touareg Sport. The main reason was my creaky bones were having a harder time getting in & out of the Jetta. The T-reg is much more comfortable. Power is better. Pittsburgh is not quite, but almost as bad as Boston for winter weather so the 4wd will be a nice asset. Mileage drops by around 1/3 from jetta to touareg, but with the diesel, it's still much better than comparable gas vehicles. I looked at other diesel suv's & Touareg was the only choice for me. Good luck with your decision.

I made the same move, by to a 2013 Treg Sport. Long term mileage with JSW was 37 mpg and long term on the Treg is 26 mpg. Live in PA where winter mornings can be cold. The JSW took 5 or 6 miles to warm up for heat. With the Treg. I've got heat in 5 or 6 blocks - an unexpected but welcome difference. The JSW sucked in snow and ice. The Treg rocks. I pulled out of a plowed in street parking spot after a 20 inch snow last winter. Aside from clearing my windows, didn't have to move a flake of snow. Treg just climbed out of the hole like it was nothing. Very happy with the move to Treg.

 

[Yeti35]

I made the same move, by to a 2013 Treg Sport. Long term mileage with JSW was 37 mpg and long term on the Treg is 26 mpg. Live in PA where winter mornings can be cold. The JSW took 5 or 6 miles to warm up for heat. With the Treg. I've got heat in 5 or 6 blocks - an unexpected but welcome difference. The JSW sucked in snow and ice. The Treg rocks. I pulled out of a plowed in street parking spot after a 20 inch snow last winter. Aside from clearing my windows, didn't have to move a flake of snow. Treg just climbed out of the hole like it was nothing. Very happy with the move to Treg.

Could be the auxiliary heater in the Jetta was not working right. My '10 TDI is the same way in that I have heat pretty quickly after driving for a little bit. I love that feature.

 

[emerscape]

Do you guys have any thoughts on the V6 touareg? I've been finding a few 2013 v6 sports in the high $20ks which seem appealing. I've also considered buying a 2012 grand cherokee V6 or hemi. Had a Dodge Ram 2500 hemi back in 03 and loved it... But gas prices were different then

 

[ruking]

Do you guys have any thoughts on the V6 touareg? I've been finding a few 2013 v6 sports in the high $20ks which seem appealing. I've also considered buying a 2012 grand cherokee V6 or hemi. Had a Dodge Ram 2500 hemi back in 03 and loved it... But gas prices were different then

Yes, I actually have quite s few thoughts on the V6 12 VW TDI (there are HUGE similarities with the 13 MY) , specifically SPORT model !

Now, I have not done comparison tests, nor had interests in a 12 JC V6 or Hemi, Nor have I compared it against a Dodge 2500 Hemi back in 03. (this being an apples to oranges comparison anyway)

Of course, gas prices were different then. Gas and diesel prices are different NOW ! Will you consider, if only the prices now were the SAME then? So for example, when I bought the 03 Jetta TDI D2 was #1.85 per gal. I filled two days ago with D2 @ 3.57 per gal.

So what NOW seems to be important to you in this stage of your search and on the 13 MY? Once you define those priorities, I/we can address your questions in that (your) context.

 

[showdown 42]

JSW and Tregs are in a different planet orbit. I own both and love both,but the Treg is just a much different animal in many good ways . Jsw is the best wagon for the money you can buy with a diesel to boot. Treg is a big powerful loaded with extras you just don't have in the JSW. I tow and do long trips and appreciate the comfort and quiet of the Treg as opposed to the busy sounding JSW at 75mph. Fit and finish is also superb on the rig not that there is anything wrong with the JSW,just not in the same class. There is a 20k $ difference when you buy new.

If you can swing it I would make the change and never look back.

 

[Arch12]

Since my last post I've been all over the place with what I want to replace my sportwagen with. First I wanted a tdi toureg then a ml350 bluetec then a grand cherokee hemi then a lifted wrangler unlimited. I'm not sure I can move to a vehicle that gets below 20mpg and I really like putting my wagon through its paces without feeling like I'm beating on it. Does the touared like being driven hard or no?

I had a 2013 Wrangler sport lifted up on 34 inch tires. Trust me, the novelty wears off after a year. They are really ****ty to drive on paved roads and get awful mileage but are super fun off road. The interiors are pretty crappy, especially after buying my 2012 TDI highline. The VW feels like a solid well engineered car. Driving a solid axle vehicle in the city is pretty awful. But it depends what you want and need. I averaged around 12 mpg in city and 17 highway....